The Miraculous Image of the Madonna of Rimini

Description

The Mother of Mercy was painted in 1796 by Giuseppe Soleri Brancaleoni at the request of his sister, Sr. Clare Soleri, as a replica of the miraculous image venerated in the Oratory of St. Girolamo. This painting was placed as an object of veneration in a rear chapel within the Church of St. Clare in Rimini, Italy. On May 12, 1850, three women, having gone there to pray in front of the holy image, witnessed an extraordinary phenomenon: the pupils in the image "rose and lowered; sometimes having the splendor of shining stars, at other times veiled in tears." This miraculous event repeated itself again and again over a period of several months in the sight of many. Rimini and its surrounding countryside began to experience a spiritual renewal. After a rigorous examination of evidence given by numerous witnesses, the miracle was verifi ed by the Holy Catholic Church. In 1851, the image was adorned with a crown of gold, silver and precious stones; as a gift from Pope Pius IX. The venerated image has had many, various miracles attributed to it over the years, and numerous ex-voto offerings which commemorate them may be seen in the Church of St. Clare. In time, the Mother of Mercy came to be known as the Madonna of Rimini. The beautiful image, traditionally said to have been painted while Soleri was on his knees, is currently located over the High Altar in the Church of St. Clare, and to this day retains that "delicacy and smoothness" which have never failed to move those who prayerfully contemplate it.