A grand possession accompanied a much-treasured icon of the Virgin Mary, reputedly painted by St Luke, from Bologna back to the Sanctuary of San Luca, four kilometres away, yesterday.
The icon, it is said, was brought to San Luca from Constantinople in the twelfth century and became associated with minor miracles.
Roll on a couple of centuries to 1433 when local harvests were threatened by three months of continuous rain. The Bolognese, wishing to pray to the Virgin, carried the icon towards the city. On reaching Porta Saragozza, one of the city gates, the rains stopped, and the crops were saved.
In memory of the miracle, the icon has been brought down (the Sanctuary is 300 metres above the city) from the Sanctuary of San Luca to reside in the Cathedral of San Pietro for a week every year since 1433.
Construction of a roofed arcade with over 666 arches, stretching from Porta Saragozza to the Sanctuary, was begun in 1674. Pilgrims making the journey on foot are promised absolution for past sins.
Once again the icon of the Virgin seems to have done its magic. At the beginning of the week the weather was cool and damp, but now the skies are blue and it has turned very warm (30 degrees c). Two weeks ago we were putting the heating on, but we now have the air conditioning running.
Tortoise Travel 