Religione
The
profound harmony and intense beauty of the Le Marche landscape makes the
quest for spirituality most natural since it seems to offer itself here
at every glimpse, across immense panoramas and in the many ancient
stones of places which speak of religious life and of the communion
between men.
It’s
no coincidence that a large part of the history and identity of the
people of Le Marche is entwined with journeys of faith and religiousness
that cross the whole region. As many as 163 sanctuaries, Franciscan
retreats and Benedictine abbeys still testify today the profound
connection between daily life and religious practice which continues to
renew itself through the continuous efforts of the diocese of Le Marche
and the participation of all men of faith.
Christianity
spread in Le Marche predominantly between the 4th and 5th century, with
the building of the first Episcopal seats which besides representing
important places of meditation, study and religion, also became safe
refuges for the people of Le Marche during the barbaric invasions that
followed. Part of the Papal State from the 8th century until
1860, Le Marche has given birth to numerous Popes and Saints, almost as
if to symbolize the religious sensitivity which has always dwelt in its
earth.
A
religiousness that lives in the daily routines of the people, not only
in their love of the earth and in their care of its fruits, but also in
the important synergy between parishes and local authorities, oratories
and town halls. It illustrates the importance of the harmony of social
and spiritual growth in binding the community in the sharing of
fundamental values of peace, solidarity, respect and acceptance.
Serenity
in acceptance is well known to those who follow in pilgrimage the
intense religious ways of Le Marche, concentrating on, as did Saint
Francisco, those places which naturally bring them nearer to God,
communicating a sincere love for all things, for men and for their own
lives.
From
the ancient retreats hidden away in luscious woodland, to the small
village parishes (always extremely lively and active), through to the
monumental Sanctuary of the Madonna of Loreto (which every year receives
millions of followers from all over the world), le Marche offers
innumerable opportunity for congregation and faith, for reflection and
comparison, to rediscover, to express and live one’s own religion.
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Liberation Ventures Ltd.