Feast of the Birth of Santa Maria De Mattias

A saint born in Vallecorsa

The Feast of the Birth of Santa Maria De Mattias is the most cherished religious event in Vallecorsa, a village nestled in the Ausoni Mountains in the province of Frosinone, in the heart of the Lazio region's Ciociaria. Maria De Mattias was born here on February 4, 1805, to Giovanni De Mattias and Ottavia De Angelis. Influenced by her meeting with Saint Gaspare del Bufalo, who visited Vallecorsa on a mission in 1822, and guided spiritually by Blessed Giovanni Merlini, she left the town in 1834 to found the Institute of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Acuto, which is now present worldwide. Beatified in 1950 by Pius XII, she was canonized by John Paul II in St. Peter's Square on May 18, 2003.

A week of celebrations in early February

Every year around February 4, the Vallecorsa community dedicates about a week of celebrations to its saint, typically between February 1 and 5, with some editions extending until the 8th. The traditional program includes a preparatory triduum, prayer vigils, masses dedicated to local school students, and the solemn celebration on the day of her birth, often presided over by the bishop of the Diocese of Frosinone-Veroli-Ferentino.

The procession with the "Giuseppe Verdi" band

The most evocative moment of the festival is the procession through the village streets with the statue of Santa Maria De Mattias, accompanied by the "Giuseppe Verdi" musical band of Vallecorsa. In the 2025 edition, the procession marched alongside the relics of Blessed Giovanni Merlini, welcomed at Largo San Rocco, before the solemn mass in the Church of Sant'Angelo presided over by Bishop Ambrogio Spreafico, which was enriched by a diaconal ordination. Popular participation is impressive for a village of about 2,500 inhabitants: the festival involves families, schools, associations, and the Adorer sisters, with initiatives such as themed school competitions and charity collections to support missions.

The Demattian sites

The festival is also an opportunity to visit sites linked to the saint: her birthplace in the Parrocchia district, now a house museum and space for spirituality; the Church of Sant'Angelo where Maria received Confirmation in 1815; and the "Porta Missoria" from which she departed in 1834 towards Acuto. A small itinerary of faith that tells the story of one of the most important religious figures in southern Lazio.

A heritage of faith in Ciociaria

Supported by the Municipality of Vallecorsa, the parish community, and the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, the festival renews the bond between the village and its most illustrious daughter every year. For those visiting Ciociaria in winter, it is an authentic opportunity to discover a mountain town gathered around its own identity, amidst sacred chants, band music, processions, and genuine hospitality.