The translation of the simulacrum of Madonna of the Letter at the main altar it was the first solemn act with which the celebrations in honor of the patron saint of Messina began. A moment strongly felt by the community of Messina, who in the short journey inside the cathedral basilica encloses a journey of faith that is renewed with unchanged devotion. Accompanying the simulacrum, held on the shoulder, is a representation of the city Confraternities and pious associations, led by the president of the diocesan interconfraternal center Fortunato Marino, at the end of the mass presided over by the director of the Confraternities Office and assistant to the Cid Don Enzo Majuri, concelebrated by new archiepiscopal delegate for the Cathedral Father Roberto Romeo and the dean of the protometropolitan Chapter of the Cathedral Basilica, mgr. Gaetano Tripodo, who as per tradition gave the first blow of the hammer.
This year too, the representatives of the lay groups wanted to seal their commitment with a sign of charity: a collection of basic necessities to be allocated to city structures that assist families in difficulty. The novena in preparation for the solemnity of June 3rd will begin next Saturday, May 25th at 6pm, with the mass presided over by Msgr. Giuseppe Costa; at 8pm, in the church of S. Caterina, the inauguration of Marian banners. The animation of the novena will be handled in the following days by the vicariates of the archdiocese, with the participation of the respective parish communities to which they belong.
Meanwhile, there is great anticipation for the concert event for choir and orchestra which will be held on Sunday 26th at 8pm in the cathedral in honor of the Madonna della Lettera, directed by maestro Don Fabio Massimillo. After the success of the first edition of the event last year, the city of Maria is preparing to welcome the priest of the archdiocese of Taranto, a well-known liturgist and composer. “Virgin Cathedral of Silence” is the title of the event, which recalls one of the priest's best-known compositions.
In a recent interview given to the diocesan periodical Nuovo Dialogo, Massimillo spoke about the value of music and singing in the liturgy: “Singing is an integral part of the liturgy and as such, as the Council says, it participates in its purpose which is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful; music gives the Word such strength that it remains imprinted in the mind and heart, creating a circuit of love towards God and brothers; this is why in the liturgy you don't do what you like or don't like, but you should do what is expected because it makes sense.” Writing sacred music, therefore, is not a simple passion explains Massimillo, specifying that composers are given a very delicate task: “to invent or search for melodies that adhere to the text, that express its effectiveness because the faithful, as Saint Pius