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Ciciniello, the Very Poor Child
This story tells of Ciciniello, a special child who lived in Naples. Despite his condition as a poor scugnizzo (street urchin), he had always had the special protection of the Madonna. His characteristic phrase was "A Maronna t'accumpagna!" (May the Madonna go with you!) and it seemed as though She was always by his side.
Ciciniello lived on charity and did small odd jobs to survive. He always thanked people with the phrase "A Maronna t'accumpagna!" (May the Madonna go with you!).
Despite the hardships, Ciciniello found refuge in the church of San Gennaro (Saint Januarius), where he prayed the Rosary. He carried joy in his heart despite the adversities. During the winter, the parish priest would offer him a hot meal and a warm bed for the night. Ciciniello always thanked him, wishing him every blessing.
Sadly, Ciciniello fell ill with pneumonia and was admitted to the very same hospital where he used to beg for alms. The treatments did not work as hoped, and Ciciniello asked the doctor to have the Passion of Jesus read aloud. He felt that his end was drawing near and wanted to have Jesus and Mary, whom he loved so dearly, by his side. The doctor granted his request, and a woman with the Gospel in her hand came to his bedside. She read the Passion of Jesus according to John in a gentle, calm voice. A nurse was surprised to see her, since it was not yet visiting hours.
Ciciniello's life hung by a thread and the doctors were powerless. Yet the child had a smile of grace and peace upon his face, saying that it was the Madonna who accompanied him and had never left him alone. Ciciniello died in peace, and the nurse who entered his room caught an intense scent of roses, a sign of Mary's presence.
“Chesta vota e a’ Madonna ca’ me accompagna, è ca’ e nun me ha lassato sul nu’ minuto” (This time it truly is the Madonna who is accompanying me, for she has not left me alone for a single minute)
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History and legends
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