Mother Church dedicated to the Madonna della Neve and the miracle of the picture in the bush
Legend has it that several hunters from Francofonte, Vizzini and Buccheri, went hunting with well-trained dogs in the Passaneto district. While the chariot walked towards the appointed place and the dogs hunted, all of a sudden they aimed around a large bush. The hunters, believing there was game, drew their scythes and began to cut the branches of the bush, but suddenly saw the tip of a bloody scythe. Making space among the brambles, they found a painting depicting the Madonna with a bloody eyebrow, which is why it is still believed today that the Madonna depicted in the painting is in "flesh and blood". A crucifix was found together with the painting, which is still venerated in the Church of the Annunciation. Great quarrels immediately began among the hunters, to determine who would touch the precious and heavenly gift. To put an end to the dispute, the picture and the Crucifix were taken, which placed on the cart pulled by oxen, were taken to the crossroads, so that the Madonna could decide which country she should go to. The oxen headed for the Francofonte road, but being tired, they knelt down. A source of fresh and pure water sprang from the ground, which still exists today, "a funtana vite". The oxen drank and resumed their journey; arrived at the Church of the Annunciation they stopped and did not want to continue. The Crucifix came down and the oxen resumed their journey, triumphantly carrying the image of the Madonna on the cart to the gates of the town. All the people, exulting with joy, wondered with what title they should invoke this image. As soon as the cart arrived in front of the church, it began to snow in the middle of August 5th. All unanimously exclaimed: "voddiri ca si flights call to Bedda Matri ra Nivi (Source: Municipality of Francofonte)
Property included in the IWB register of the Sicily Region (Places of the Sacred) - Sector "Places of the Marian Worship"
- Mother Church dedicated to the Madonna della Neve (Francofonte)
Site included in the Regional Charter of memory identity places in the area (LIM) "The Sacred Places": The places of the Marian cult
View the interactive map with the places of the Marian cult: Interactive Map The Places of Marian Worship
