Paola (CS), found the right hand of the saint of the abyss

The awakened hand of the saint. Sigh of relief for the city of Paola: the left hand of the saint is found by two divers who patrolled the area. Yesterday, thanks to the support of an underwater scooter, the two divers carried out a long-range reconnaissance. Around the point where the statue has been repositioned today, discovering - about 200 meters further ashore - the precious artifact.

With the support of a boat and a small crew formed by sailors, the "Hand of the Saint" is then brought back to the mainland, with the intention of transferring it as soon as possible to the Town Hall where it will be possible to admire it inside a reliquary.

The awakened hand of the saint. An aura of mystery lurks behind the disappearance of the statue. In the last days of 2011 it mysteriously disappeared from the Pauline seabed, most likely dragged by the fishing boat nets.
In January 2012 it was Peter Greco to find the missing statue; he, together with his divers, from the first days of January worked to probe the stretch of water along the coast. The statue was placed on the backdrop with the base of the pedestal, with the face turned towards the city. Around some residual network, but overall in good condition. Unfortunately he was missing the arm with which he held the stick.

Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi for a grace

The holy hand of the saint: The Mayor Perrotta thanks

«With great emotion I received the news of the finding of a statue that had become a symbol for many people who looked to the sea also through its presence. Therefore I express a new thanks to the judiciary, to the harbor master's office, to all the fishermen and seafarers who have done their utmost at all times and with an effort, even financially, to find it.
An even more special thanks to Underwater group of Piero Greco - underlined the mayor Roberto Perrotta in the name of the Paulan devotees - who perhaps more than the others suffered from this event and who today rejoices at the success. To Piero who kept me constantly informed of the applause of our city, because through his meritorious work he once again made us feel part of a beautiful adventure ».