TheOratory of the Dead of San Lorenzo, located in an isolated position in the woods of Monte Penice, is an important place of worship in Romagnese. Its history dates back to 1797, when Don Gerolamo Cozzi, the local parish priest, expressed the desire to build a new chapel. The motivation behind this request was the need to preserve the bones of the dead from the old cemetery, which had been eroded by the Tidone river.
The construction on the ancient 'giera' church
The chapel was planned to stand on the ruins of an ancient church called 'Gièra', whose name derives from the word 'gravel'. The new church would have had the task of collecting and preserving the bones of the dead that had been displaced by the erosion of the watercourse. Don Gerolamo Cozzi's request was approved by the bishop, and construction work began.
The architecture and sober interior of the oratory
After arduous work, the Oratory of the Dead of San Lorenzo was completed in 1801 and consecrated as a place of worship. Its architecture reflects the style of the time, with a simple façade and a sober interior. Its presence among the woods of Monte Penice also offers an atmosphere of tranquillity and spirituality.
The second restoration by the Gruppo Alpini Monte Penice
After a major restoration involving the exterior of the Oratory of the Dead in 1965, another renovation took place in the early 1980s. This intervention can be attributed to the Gruppo Alpini Monte Penice, an association of volunteers who meet regularly at the oratory to celebrate mass and strengthen the spirit of belonging typical of the 'black feathers'.
The picturesque location
The small church is located in a picturesque position, about a hundred metres after the bridge over the Tidone river. It is located along the road leading to the hamlets of Aliata and Grazzi. The building has a single nave, covered by a barrel vault. The simplicity of the architecture, combined with the intimate and cosy atmosphere, creates an ideal setting for prayer.
The church that became known as the 'Church of the Alpini
Over the years, the Oratory of the Dead of San Lorenzo has acquired a second name and is commonly known as the "Church of the Alpini". This nickname derives from the affection and the deep bond that the Alpine Group of Monte Penice has developed towards the Oratory. For the Alpini, the Oratory is a place of reference and a meeting place.
The traditional meeting of the black feathers
The Alpine Group of Monte Penice is an organisation that promotes values such as friendship and patriotism. They have taken on the task of preserving and restoring the Oratorio dei Morti di San Lorenzo, considering it a symbol of local history and identity.
After mass, which celebrates the traditional annual gathering, the Alpini gather according to the tradition of the black feathers. The latter term refers to the characteristic hair worn by the Alpini, which is decorated with black crow feathers. During the gathering, the Alpini share moments of conviviality in a spirit of solidarity that is one of the group's founding values.
