San Cosmo & San Damiano

‘In 2004 I was informed that my daughter, Niciforo Tiziana Maria, was in a

coma. I went to Brescia where my daughter was.

I prayed every single night. I prayed St Cosimo and St Damiano. One morning, I went to hospital and brought an icon of the saints with me. I said to the doctors: “ I am sure you have the best equipment here. But, I have two doctors in my envelope who have saved a lot of people without medication”.

The doctor looked at the image and he smiled.’    

 Raffaele Niciforo, 2008

Riace, south of Italy, is one of the places in the world where St Cosma and Damiano are venerated.

The saints are believed to be healers and by offering them waxed body parts, symbolizing the injury or illness, they would miraculously cure them.

This ritual is hosted in the three day feast dedicated to the saints.