Saint Francis of Paola is one of the most significant religious figures in Calabria and beyond. He embodies charity and empathy for others, especially for the less fortunate. The people of Calabria hold deep devotion for the Saint, who is celebrated on April 2nd.
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Spezzano della Sila is the third one founded by Saint Francis of Paola after Paterno Calabro and Corigliano Calabro. It was opened around 1474 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The local university requested the Saint's presence in the village near the Sila, supported not only by the entire population of Spezzano but also by the city’s nobility.
Saint Francis chose a location immersed in nature and tranquility, elements reflecting his hermitic vocation. He often retreated to natural caves to pray.
His Calling
Among the wooden panels adorning the ceiling of the Sanctuary is a painting of particular significance to Saint Francis’s life. It depicts the moment Saint Michael, founder of the Order of Minims, showed Saint Francis that his calling was not hermitic but rather evangelical and charitable.
Upon arriving in Spezzano della Sila, Francis couldn’t help but notice the difficult social conditions not only of the Spezzano locals but also of the entire Casali del Manco. He took care of the population, demonstrating great charitable spirit toward the most vulnerable.
The Bond with Spezzano Residents
Saint Francis’s life was marked by his ability to listen and respond to everyday needs. The challenging Sila context led him to distribute all alms collected among the poor to support the nascent religious community. He never abandoned Spezzano’s people, not even when called to France. From Tours, he wrote a letter to the Sila community urging the faithful to embrace peace, concord, care for those in need, and commitment to a Christian way of life.
Saint Francis's immense charity brought Spezzano’s residents to be deeply devoted to him, even more than to the city’s Patron Saint, Saint Blaise.
The Festivities
In Spezzano della Sila, Saint Francis of Paola is celebrated every third Sunday of September. The religious celebration is preceded by a nine-day novena. The processional statue, displayed inside the Sanctuary, is a half bust with the Sanctuary of Spezzano itself carved at its base, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection of Spezzano’s people to Saint Francis.
Today, the monastery serves as a haven for pilgrims and those seeking peace away from the bustle of daily life. Its strategic location at the gateway to the Sila makes it an excellent starting point to explore the natural beauty of the National Park.
Furthermore, the Sanctuary of Spezzano della Sila is part of the Way of Saint Francis of Paola, traveled by thousands of devotees and hikers eager to immerse themselves in the serene and rejuvenating atmosphere of this corner of Calabria.
