Sanctuary of San Pasquale Baylon

Former convent of Santa Maria della Misericordia.

CONVENT OF SANTA MARIA DELLA MISERICORDIA (SANCTUARY OF SAN PASQUALE) - The construction of the Convent of Santa Maria della Misericordia dates back to 1523, next to a forest not far from the castle of Poggio, for munificenza of the noble poggese Mariotto da Sajano, under license of Pope Adrian VI, For the perpetual use and dwelling of the regular and observant friars minor. In 1660 the whole complex, due to the degradation due to the elapsed time, is rebuilt almost entirely. Inside it are still preserved valuable paintings and a monumental eighteenth-century wooden choir in walnut of the carver Giuseppe Tacchetti Fanese. In 1701, the Fathers of the Franciscan Community wanted to accentuate the spirituality of that place by introducing devotion to a saint of their order, San Pasquale Baylon (1540-1592), a Spanish friar who had recently been raised to the altar for his poverty, humility and love of children. The veneration of the Saint spread among the population of the place and nearby castles, often receiving thanks and passing on their worship, consolidating in time a deep-rooted religious tradition that still remains through a great contest of people. Since 2017, San Pasquale Baylon has been appointed Patron of the new Municipality of Terre Roveresche, a recurring celebration on 17 May each year, in memory of the day when the Saint fell asleep in the name of the Lord.