Santa Maria Greca

Miraculous image of Saint Mary the Greek that appeared on 18 July 1656 in Corato, Italy

Protector
of
Corato

Historical Information in the 3rd Centenary of Her Apparition (1656-1956)
Gathered, Edited and Published by Fr. Benedetto Calvi,
Parish Priest of the Church with same Name,
and last Confessor of the Servant of God, Luisa Piccarreta

Luisa's tomb located directly below the Station of the Resurrection within St. Mary the Greek Church

Santa Maria Greca
A history of the miraculous image in Corato, Italy

Oh, prodigy! Oh, astonishment! Oh, truly maternal mercy of Mary! A harmonious sound of a little bell was heard... "Here is Mary, here is Mary!"

Saint Mary the Greek Church holds great significance in the life and death of Luisa Piccarreta. Her last confessor up to the time of her death was Father Benedetto Calvi, Parish Priest of Saint Mary the Greek Church. It was in this Church that Luisa, when she was nine years old, received First Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation on the "in Albis" Sunday of 1874. Luisa used to remain in Saint Mary the Greek Church for hours at a time, kneeling motionless, engrossed in profound contemplation. At the age of 18, Luisa became a tertiary Dominican with the name of Sister Magdalena. At that time, the Parish Priest of Saint Mary the Greek, was promoting the Third Order, and Luisa was one of the first. Archbishop Mons. Addazi obtained permission from the Holy Office (5-11-1962) to transfer the mortal remains of Luisa to inside Saint Mary the Greek Church with the internment occurring on July 3, 1962.