Spuort’ of the plague

In the heart of the historical centre of San Donato Val di Comino, we find many sacred aedicules adorning the façades of buildings. These aedicules are living testimonies of the faith and devotion of the locals, who in 1761 vowed to Our Lady of Loreto or of Carmine to put an end to the plague epidemic that had struck the town.

The vow was welcomed by the people of San Donato, who have continued to make pilgrimages on foot to the Sanctuary of Loreto to pay homage to the Madonna ever since. In the following decade, Pope Clement XIV recognised the occasion and granted them a plenary and perpetual indulgence.

Abbot Nicola Salvucci, who was present at the time, wrote about this vow and the miraculous end of the plague. According to his words, the plague caused putrid and verminous fever and the sick did not live more than six days. However, after the people vowed to Our Lady of Loreto, the disease ceased immediately and was not seen again in the following year and month. The people kept their vow and every year celebrated the feast of Our Lady on 10 December with fasting and prayers.

Today, 24 May 1762, Abbot Salvucci still bears witness to what happened and to the unshakeable faith of the people of San Donato in Our Lady of Loreto.