The Church of Sant'Agostino in Casalattico: A Jewel in the Comino Valley
Nestled in the western part of the Comino Valley, the Church of Sant'Agostino dominates a picturesque landscape characterised by lush forests, small cottages and scattered hamlets. Located in the contrada della Macchia, this church represents one of the most significant oases of peace in the area, combining faith, history and nature.
History and Architecture: The Origins of 1794
The foundation of the building dates back to the end of the 18th century. The construction was strongly desired by Don Giovanni Matassa and the church was officially dedicated to the Saint of Hippo and blessed in 1794 by Don Bartolomeo Baldassarro, at the behest of Monsignor Sisto, Bishop of Sora.
Inside, the church holds artistic treasures of importance to the local community:
- Life-size frescoes decorating the walls.
- A valuable 17th-century wooden statue of St Augustine, which underwent a thorough restoration in 1998 financed by the devotion of the faithful.
The Link with St Augustine and St Monica
The dedication of the church is not accidental and recalls the profound spirituality of one of the four Doctors of the Church. 28 August is the anniversary of the death of St Augustine (354-430 AD), which occurred one day after that of his mother, St Monica (331-387).
The story goes that in August 387, while in Ostia waiting to embark for Africa (modern-day Algeria) with their brother Adeodatus, Augustine and Monica shared a moment of profound spiritual intimacy. Augustine thus described those moments before his mother's death:
“...it happened ... that she and I found ourselves alone, leaning against a window overlooking the garden of the house that housed us, there, near Ostia Tiberina, far from the noise of the crowd, intent on refreshing ourselves from the fatigue of a long journey in view of the sea crossing. We conversed then with great sweetness...”
A few days later, on 27 August 387 AD, Monica died, followed the next year by the final conversion of her son, who became the philosopher and theologian venerated today.
Local Traditions: The Procession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The Church of Sant'Agostino is also the beating heart of Casalattico's traditions. In the week leading up to the patron saint's festival at the end of August, a rite is performed that is very much felt by the population.
The statue of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel is carried in solemn procession on the shoulders of the Macchia district to the Church of San Nazario. Here, the effigy remains in custody for a week, accompanied by daily liturgical celebrations, before returning to its original location in St. Augustine's, closing the cycle of festivities.
