The Miraculous Image of the Madonna of Rimini

The Mother of Mercy was painted in 1796 by Giuseppe SoleriBrancaleoni at the request of his sister Sr. Clare Soleri as areplica of the miraculous image venerated in the Oratory of St.Girolamo. This painting was placed as an object of veneration ina rear chapel within the Church of St. Clare in Rimini Italy.On May 12 1850 three women having gone there to prayin front of the holy image witnessed an extraordinary phenomenon:the pupils in the image rose and lowered; sometimeshaving the splendor of shining stars at other times veiled intears. This miraculous event repeated itself again and againover a period of several months in the sight of many. Riminiand its surrounding countryside began to experience a spiritualrenewal. After a rigorous examination of evidence given by numerouswitnesses the miracle was verifi ed by the Holy CatholicChurch. In 1851 the image was adorned with a crown of goldsilver and precious stones; as a gift from Pope Pius IX.The venerated image has had many various miracles attributedto it over the years and numerous ex-voto offerings whichcommemorate them may be seen in the Church of St. Clare.In time the Mother of Mercy came to be known as theMadonna of Rimini. The beautiful image traditionally said tohave been painted while Soleri was on his knees is currentlylocated over the High Altar in the Church of St. Clare and tothis day retains that delicacy and smoothness which havenever failed to move those who prayerfully contemplate it.