St. Francis Caracciolo: Patron Saint of Chefs
Villa Santa Maria celebrates the 44th edition of the Rassegna dei Cuochi, an event held annually on the birthday of San Francesco Caracciolo, October 13. Founder of the Adorno Fathers (Clerics Regular Minor) and patron saint of chefs, San Francesco remains a central figure for the community, inspiring both in spirituality and in daily practice. His life, marked by humility, service to others, and dedication to the needy, serves as an example of how every action can be a sacred act.
Born in Villa Santa Maria in 1563, San Francesco devoted his life to prayer, charity, and serving others, embodying a spirituality that still resonates today. His worldview, centered on simplicity, service, and humility, is a lesson that continues to inspire each person to see their work as a sacred act. Chefs across Italy honor him as their protector, recognizing that feeding others is an act of love and dedication, echoing his mission.
The Rassegna, which began yesterday, Friday, October 11, with the reception of the votive oil from the Regional Union of Chefs from the Marche region, is a perfect blend of spirituality and gastronomy. Each year, this event celebrates food not only as nourishment for the body but as an opportunity for gathering and sharing. Religious moments are essential, with the Holy Mass celebrated yesterday at the Church of San Nicola di Bari, followed by the solemn procession with the urn of San Francesco Caracciolo. On October 13, his birthday will be celebrated with a day full of spiritual reflections, highlighting his legacy that has shaped the history of Villa Santa Maria and the Christian world.
Beyond the religious dimension, the event is also an important moment of civic gathering, with the involvement of local and regional institutions that contribute to its organization. The program includes a wide range of events, such as tastings, show cooking, culinary courses, and exhibitions, allowing participants to discover not only the culinary traditions of the region but also its evolution. Saturday, October 12, features the housewives' cooking championship, tasting courses, and the presentation of the book “Traditional Oenology 1,” with wine and olive oil experts guiding enthusiasts through a unique sensory journey.
Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the history of Villa Santa Maria by visiting the Museo del Cuoco and the "G. Marchitelli" Hotel School, where documents and tools from the great chefs who enriched both Italian and international cuisine are preserved. This event goes beyond a gastronomic celebration; it is a way to reflect on the spiritual value of feeding, which San Francesco Caracciolo elevated to a sacred act, and how food, like service, holds a profound human and Christian dimension.
The Rassegna dei Cuochi is not only a feast for the taste buds but a moment when the community of Villa Santa Maria, along with participants from across Italy, celebrates the connection between faith, tradition, and modernity. It is an opportunity to reflect on San Francesco's teachings, inviting us to serve others with love, even through small actions, such as a carefully prepared dish.
In conclusion, the 44th edition of the Rassegna dei Cuochi is also an occasion to renew the commitment to the community, reminding us that spirituality and daily life are deeply interconnected. May the service to others, like the culinary arts, always be an act of love, as San Francesco Caracciolo teaches us.
Photo courtesy of Ilaria Trivellato