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THE SPLENDID AND MIRACULOUS CHURCH
OF ST. ANDREA DELLE FRATTE |
The information gathered for this page arises from
the pre-eminent aim of the site you are visiting, but at the same time completes it
because it contributes to the image of the people who are offering it. In fact all things
achieved by mankind, directly or indirectly, represent their inmost.
That is, one of the aspects of our inmost is to have the
joy of sharing in the energy of this church with those fortunate enough (but better still,
by divine intervention) to have the possibility to glance at this page.
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In this century old
church unexplainable episodes occur!
Tied to the image of our Divine Mother and her Miraculous Medal (which we gladly mail free
of charge any where in the world to who ever requests it).
Whether we call them miracles or something else, little changes.
The fact is they occur. Unsolvable cases have been resolved! Desperate wishes have been
fulfilled.
Zealous and discrete witnesses, amongst others, are the humble Fathers Minimi of
St. Francesco di Paola that have at heart and manage this blessed place and to
whom goes our thanks and gratitude for the well merited work. |
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- Historical notes on St. Andrea
delle Fratte church - |
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The parish Basilica
of St. Andrea delle Fratte, renowned religiously, artistically and historically,
originates around 1000 AD.
The primitive church, named At. Andrea "infra hortos in Pincis" later
translated to "delle fratte" or of the shrubs, is referred to in documents
dating back as far as the 12th century. It was surrounded by the pontiff Sisto V to
the Fathers Minimi of St. Francesco di Paola so that they could officially take over the
running of the parish. Since the church building was run down, it was decided to totally
refurbish it.The refurbishment works, began in 1604
projected by Gaspare Guerra (priest of the new church), were continued by the Borromini
between 1653 and 1655 and completed by Mattia dè Rossi in 1691.
Final touches and decorations were carried out in the seven hundreds by Filippo Barigioni,
Luigi Vanvitelli and other noted artists. Amongst other works of art the Basilica
houses 2 splendid angels carved in marble by Bernini.
However, it took more than 2 centuries to complete all renovations.
The renovations designed by Gasparre Guerra (preist of the new church) began in 1604, were
continued by Borromini between 1653 and 1655, and completed by Mattia de' Rossi in 1961.
The final details and decorations were completed in the 700's by Filippo Bariglioni, Luigi
Vanvitelli and other renown artists. Amongst other operas of art the Basilica boasts two
spectacular angels carved in marble of the Bernini. It took however, more than two
centuries for the final completion.
The attached convent of Padri Minimi, also designed by Gasparre
Guerra, was
built at the same time as the new church and was completed in 1731. It is
the headquarters of religious followers and has been the orders home for
centuries. |
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- Personal considerations/thoughts - |
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Those who enter the church
of St. Andrea delle Fratte immediately notice a "force" which directs them
towards, amongst the many altars, the one where on the 20th of January 1842 the Madonna
appeared before Alfonso Ratisbonne It is as though a "quid" attracts you towards
this privileged point, which is still saturated with Sacred Energy!
Those who kneel before this altar open their hearts to the Divine Mother in a natural way.
It is a voice that comes fom within, without any real effort, but genuinely felt.
It is a profound and meaningful experience that shakes the soul leaving anunforgettable
mark, which goes beyond religious differences.A powerful
"messenger" of this Miraculous Energy is the Sacred Medallion. |
- BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MEDALLION - |
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Saint Caterina Labouré,
non belonging to the daughters of the charity of S. Vincenzo de' Paoli, was the
source utilized by the Divine Madonna to pass on her gift of the Miraculous Medal.
During the night of July 18 and July 19 in 1830, the chapel of her convent in Paris,
witnessed the apparition of the Madonna appeared before her, notifying her of an
important mission awaiting her.
The 27 November 1830 saw 2 prodigious raffigurations corresponding to the 2 faces of the
medallion and heard a voice which told her to coin a medallion according to the model she
had seen and after blessing it those who believed would wear it around there necks
repeating the brief prayer "O Maria concepita senza peccato, prega per noi che
ricorriamo a Te" would receive grace!The coining of
the medallion did not come about without difficulty: the Archbishop of Paris authorized it
in 1832 in the next decade, in France only, over one hundred thousand copies were minted.
A wealth of spiritual and material grace flooded believers, especially in curing those
suffering from cholera.
It was the people themselves that named the new medallion the Miraculous
Medallion.
It is not a medallion like others... In fact this medallion:
- It is not the work of an artist who has created such a harmonious
and
beautiful symbolization.
- It is not the work of an experienced theologian who was capably
summarized
with symbols, in such a small space, the divine beauties of the Saint
Mother.
- It is not the work of a saint who wanted to illustrate love,
goodness and
divine power.
No! The other medallions, all significative for that which they
represent, are the expression of mans' love for Divinity. Whereas, the Miraculous
Medallion is the Divine Mothers' expression of the
love felt for mankind! |
- The medallion and St. Andrea
delle Fratte church - |
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The Miraculous Medallion is
tied to the apparition of the Madonna to
Alfonso Ratisbonne which occurred in this church on January 20 1842.
She appeared exactly as depicted on the medallion, the only difference being
her right hand was not open, but suggesting to him to kneel down.
Ratisbonne was wearing the Medallion, even if only for fun and to codescend
a friend who gave it to him in great faith, hoping to be converted by the
Virgin, which miraculously occurred with the apparition.
From then on, numerous "exceptional" occurrences have come about due to the
faith instilled by this and in this Medallion and the church of St. Andrea
delle Fratte became a place of great devotion and faith.
Faced with so much "general magnificence", we have the unmerited privilege
of enjoying it, we feel the need to share it by sending , free of charge,
the Miraculous Medal in the hope that along with faith it can bless you
with its special power. |
Send
us an e-mail with your mailing address, and we will gladly send you
this small but precious gift. |
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