There is a growing amount of research being done around the belief that the DNA of our ancestors can influence not only our own physical traits (eye color, height, skin tone, etc.), but also many of our life choices as well. It is believed that the life experiences of our ancestors can be stored in the cells of their DNA and then it is passed down generation after generation. 

 

I still get goosebumps every time I recall when I found this to be true for the first time while working on a research project for someone wanting to know more about her Italian ancestry.

 

Several years ago, an Astrologer friend shared with me her thoughts about her belief of the beauty of astrology being within our souls. I smiled, unprepared for what we both were later to discover. Perhaps her thoughts and beliefs about a time before the use of telescopes to view the galaxies of planets and stars in the heavens were a "whisper" from her great grandmother Lucy when she was a little girl in Italy.

 

For you Abi... the beautiful Soul of light who loves her planets and stars. ❤ Thank you for allowing me to share your Lucy's story!

 

Knowing extraordinarily little about her father's family, Abi was interested in learning more about her paternal family's history, especially about her great grandmother. She only had information about her grandparents who had lived in New York when she was younger, but nothing further back. What I discovered left us both in a state of awe.

 

After digging in and doing some international research, I discovered that Abi’s great grandmother Lucy, born Lucia Saladino, began her life in the very tiny village of Roccapalumba, a small province of Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

 

I was astonished to learn that Roccapalumba is known as the Village of the Stars, "Paese delle Stelle." I literally gasped out loud when I found this bit of information! Unknown to her, my friend the astrologer, was a descendant of a woman who was born in "Paese delle Stelle" the Village of the Stars.

 

Roccapalumba is a special place in Italy well known to international scientists and astronomy lovers. It is located on the side of Mount Rocca in Palermo. It is said that during the night, Roccapalumba provides a breathtaking view of all the stars in the sky. It is popular for its Planetarium Francesco Nicosia and the Astronomical Observatory with an amazing 50cm telescope. This village is world renowned for its massive unobstructed view of the skies.

 

The name "Roccapalumba" means Cliff of Doves. This small village is built literally into the side of the mountain. The original village records show it was founded about 1640. Almost 380 years ago! There is a fascinating story that has been handed down generation to generation of how this sanctuary came to be built up in the cliffs, and about the Madonna della Luce. Roccapalumba is also famous for its Santuario della Madonna della Luce (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Light). I discovered that a festival is held every year that brings many villagers back home year after year to celebrate. Many coming back with their families from all the way across the Atlantic.

 

I was able to locate the villages' old church records and found Lucy's record of birth in the "Registro di Nati 1862-1910." I was also able to find Abi's great great grandparents' marriage as well, recorded in the "Registro di Matrimoni e Pubblicazioni". Searching through these old Italian records from this little Villa was such a joy.

 

Abi's great grandmother Lucy arrived in America as a young child, sailing across the Atlantic with no family, accompanied only by a guardian. It is unknown if she ever returned to Roccapalumba for its Santuario della Madonna della Luce celebration. However, it is very possible that her birth name may have highly likely been in honor of the Madonna della Luce of Roccapalumba.

 

These are the stories that touch my heart! Sharing Lucy's special story with Abi brought us both to tears. The aspect of genealogy that brings me the greatest joy is when I can bring a family's long forgotten story back to life. It is my hope to continue bringing more family stories lost in the past to their loved ones. Stay turned for more stories to come.