On May 31st, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary were honored with a commemorative medal celebrating the Millennium of the Consecration of the Church of Santa Maria at the Abbey of San Nilo in Grottaferrata. The medal features a stunning fresco detail by Domenichino and symbols representing the rich history of the city and church, which dates back to 1004. This recognition is dedicated to all the sisters of the Santa Rosa Community who, throughout the years, with dedication and service have contributed greatly to the life of the city of Grottaferrata. The event was attended by many local leaders, religious congregations, and members of civil society—a meaningful celebration of faith, history, and community.
Commemorative medal issued on the occasion of the Millennium of the Consecration of the Church of St. Mary of Grottaferrata by the City of Grottaferrata.
On the obverse, detail of Domenichino’s fresco of the Farnese Chapel in the millennial church of Santa Maria, in which St. Bartholomew looks at the design of the new church, shown by the architect Annibale Carracci; above, the legend in two concentric lines “Consecration of the Church of S. Maria di Grottaferrata + 1024 – 2024”
On the reverse, horizontally, in the central part, a reproduction of part of the Cosmatesque floor, still present in the church today. In the upper portion of the medal are the coats of arms of the Hesarchic Monastery of St. Mary and that of the City of Grottaferrata. At the bottom are two crossed keys as a symbol of the building of the new church. In the legend in the round are the words that Pope Leo XIII dedicated to the church of Santa Maria: “An oriental gem set in the Papal tiara.”
