«Per decoro di essa città». Le vicende del convento dei Frati Minori Osservanti di Acireale, in «Studi Francescani»

This essay intends to retrace the events of the Convent of the Friars Minor Observant in Acireale (Catania), through many documents found in the Sicilian historical archives. The Friars de observantia came to Acireale from the nearby city of Catania where they had settled since 1466. At the end of the 16th century, in conjunction with the establishment of the Capuchins and the Carmelites, the authorities of Acireale gave the Franciscans the permission to erect a convent near the small church of San Bi agio. Their initial dwelling was to be most modest and humble, in accordance with the forma vitae followed by the Observants. The tremendous earthquake on January 11th 1693, that destroyed the greater part of the Val di Noto, also razed to the ground the con vent of San Biagio. The Franciscans’ abode was then rebuilt more conspicuous and mag niicent, especially thanks to the lavish donations on behalf of private families.