Peculiarity of the Cult of St. Fosca in Istria in Croatia – charisma coupling geophysical specificities of the ground
Abstract
Aim: To determine the dissemination and preservation of the cult of St. Fosca, patron saint against various diseases in Istria (Croatia) using hagiotopographical and hagiochronological methods and to discuss specific relations between the cult and its main sanctuary in a small village Batvači near Peroj.
Results: St. Fosca is venerated in seven Istrian localities. Five churches that are dedicated to her keep three paintings and two statues of the saint, dating from the 7th to the 18th century, and one relic dating from the 18th century. There was a curious practice that people would bring pieces of clothing covering the sick body part to the sanctuary in Batvači to either prevent a disease, have it healed or offer thanks to the saint for having it healed. Considering the impact of geophysical specificities of the ground, it is believed that considerably increased emission as a consequence of tectonic movements probably exerts a positive influence on sensitive persons and in this way they indirectly affirm a cult of charismatic person.
Conclusion: Demonstrated examples of preservation of homage of the cult of St. Fosca as a universal patron saint against diseases point to a meaning of hagiotherapy and traditional methods of treatment in ethno medicine. The cult of St. Fosca is a vivid example of the importance of patron saints in traditional ethno medicine.
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