Italy Cava dei Tirreni (1656)

Plague Stopped in Its Tracks: The Miraculous Procession of Cava de' Tirreni

In 1656, a deadly plague ravaged Naples and its surrounding areas, reaching the city of Cava de' Tirreni. Amidst the devastation, Fr. Paolo Franco led a courageous procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the summit of Monte Castello. Miraculously, the plague stopped immediately after he blessed the city. Since 1657, this divine intervention is commemorated annually with a solemn procession, celebrating the faith that saved their ancestors.
The Origin of the Feast

The "Feast of the Castello" has been faithfully celebrated since 1657, commemorating the miraculous end of a plague epidemic in Cava de' Tirreni on May 25, 1656, Ascension Thursday. The epidemic was halted by a religious procession of the Corpus Christi, which started from the Castle of the Annunciation and proceeded to the higher terrace of Monte Castello.

The Plague of 1656

In May 1656, a devastating plague struck Naples, brought by Spanish troops from Sardinia. The disease spread rapidly to neighboring villages and the surrounding countryside, reaching the gates of Cava de' Tirreni. Thousands perished in both rural and urban areas.

The Divine Intervention

Fr. Paolo Franco, one of the few priests who survived the epidemic, felt divinely inspired to lead the people in a procession of reparation towards the summit of Monte Castello. Despite the risk of contagion, he carried the Blessed Sacrament and, upon reaching the summit, blessed Cava de' Tirreni. Miraculously, the epidemic ceased immediately.

Annual Commemoration

To this day, the townspeople commemorate this miracle with a solemn annual procession during the month of June. This enduring tradition honors the divine intervention that saved their ancestors and continues to inspire faith in the community.

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