“The choice has been made,” the holy brothers replied, “we are Christians and, as such, we are ready to die.” With these words, Saints Cosmas and Damian sealed their death sentence before the governor of Cilicia around the year 300.
The physician saints practiced their profession in the territory of present-day Turkey, caring for the sick without ever charging them: hence their nickname anargyri (a Greek term meaning “without silver”, “without money”). Devotion to these two saints, which spread rapidly over the centuries and led to the establishment of several sanctuaries in Italy as well, reached Bitonto, in Puglia, around the 14th century.
An important basilica now stands here, inaugurated in 1973. It houses the relics of the arms of Saints Cosmas and Damian, placed in a gilded silver reliquary located at the foot of the high altar.
Inside the Sanctuary, there are also two wooden statues depicting the two saints, made in 1733, which played a fundamental role in spreading their veneration in Bitonto. Many people who were miraculously healed through the intercession of the two saints reported having seen, in dreams at the time of the event, people with the same appearance.
Every year, the city of Bitonto celebrates the physician saints twice.
The first occasion coincides with their liturgical memorial on September 26. In the preceding days, the faithful already take part in liturgical and Eucharistic celebrations with hymns, songs, prayers, and participation in the novena.
The second feast, known as the “external” feast, takes place on the third Sunday of October. This date was established by decree of the episcopal curia in 1733 to allow the rural population to complete activities related to the grape harvest.
During this second feast, the traditional procession, known as the “intorciata”, takes place. It lasts the entire day and attracts tens of thousands of faithful, including many from nearby regions. During this day, the statues leave the sanctuary: as soon as they pass through the portal, Cosmas and Damian are greeted by thunderous applause, and flocks of doves and balloons are released. What makes this event special is certainly the distinctive way the faithful walk, carrying large candles and going barefoot.
To learn more about the Sanctuary
Sanctuary and Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian
Piazza XXVI Maggio 1734
70032 – Bitonto
Tel. 080 3751236
email: basilica@santimedici.org
How to get there the Sanctuary
To learn more about the physician saints Cosmas and Damian
