Religious curiosities

Small curiosities about popular religiosity

A sincere affection has always surrounded the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a place not only rich in wonderful natural beauty, but which over time has aroused sincere devotion and profound religiosity. Visible signs of this are the pilgrimages that still take place there today, but also the numerous people who frequent it, albeit for reasons of leisure and tourism.

There are many parishes that for decades, if not centuries, have chosen a particular day to go down in procession.

Once upon a time, Easter Monday was reserved for the inhabitants of Mombello, who came on foot, accompanied by the bells of the town of Leggiuno; but there are reports of parishes that also came on foot from the Varese area. And certainly the ritual occasion didn’t prevent young and old from delighting in the sweets of the various stalls, which appeared on holidays in the narrow space available.

The Hermitage gladly welcomed groups of pilgrims, who, together with sincere faith and the effort of the journey, brought with them the offers, appreciated and useful for managing expenses. The tourist ticket for entry was at that time reserved for weekdays.

Over the years this place has not only offered its beauty, but also its protection: the cells of the friars have hosted young people and adults during spiritual meetings and even some partisans, coming from Voldomino, near Luino.

However, all the sacredness and devotion of this place revolve around the relics of Blessed Alberto, which today rest in the back of the church, but which for a period had been transferred to the church of Leggiuno. Here they were also transferred to return to the church where all this wonderful story began.