Within this chapel lies the answer as to why this Roman Church, Santa Maria Della Scala, was commissioned in 1592 by Pope Clement VIII.
This portrait, perched amidst marble on all sides, is known as the “Madonna Dei Miracoli.” As the name suggests, the miracles it produced sparked sixteenth century residents of the Eternal City to plead with the pope.
FR. IVAN PINTO
Rector, Santa Maria Della Scala
“The name Santa Maria Della Scala comes from this icon. FLASH In the year 1592, a midwife called Cornelia, taking a dumb child as she was praying, the dumb child started speaking. In the same year a layman, or a paraplegic man, who could not walk, prayed in front of this icon and started walking. FLASH The whole Church was built to preserve this icon.”
Ironically, the building meant to protect this image is suffering from structural damage located directly above it.
FR. IVAN PINTO
Rector, Santa Maria Della Scala
“The roof is opened the tiles are broken. FLASH It is opening and the rain water is coming inside, and dropping all over the church. Therefore we do not have the cloth on the altar. FLASH After the earthquake, again the gap has increased, and the rain water comes inside. We are afraid that the whole icon and the whole altar will be damaged if we are not able to repair it in time.”
Father Ivan has been the Church's rector since 2001, but this problem also persisted with his predecessor. Despite years of appeals for funding, they continue to be denied.
FR. IVAN PINTO
Rector, Santa Maria Della Scala
“They said there are no funds, and there are so many projects they have, so we are just waiting to appeal. FLASH It costs 100,000 euros, and anybody that wants to help can help. They accept private investment and private contributions if the state is not able to pay.”
In a time where there is a lack of funding for the preservation of Rome's churches, Santa Maria Della Scala has one thing on its side: the “Madonna Dei Miracoli.”
