Piazza in Chorio
Chorio is a tiny village in the lower Aspromonte in southern Calabria. It’s the birthplace of both my grandfather and his cousin, Gaetano Catanoso, the saint. The statue, a wonderful likeness of Gaetano, was commissioned by the Catanoso family of Reggio Calabria. Villagers contributed as well. I have visited this village several times, most recently in March, where I was invited to speak at the adjacent church, St Pasquale of Baylon. The mayor, Lillo Sapone, a doctor in Reggio, has become a friend. The villagers are wonderful — friendly, open and down to earth.
Chorio is not a tourist destination by any stretch. But the village is diligently restoring a property and house just a short walk from this square where Gaetano lived with his family as a child. I got to see the restoration in progress in March. They hope it will be a magnet for the faithful. So do I.
Tags: "My Cousint the Saint", Calabria, Chorio, Justin Catanso, Padre Gaetano Catanoso, Reggio Calabria, Saints
