Feast of San Pantaleone

The Martyrdom of San Pantaleone (1638) by Gerolamo Imperiali

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

July 27th is the Feast of San Pantaleone, Doctor, Miracle Worker and Martyr. One of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, he is the principal patron of Ravello (SA), Vallo della Lucania (SA), Serrata (RC), Papanice (KR), and Montauro (CZ), among others. According to tradition, the Christian physician was beheaded during the Diocletian persecutions in Nicomedia (c. 305), and that a woman collected his spilled blood. The ampulla containing the saint's coagulated blood reached Ravello in the eleventh-century after a storm at sea miraculously transported the Basilian monks safeguarding the phial from the East to the Amalfi Coast. It is believed the relic chose the town for shelter. In celebration, I’m posting an ancient prayer to San Pantaleone.

Prayer to San Pantaleone 

O San Pantaleone di Ravello, protector and advocate, pray to our God that frees us from sins, hunger, plague, wars and great chastisements in this world; save us out of pity! Our fate be blessed to have you as a protector. Let us have a good death our always defender. Amen.

In honor of the martyr, I would also like to share a few photos taken during my 2010 pilgrimage to beautiful Ravello and its fabulous Duomo, home to the saint's relic.

The facade of the Cathedral

Tradition says Orso Papiro, the first bishop of Ravello, founded the Duomo in 1086. It was initially dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, but later consecrated to San Pantaleone. Major renovations were done in the twelfth- and seventeenth-centuries.

The Cappella di San Pantaleone

The Cappella di San Pantaleone houses the phial of solidified blood. Every July 27th the faithful gather to see the miraculous liquefaction and receive its blessings.

Medieval Fresco

Traces of Medieval paintings can be found in the transept.

Pulpit of the Gospels by Niccolò di Bartolomeo da Foggia

A spectacular thirteenth-century marble pulpit supported by six twisting columns and lion pedestals dominates the central nave.

Church organ and bronze doors

A church organ sits above the famous twelfth-century bronze doors cast in Constantinople by Barisano da Trani. One of Duomo's many highlights the door's relief panels depict warriors, saints and biblical scenes.

Bust of Sigilgaida Rufolo by Niccolò di Bartolomeo da Foggia

The Museo del Duomo, located in the crypt of the Cathedral, is a must see. It is home to many precious objects, including (L-R) the bust of Sigilgaida Rufolo by Niccolò di Bartolomeo da Foggia, the reliquary of Santa Barbara and an ornate crozier. Unfortunately, the bust of Sigilgaida was on loan to Germany at the time, so I scanned a postcard purchased from the museum. Depicted as the goddess Fortuna, Sigilgaida was the wife of Nicholas Rufolo, treasurer of King Charles of Anjou. The sculpture is considered one of the most significant masterpieces of thirteenth century Italy.

A view from Villa Rufolo's garden pavilion

Perched high on the cliffs of Monte Cerreto world renowned Villa Rufolo offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Salerno.

~ Giovanni di Napoli, July 26th, Feast of Sant'Anna