STORY OF THE MADONNA DI ANZANO

The image of the Madonna was discovered 400 years ago in a small village now known as Anzano.

It all began one day when a young farmer's cow wondered away. As he was searching for it he happened upon some shrubs. As he got closer, he noticed a beam of light shining through. With a surprised look in his eyes he realized he discovered the beautiful image of the Madonna. The young farmer was so elated at his discovery he ran home to inform the priest and townspeople about it.

In honor of the discovery, the townspeople erected a statue of the image that they had seen. When the statue of the Blessed Mother was completed the people attempted to move it to the neighboring town of Trevico. The statue was lifted on to a wagon with one bull pulling. The wagon could not be moved. The people decided they needed more bulls to pull the wagon. A total of nine bulls were used to bring it to the border of Trevico. However, the wagon would not go any further. The people then thought the Madonna wanted to rest in the next town of Zungolo. Again, the Madonna could not be moved.

The townspeople finally understood that the statue of the Madonna did not want to be moved from the place of her discovery. Subsequent to this, they built a church and a village now known as Anzano.

In Italy since that time the feast of the Madonna Di Anzano is celebrated on Pentecost Sunday. Here in Boston the Societa Santa Maria Di Anzano celebrates her feast the first weekend of June.

THE HISTORY OF THE SOCIETY

In 1905 a group of ten immigrants from Anzano, Italy founded the Madonna Di Anzano Society. The society was originally formed to provide assistance to other immigrants wishing to come from the province of Foggia, Italy to America. The society provided medical, and death benefits and other assistance to those seeking the American Dream. It was overseen by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and considered by the state as an Insurance Organization.

In 2002 the society decided to no longer offer a benefit which is usually not needed today and incorporate. The club was incorporated as Soceita Santa Maria Di Anzano Inc.

Our purpose of this not for profit organization is as follows:

1. To preserve and promote the heritage of the Madonna.

2. To encourage, solidify and glorify the sanctity of family life.

3. To preserve and promote Italian heritage, language, culture, and customs.

4. To patronize and help one another to succeed, encourage good conduct, come together in social activities, sponsor works of charity, maintain an awareness of our brotherhood and our Italian heritage, promote love for our country the United States of America, families, friends, and to keep alive the rich patrimony and heritage that we have inherited.

If you wish to be a member you must agree with the purposes of the organization.