Feast of the Madonna di Materdomini

Madonna di Materdomini, ora pro nobis

August 14th is the Feast of the Madonna di Materdomini, Patroness of Nocera Superiore in Salerno and one of the so-called "Seven Sisters of Campania,” an appellation given to the region's major Marian devotions under different titles. According to tradition (there are several versions), a soldier wrongly imprisoned escaped from his captors and fled to the safety of his native village. While on the run, Salvo (as he would later be called) stumbled upon an oak tree with a slithering dragon coiled around it. Terrorizing the local peasantry, the fire-breathing serpent brought famine and pestilence to the valley. Spotting the fugitive, the ferocious creature with poison spewing from its eyes and nostrils pounced on the horrified man. Invoking the Virgin, Salvo’s blade miraculously struck home and slew the ghastly beast. News of the slaying quickly spread and the people ventured forth and began the reclamation of the land. Beneath the oak, an icon of the Blessed Mother was unearthed and later enshrined in the Santuario di Materdomini, which was built at the location. In celebration, I’m posting a Prayer to Our Lady of the Assumption. Evviva Madonna di Materdomini!

Prayer to Our Lady of the Assumption

Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, we believe in your triumphant assumption into heaven where the angels and saints acclaim you as Queen. We join them in praising you and bless the Lord who raised you above all creatures. With them we offer you our devotion and love. We are confident that you watch over our daily efforts and needs, and we take comfort from the faith in the coming resurrection. We look to you, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. After this earthly life, show us Jesus, the blest fruit of your womb, O kind, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.