Faith vs. Flood: The Miracle That Saved Canosio

The Miracle

In 1630, the small village of Canosio in the region of Val Maira, Diocese of Saluzzo, faced destruction from the torrential floods of the Maira River. The townspeople, influenced by the Calvinistic heresy, had grown cold in their religious observance. Following a day of heavy rainfall, the river flooded violently, dislodging massive stones from the mountains and threatening the entire valley.

Father Reinardi's Faith

Father Antonio Reinardi, the village pastor, responded to the crisis by gathering the townspeople with the ringing of the church bells. He urged them to pray for divine intervention, vowing that if Canosio were spared, they would celebrate an annual feast of Corpus Christi in perpetuity. Placing the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance, he led a procession towards the raging flood, accompanied by some faithful who recited Psalm 51, the "Miserere."

Divine Intervention

As Father Reinardi blessed the floodwaters, the rain stopped immediately, and the waters receded to their normal levels. This miraculous event revived the faith of the townspeople, leading to many conversions. To this day, the villagers of Canosio honor the vow made by their pastor and commemorate the miracle with a feast during the Octave of Corpus Christi.

Preserving the Memory

Although many original documents attesting to the miracle were destroyed during the war between France and Spain, a surviving copy left by a witness pastor provides a detailed account of the events. This testament ensures that the story of faith and divine intervention in Canosio continues to inspire future generations.