Italy Loves Mary, and so do I

Oil on canvas, The Holy Virgin of Rescue, by artist Giovanni Francesco Ferri (Pergola 1701-Urbania 1775)

In one of my favorite films Under the Tuscan Sun, Diane Lane’s (leading lady character) Francesca experiences a harrowing stormy night, shortly after she and her newly-bought villa begin their love affair.

Terrified-as-all-get-out, she places her hand on the framed image of Mother Mary above her bed hoping that her fragile trust will render safety, and especially comfort.

The next morning, the gorgeous sunshine reminds her that her prayers were answered. Francesca's voiceover then accompanies scenes of sweet spots in her new town, sharing sweet words about how Mary is loved and revered everywhere in Italy.

Mary is one of my most-cherished girls too. Our love affair began when I felt about as fragile as Francesca.

Years ago, a trusted intuitive told me that Mary was waiting for me to reach out to her, that she wanted to love and support me. I resisted this news.

With the experience of Catholic church and school as a child, came a long-held belief that I was an incredible sinner and thereby had some part in her son’s horrific crucifixion. I think I truly believed for most of my life, that I could not possibly be worthy of Mary’s love and support.

Later on, I called to mind the intuitive’s gentle suggestion, and it seemed surely truer to me that anything I’d believed up until then. Mama was passing slowly with dementia, and my heart was fragile-as-all-get-out. I believe I heard Franz Schubert’s Ave Maria on an evening when I needed it the most.

I finally reached out to Mary. I asked her to kindly be the leader of a Divine Feminine spiritual support group that I wanted to form for myself at that hour. I was finally ready to embrace her Grace.

Of course, she said yes.

Now that I live in Italy, I am delighted beyond measure to see my girl everywhere. Last month, with Easter being an extremely sacred occasion for Italy, it seems like each little altar of Mary around town had fresh flowers offered. It was very touching to experience this love everywhere I went.

One of my favorite (Mary-guided, I’m sure) personal traditions when I’m in a new city, is to drop into a local church, offer a donation to light a candle at one of Mary’s altars, and connect with my girl. I start with gratitude for this privilege, and then sometimes ask for a special favor that will surprise me.

One day, during my sister Suz's visit to town, we took a little field trip to Pergola. It was rumored to be one of the prettiest cities in Italy, etc ... and we arrived finding that claim to be, mmm, not quite true. I was not having fun.

We found one church that was open, however, things were maybe suddenly looking up ;).

I offered a donation, lit a candle at Mary’s altar, and spilled. I asked for help to please see this situation more clearly through the eyes of Love. Our sister Suz came all the way from California, and we all wanted and deserved better.

Long story short, even after a bit of lostness in the car on the way, we landed at a tiny winery called Cantina Rovelli. Our new best friend, Boggia, the winemaker, invited us (in his best English) to be his guests.

We fell madly in love with his exquisite red wines, and my Italian was suddenly the best it has been in weeks (did I crack the code? A few sips of red wine does the trick??). We were surprised to have so much fun ... and we purchased half a case of his offerings.

As we were leaving, I promised, It was Mary!  I told my sisters that I’d asked Mary to surprise us!!

Surely no wonder. Italy's favorite girl will forever be mine as well.

Myself, Boggia, Suz, Lisa - April 2025 at Cantina Rovelli Winery, Pergola Italy