This content was automatically translated. View the original text.
The Sanctuary of San Felice all'Acqua in Cantalice: where water springs from a prayer
The Sanctuary of San Felice all'Acqua is about 3.5 km from Cantalice, a Sabine village at the foot of Mount Terminillo, in the Rieti “Holy Valley”. According to tradition, this is the place where the miracle of young Felice Porri occurred: striking the ground with a stick, he caused a spring of water to gush forth — one that still flows today.
The miracle of the peasant boy
The story dates back to the first half of the 16th century. Felice was not yet a friar: he worked as a labourer and shepherd in the town of Cittaducale. On a scorching day, his companions were cursing about their thirst. First he prayed, then he struck his stick on the ground, and water sprang from the rock. A few years later he joined the Capuchin order. He died in Rome in 1587, and was canonised in 1712.
A simple church, built over the spring
The shrine, erected beside the miraculous spring, has recently been restored. The single-nave church features a copy of the altarpiece from the Church of St Felix in Cantalice, depicting the saint with the Madonna and Child.
