Cagliari, Sardinia
The Black Madonna, Our Lady of St. Eusebio, Madonna with Child
In the 13th century Cathedral Santa Maria, Piazza Palazzo, 09124 Cagliari CA, in the historical quarter of Castello, an “authentic”, life size copy of a 14th century rendition of the original, which was brought back from the Holy Land by St.Eusebius around 345 A.D. 1.55m.
A Papal Bull of Pius XII from 3/24/1957 confirms that all three statues, which St. Eusebius (a native son of Cagliari) brought to Italy were Black Madonnas.
St Eusebius was the first bishop of Vercelli, martyred in 371 A.D. He spent some time in exile in the Holy Land, because he openly opposed the Emperor's theological views. During his days in Jerusalem divine inspiration led him to three statues buried under ancient ruins. Once he was allowed to return to Italy, he left one at a hermitage he had established in Crea in the Monferrato district, the second in Cagliari on Sardinia, his birthplace, and the third in Oropa.
