On Sunday 8 June the solemn celebrations are officially opened in honor of the Madonna di Porto, patroness of the community and spiritual reference for thousands of faithful from all over the province of Catanzaro. An awaited and deeply felt appointment, which combines faith, tradition and spirituality.
The beginning of the celebrations will be marked by a highly symbolic moment: the lighting of the votive candle in the Mother Church, home of the revered painting of the Madonna. The gesture will be made by the mayor Laura Moschella and by the President of the Province Mario Amedeo Mormileas evidence of the strong link between the civil and religious community.
The religious celebrations will have as the beating heart of the Basilica of Porto, proclaimed jubilee church, where pilgrimages will concentrate throughout the day. Sante put at 9, 11, 16 and 18 are planned, with the participation of numerous faithful and groups from the various centers of the diocese.
Particularly awaited is the Tuesday of Pentecost, the highlight of the party, when thousands of pilgrims will arrive in Porto da Catanzaro and from numerous municipalities in the province. The most solemn moment will be represented by the Pontifical Holy Mass of 12 o’clock, which will be celebrated by the Archbishop if Msgr. Claudio Maniago.
To precede the day of Tuesday, on the night between Monday and Tuesday, the traditional experience of the Pilgrimage on foot, a night journey of faith and recollection that will culminate at 4:30 in the morning with the Taizé -style prayer vigil, organized by the diocesan service for youth pastoral care.
The entire community is called to participate with faith and devotion to these extraordinary days, in an atmosphere of celebration, spirituality and strong religious identity.
Special trains organized by the Calabria Railways Management will connect the Sanctuary to Catanzaro on Tuesday 10 June.