ALTARINO S.MARIA
DELLA PROVVIDENZA IN PIANO DELL’ACQUA

L’altarino fu edificato nel 1992, quando la colata lavica proveniente dalla Montagnola, dopo aver coperto l’intera Val Calanna, avanzava minacciosamente verso l’abitato. La popolazione in preda al panico, ricordando il miracolo ricevuto, in occasione dell’eruzione del 1792, portò la statuá della Madonna della Provvidenza in processione dalla Chiesa Madre sino a questo luogo, dove era allora arrivata la lava. Essendosi il fronte lavico arrestato, fu formulato un voto consistente in un pellegrinaggio devozionale da sciogliersi ogni anno, il primo Sabato di giugno.

La Commissione

In the eruption of Mount Etna in 1991-1992 which was the longest eruption in the 20th century, the lava flow reached this point, and did not cover the houses of the city.
As a token of appreciation, a statue of the city’s patron saint, the Madonna, was placed in its place. The base of the statue is composed of basalt stones, from that eruption or before it.

The place and the statue were photographed on the same day Click for a larger image Click for a larger image Click for a larger image

Another sign on the altar itself reads:
Tu fosti, o Madre della divina Provvidenza, difesa e baluardo della nostra citta che a Te deve salvezza dal fuoco ormai incombente dell’cruzione 1991-’92.

Il popolo, grato, questa stele eresse il 13 novembre 1994
[translation]
O mother of divine providence, protection and stronghold of our city, owes you salvation from the crucifixion fire of 1991-1992.

The grateful people erected this altar on November 13, 1994
Click for a larger image

In another sign, it is indicated that this is a holy place:
LUOGO SACRO
SI PREGA di non danneggiare la struttura e non calpestare il prato.
Grazie

[translation]
sanctum
Please do not damage the building or step on the grass.
thank you
Click for a larger image

Translation of the text on the sign:
ALTAR S.MARIA
DELLA PROVIDENCE IN PIANO DELL’ACQUA

The altar was built in 1992, when the lava flow coming from Montagnola, after covering the entire Val Calanna, advanced threateningly towards the town. The panicked population, remembering the miracle received during the eruption of 1792, carried the statue of the Madonna della Provvidenza in procession from the Mother Church to this place, where the lava had then arrived. Since the lava front had stopped, a vow was made consisting of a devotional pilgrimage to be performed every year, on the first Saturday of June.

The Commission