For knowledge, for devotion or simply to strengthen that connection with one’s roots: religious traditions are not just culture, but can be a privileged way to look at one’s faith and deepen the connection with the Absolute. In Messina, the most heartfelt ones are deeply linked to the sea, a primordial element of the people of the Strait, which brings with it stories of fishermen and their families, suspended between hopes and sorrows, joys and miracles. Once again the village of Ringo celebrated in honor of the Madonna del Buon Viaggio, the imposing and evocative simulacrum kept in the church overlooking the seafront of Viale della Libertà. A celebration that, year after year, is renewed “as if it were the first time”, transforming the shared journey into a moment of faith, prayer and community. A tradition capable of involving different generations and keeping the bond with Maria alive even for those who, although physically distant, continue to feel part of the Ringo community. The festival is a particularly significant moment for the fishing community and for all the families who for generations have entrusted their hopes, their journeys and their return home to the Madonna del Buon Viaggio. A bond as strong as the sea waves crashing on the rocks and which finds one of its most intense moments in the procession. Leading the procession was the rector of the Ringo church, Father Giuseppe Lonia, who repeatedly recalled the authentic meaning of the celebration: looking to Mary as a model of life and rediscovering the beauty of prayer along the path that we are called to follow every day. With him the Confraternita del Buon Viaggio with the governor Nino De Grazia and the deputy governor Santino Catanzaro, committed to keeping alive a tradition that has its roots in the history of the neighborhood and in the indissoluble relationship between the Ringo community and the sea. The exit of the simulacrum from the church in the presence of the councilor Alessandra Calafiore, the president of the fifth district Beatrice Belfiore with the consniglieri opened the traditional procession accompanied by the Larderia musical band, the brotherhoods and other representatives of the city community. The journey wound along the streets of the neighborhood, between prayers, songs and moments of reflection, up to the traditional stops that mark the procession. Among the most anticipated events, in via Duca degli Abruzzi, the traditional flight of the angel, accompanied by the floral tribute to the Madonna. The procession then continued towards the churchyard of the church of Sant’Elena, where the Holy Mass was celebrated, attended by the parish community. In the evening the simulacrum continued its journey back to the church, crossing Viale Annunziata and entering Viale della Libertà. A particularly emotional return, experienced in the contemplation and participation of the faithful. A choice of respect and closeness also accompanied the conclusion of the party: the traditional fireworks were not held, as a sign of respect for the victims of the tragic collapse of the Pistunina building. A gesture that gave the celebration a further meaning of solidarity and participation in the Messina community. And right on the sea, after a four-year hiatus, another of the most beloved traditions of the festival was renewed: the palo a mare. A challenge that brought enthusiasm and participation back to the Ringo seafront, involving numerous competitors in the traditional race that combines skill, courage and community spirit. Gaetano Cavallaro won the competition for the sixth time
John
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