Have you noticed the inscription above the altar? It reads “Messanensibus Salutem” meaning “Greetings to the people of Messina”. This marks the chapel of Madonna della Lettera in Palermo’s Cathedral. The Madonna della Lettera, or Our Lady of the Letter, is more than just a religious figure here. She represents a bond between two Sicilian cities: Palermo and Messina.
The story of Madonna della Lettera begins in Messina. Legend says that Saint Paul visited Messina. Some citizens converted to Christianity. They sent a delegation to meet Mary. Mary responded with a letter. She praised their faith. She assured them of her protection. This letter made her the patron saint of Messina.
But how did she become important in Palermo? In 1730, the Madonna della Lettera “settled” in Palermo. This was a time when Messina was recovering from a war. Messina wanted to maintain its prestige internationally. Honoring the Madonna della Lettera was a symbol of Messina’s importance. Palermo recognized this.
Palermo also had growing devotion to this Madonna. The Senate of Palermo declared her a co-patron saint. This was part of an exchange. Messina would celebrate Santa Rosalia of Palermo. Palermo would honor the Madonna della Lettera. This exchange fostered unity between the two cities.
Inside this Cathedral, the chapel dedicated to Madonna della Lettera replaced one dedicated to San Mamiliano. San Mamiliano was a bishop of Palermo. This shows the importance given to Madonna della Lettera. The chapel is located to the left of the northern entrance. It is near the Royal Tombs. Even Emperor Henry VI is buried nearby. He favored Messina and declared it a free city.
Look at the altar. It features a painting by Antonio Filocamo. He was from Messina. The painting depicts the Madonna and Child. Filocamo made it resemble a Byzantine icon. The Senate of Messina gifted it to Palermo. Below the painting is the text of the Sacred Letter. It includes the phrase “Vos et ipsam civitatem benedicimus”. This means “We bless you and your city”.
Two newer paintings flank the altar. They depict San Mamiliano and Blessed Giacomo Cusmano. Cusmano was a friend of Saint Annibale Maria di Francia. He was from Messina. It is interesting to note that both the cathedrals of Messina and Palermo are dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption.
Perhaps this chapel symbolizes a reconciliation. Palermo chose to listen to its former rival Messina. The Madonna della Lettera serves as a reminder of unity. It bridges the historical divides between these two great Sicilian cities. Her story is one of faith, diplomacy and the enduring power of shared devotion.