S. Maria Stella has its early origins from those territories of the so called "Forest of Aci" covered only a small part spared from three lava flows of the fourteenth century: that of 1329 AD, from Mount Ilice on its way to the sea swept everything, that of the 1334 Monte Rosso and that of 1408 that affected the territories Pedara, Trecastagni, Aci Sant'Antonio and Viagrande.
Situated on a plateau about 326 feet above the Ionian Sea (the height varies between 293 and 359 meters above sea level) has a wide panorama that sweeps away from the Calabrian coasts until near sea Capomulini.
His story begins in late 1700 with the presence of a steep path that crossed the entire territory from the Red Mountains, from Fleri Trecastagni and came close to the centers. The traveler who traveled this shortcut, before reaching the pass that Malovrio the "Forest of Aci," might benefit from a shelter and they could linger into next prayer before a shrine, where there was a painting by an unknown artist, depicting the Magi

Adoring the Madonna on whose head shone a star. Safe, he spent the night and prayed for him to be released from Virgin bandits and dangerous encounters with his star, illuminating the path that went down to the pit at Ground Water and S. John. Quell'edicola, so dear to travelers and local peasants, became, over the years is insufficient for the population, who had the desire to erect a church where you meet to pray, was born at the end of the 800, the first small Church dedicated to the Madonna della Stella.

For many years this territory was a place of solitude and silence. Alfio Fichera described this land, nor "the people of Sicily" of October 4, 1941 as follows: "Territory of anyone, marked on maps as a place where there was nothing to it ricavaci pasture, or wood and which was later sold when the forest disappeared and the road passed triumphantly through the vineyards and orchards, for four cents, and divided into one hundred fragments to the peasants of the Plan of bees and Fiandaca. "But the peasants gradually transformed quest'arido territory. They built the walls to dry delimiting their farm, uprooted the bushes, planted the fig tree of India and there was a bit of land where some screws. Tanks were needed to quench thirst and mitigate the summer drought of the land, were built almost everywhere.
As the cottages were built, one for each closed and the transport of firewood, fruit and coal intensified since the path that ran along the ground sciarono became street kiosk in front of the star of the three clearing the knot walk a square shape there.
Archbishop Giovanni Battista Arista meanwhile December 31, 1919 appointed vicar edited the sac. Rosario Leonardi Pope of the church of S. Maria Stella. The population had increased, especially in the summer and on holidays the small town filled with vacationers. The church had become inadequate to the point of pushing the vicar priest to build, thanks to a strong contribution of Pope Pius XI, the current church, larger and more dignified. The Bishop of Acireale Bishop Evasio Hills opened the June 29, 1932 in the presence of 100 inhabitants at the time the engineer and the designer Ciappetti. On September 8, 1935 the church was canonically erected parish and the Sac. Rosario Leonardi Pope was the first pastor until 1942. He ended his life at the age of ninety. Was in fact born in Acireale May 20, 1852 by Francis and Mary Pope, ordained by Bishop in the Cathedral of Acireale. Gerlando Genuardi December 19, 1896. He served first as curate of the parish priest in the parish of St. In Aci S. Antonio Abate Antonio and then devoted himself, putting their time, talent and money to serve the township of S. Maria Stella.

He was named pastor in 1942, Msgr. Paul Randazzo, ministry which held until 1947. He was secretary to the Bishop. Salvatore Russo and needed a collaborator in the person of Don Sebastian Torrisi. Were the sad times of war. Had settled a large number of German and Italian soldiers in the locality called "chianu of St. John." They did not bother, but their presence was a source of concern for the small village. We were suffering from hunger and the ground sciarono produce only a small thing and was always insufficient to the needs of people.
He reached the day of liberation. 10 July 1943 the liberation troops had landed at Licata and Augusta. Their vessels off the coast of the Ionian sea supporting the advance of troops with continuous bombardment. In early August of 1943 the troops had arrived in St. Maria Stella. Were a platoon of British soldiers perfectly framed with camouflage, helmet pan, covered with branches and Thomson submachine gun, very long. Everyone was euphoric as a sign of welcome and the people were offering flowers and someone even rang the bells.
On January 10, 1947 came a new pastor. Was the priest of Santo Urso Aci S. Antonio. For over three years had been curate in his own parish of origin. As a young priest came to St. Maria Stella and had the joy of seeing her home parish recognized as civil liability. Henceforth the history of the township is intreccerà inextricably with that of the parish. The stay in this parish of Msgr. Santo Urso was brief because in 1949 he was entrusted with the parish of St. Michele in Acireale.

Followed each other pastors: Don Francesco Panebianco 1949 to 1963, Don Giovanni Cosentino 1963 to 1966. While on the priest Panebianco, October 7, 1962 the church was solemnly consecrated. These were the years of serenity and tranquility. Summer in S. Maria Stella, especially in the 60s, it was a big party because it populated by vacationers who brought vitality, movement and culture. Some young men of that time preparing for shows, comedy skits, helped people to deal with the celebrations of the Madonna which closes the summer. It was on a summer evening in the square that was born the idea of the international festival for songwriters, composers and voices of children: "The Golden Star '. It was a show that is created with the aim of the celebrations of the Madonna della Stella and took place from 1962 to 1975. The end of the festival, however, coincides with the season of construction development which gradually swallowed the green figs and stains of India.

The sixth parish priest of this community in this period of transformation of the territory was Don Vicente Finocchiaro. He came to St. Maria Stella at first, October 10, 1964, as vicar treasurer and afterwards, on 1 September 1966, was appointed pastor. He could see the face of the village surrounded by nature and silence, to experience the beautiful traditions that enlivened the hot summer, but also witnessed the sudden development of housing and population. The pretty village was transformed into a distorted Sleeping more than six thousand inhabitants. He tried to give an identity to the community through various activities, preparing a playground for children, renewing the course of catechesis, caring relationships with newcomers ... It was a really terrible job! But his failing health, was of no help to his desire to serve this community well and with great sorrow in the summer of 2002 he resigned the ministry of pastor.

The Apostolic Administrator Bishop. Salvatore Gristina, wanting to cater for the spiritual needs of the parish, appointed August 5, 2002, the priest Don Carmelo Sciuto as parish administrator. Then the new bishop arrived in Acireale in the person of Mgr. Pio Vittorio Vigo, February 10, 2003 he was appointed seventh pastor of St. Maria Stella.
He, a young priest, was his first experience of parish ministry. Put at the disposal of his community his energies of mind and heart.
His commitment is deployed by placement of the local parish to parish structures suitable for the formation of the new situation in the country, took care of the catechesis for children, he devoted himself to the younger age groups without neglecting the elderly and the

sick. Just arrived in the parish in 2002 began promoting the Nativity of old trades, thanks to the filming of Rai Uno, has brought the town to national prominence, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
The realization of the Chapel of St. Lawrence at Calvary, the donation of the old family-Fat Fiorini, saw the enthusiastic support of the local craftsmen and many faithful of the parish. Was inaugurated and blessed by Archbishop Pius Vigo August 10, 2004. Were many initiatives and works in the yard of Don Carmelo Sciuto: oratorio for children, spiritual growth through lectio divina, and the upper room in prayer. Finally he managed to achieve, with the collaboration of volunteers, an outdoor chapel near the church of S. Lawrence at Calvary. It was inaugurated by Bishop. Pio Vittorio Vigo August 10, 2009, but that moment of celebration was also a hint of sadness because at that time was announced the departure of Don Caramel for a new assignment in Rome. Took over his place Don Salvatore Coco.