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A centuries-long bond of love and devotion was renewed today, Wednesday 3 June 2026, in the streets of a Messina kissed by the sun and vibrant with spirituality. The city of the Strait stopped to celebrate Our Lady of the Letter, Patron Saint of the Archdiocese, attracting thousands of faithful, citizens and tourists in a collective embrace that unites faith, history and identity.
The Solemn Pontifical in the Cathedral
The day of celebrations came to life in the morning inside the Cathedral Basilica. At 11.00, in front of a cathedral packed in every seat and in the presence of the highest civil, military and religious authorities of the city, the Solemn Pontifical began, presided over this year by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco.
Only for this special occasion, the eyes of those present were able to admire the splendid seventeenth-century gold Manta (masterpiece of the Florentine goldsmithing of Innocenzo Mangani) rich in jewels donated over the centuries, exceptionally exposed to cover the Byzantine painting of the Virgin. During the homily, the meaning of the historic promise of protection contained in the motto overlooking the port of Messina was recalled several times: “Vos et ipsam civitatem benedicimus” (We bless you and your own city).
The Procession: the beating heart of devotion
The most awaited and evocative moment began in the afternoon, around 6.30 pm. Piazza Duomo was transformed into a human carpet when the silver fercolo of the Virgin crossed the door of the Cathedral, welcomed by the festive ringing and the traditional cry of the faithful: “Oh of the letter Mother Queen – Save Messina, Save Messina!”.
On the shoulder, the splendid silver varetta from 1626, embellished with four amphorae at the corners and containing the bronze reliquary with the hair with which the Virgin tied the sacred Letter, began its historic journey in the city centre.
The religious procession, orderly and silent during moments of prayer, crossed the main arteries of the centre. The security apparatus and municipal roads, planned in recent days with the temporary removal of the dehors and the protection of the Orion Fountain, allowed the event to take place in a climate of great composure and efficiency, despite the extraordinary turnout of people.
The origins of the cult: the year 42 AD
According to an ancient tradition, in 42 AD the Senate of Messina sent a delegation (led, it is said, by Saint Paul) to Jerusalem to communicate the city’s conversion to Christianity. On June 3 of that year, the Virgin Mary responded by giving the ambassadors a letter of blessing and protection, tied with a lock of her own hair. Since then, June 3rd has been the date of the soul for Messina.
The Marian Night and the fires on the sky of the Strait
The celebration did not end with the return of the fercolo to the Cathedral. The evening continues with the fourth edition of the “Marian Night”, a schedule of cultural events and moments of nocturnal prayer which will culminate with the highly anticipated pyromusical show on the sky of the Strait.
The fireworks, synchronized with the music, will illuminate the Madonnina del Porto and the ships in transit this evening, closing a June 3rd which – once again – has demonstrated how Messina does not forget its history and continues to seek, under the gaze of its Patron, the strength to look to the future.