Congregazione Dei Servi Di Maria (Congregation of the Servants of Mary), Sorrento

The Venerable Congregation of the Servants of Mary, located in the charming town of Sorrento, is a special mix of historical devotion and artistic richness. As a group of laypeople, its members are committed to living out the teachings of the Gospel more deeply, carrying on a tradition believed to have started in the earliest Christian communities. These communities, amidst social breakdowns, established religious groups with unique rules, leaders, funds, and gatherings, fostering a longstanding legacy of faith and community dedication spanning centuries.

Situated just behind the Sorrento Cathedral, the Church of the Servants of Mary is a Baroque building that showcases both religious fervor and the beauty of Italian Baroque architecture. Inside, the church is decorated with plasterwork and colorful marble and holds a remarkable collection of art, including paintings from the Neapolitan school and pieces by Carlo Amalfi, a well-known artist from Piano di Sorrento.

One notable feature of the church is a marble bas-relief of the Dead Christ at the entrance staircase, thought to be created by Sammartino, famous for the "Veiled Christ" in Naples. However, it's the wooden sculpture of the Dead Christ from the 18th century that holds a special significance for the people of Sorrento. This revered artwork takes center stage during the town's Easter celebrations, especially on Good Friday when members of the congregation carry it through the streets in a solemn procession. This event is one of the most powerful displays of faith in the region, attracting both locals and tourists to participate in a tradition rooted in history and devotion.