Our Lady of Piratello, Imola, with Pilgrim. Dimensions: 15 x 24 x 2.5 cm.

According to local tradition: on the 27th of March 1483, Stefano Mangelli, a pious pilgrim, was passing through Imola when he stopped to pray in front of an image of the Madonna painted on a roadside shrine, in the shade of a small pear tree (Piratello). As was his wont, Stefano Mangelli lit a candle and placed it on the shelf in front of the niche, but the candle fell over and went out. Then, before he could pick it up, the candle relit itself and reappeared on the shelf. A moment later the pilgrim heard a voice telling him to go to the people of Imola and ask them to help build a chapel that would provide shelter for the icon. The unprecedented appearance of roses in bloom out of season was enough to convince the locals that the miracle was genuine.