Campobasso

Campobasso is the capital city of the Molise administrative province and region; it is situated on the eastern flank of the Matese Mountains, between the valleys of the Bifenio and Fortore rivers, at 700-800 meters above the sea level. During the Lombard period, the city grew around a castle which initially belonged to the Counts of Molise (11^th and 12^th centuries), then to the Monforte family (14^th and 15^th centuries), after which it became a feud belonging to the Gonzaga, the De Marinis, and the Carafa families. In 1656 it was hit by a terrible pestilence. In 1728 it became part of the Kingdom of Naples and shortly after its inhabitants constructed the new city at a lower height, towards the lowlands:Campus bassus.

The modern part of the city today spreads towards the lowlands with its spacious squares, straight and wide streets, and its gardens. Places of interest are the churches of San Giorgio (12^th century), San Bartolomeo (14^th century), Sant'Antonio Abate (16^th century). Interesting monuments: the neoclassic cathedral, the Samnite Museum, the "M. Pagano" boarding school (1800), the monument to Gabriele Pepe - a patriot from the Molise region (1779-1849) and the Memorial Chapel to the Fallen. The date in which the church of Santa Maria del Monte was built is unknown; it is said to have been erected as the burial site for feudatory families, the protection of whom it enjoyed. On May 25^th 1905, the sanctuary was entrusted with the Capuchin Fathers, since the clergy at that time numbered only very few members, most of whom were elderly. As the church was being looked after by a hermit, it was entrusted with the Fathers, so that it would be conveniently officiated, thus responding increasingly well to the worshipping and spiritual needs of the faithful, on the basis of continuous, intelligent, efficient and paternal support.

As a student, Padre Pio went to Campobasso on many occasions and for various reasons. In April 1968, five months before his death, he narrated that when he was a young newly-professed monk, in 1905, he went to Campobasso together with other students to the sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte, which that year was entrusted with the Capuchins, to help out with the holy services. He stayed there for a few days.
In October 1909, Provincial Father Benedetto of San Marco in Lamis sent Brother Pio to the sanctuary of Santa Maria del Monte in Campobasso, as his feeble health required "fresh, healthy, mountain air". Brother Pio found there his fellow villager Padre Clemente.

Photo gallery:

« Back to Padre Pio' places