“Pietà … poetry” thus begins the work of Mons. Rocco Iariadedicated to the crucifix, to which it was particularly devoted; Lauda which will be represented soon in theatrical version at the church of the Crucifix of the Monks of Palmi, was written by Don Rocco Iaria In 1981, in a particular moment of the life of the unforgettable priest originally from Palmi, who was director of the Episcopal Seminary of Miletus before the new diocese of Oppido Mamertina-Palmi was established.
The religious representation is carried out in the framework of the activities of the Jubilee Year promoted by the diocese of Oppido-Palmi, by the will of the Bishop SE Msgr. Giuseppe Alberti, who authorized and supported the initiative undertaken by the theater company Great Talent led by director Giovanni Parrello (in the theater Gianni ed). Don Rocco is remembered by all those who knew him as a simple and humble priest, authentic witness of the Ministry of the following of Christ, particularly dedicated and engaged in the education of youth in Palmi, where in the last years of his life he was the regent presbyter of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and San Rocco, a religion teacher at the Liceo Classico di Palmi and ecclesiastical assistant of the university ( Italian Catholics); Don Rocco was the creator and founder of the theater laboratory at the classical high school of Palmi and the Tup (Palmese University Theater), who subsequently inspired the birth of the Academy of Dramatic Art of Calabria based in Palmi, which was initially frequented by many young Palmesi who still carry out the theatrical activity for Hobby.
Don Rocco Iaria was an exemplary priest for the zeal with which he carried out his priestly ministry, but also for the great legacy of human values and religious example that he left to the Palmese community and in particular to his young students, who still remember him with great esteem and with a branch affection, for the teachings received, and because thanks to Don Rocco they found their personal identity, discovering their skills and Fruit in their life path, which led them to being established women and men today, as parents and professionals.
The city of Palmi has been and is very grateful to Mons. Rocco Iaria, over the years the Palmese community has dedicated the header of a public street to the late priest (which is located near the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine) and a parish hall at the Santa Famiglia Church, where theatrical and conference activities take place.
On March 8, 2024 the ceremony of title of the seminar of the diocese of Miletus took place in the memory of Mons. Rocco Iaria, by the will of SE Msgr. Attilio Nostra – Bishop of Miletus, Palmese of origin and pupil of Don Rocco Iaria, in the presence of SE Mons. Giuseppe Alberti – Bishop of the diocese of Oppido -Palmi, and of the emeritus bishop of Lamezia Terme. Remedy, also Palmese of origin and confrere of Don Rocco Iaria as a young priest.
The religious representation of the dramatic Lauda “The Crucifix of the Monks” will take place in Palmi at the church of the Crucifix: Palm Sunday 13 April 2025 at 16.00, with reply at 8.45 pm, and Wednesday 16 April 2025 at 20.45, with free admission; places available until the capacity of the church benches.
It will be an opportunity to remember once again Mons. Rocco Iaria, and it will also be a privileged moment of reflection, during the Holy Week, to meditate and pray the mystery of the Cross of Christ, repeating: Ave Crux, unique!, Together with the interpreters of the dramatic lauda, of which the names are reported below: Lilli Sgro, Peppe Cricrì, Domenico Infantino, Luisa Anastasio, Gianni Parrello, Latino, Laura Antonacci, Salvatore Repaci, Rosanna Cannizzaro, Rosalba Mattiani, Giancarlo Putrino, Lea Sprizzi, Giuseppe Infantino, Roberta Modafferi, Enzo Versi, Angela Pirrottina, Maria Rosa de Leonardis, Alberto Marafioti, Angela Latino, Massimo Iusi, Angela La Capria, Francesco Greco, Sabrina Solano, Rocco Ferraro, Deborah Serraore, Peppe Calvo, Ivana Vigna, Antonio Morabito, Amelia Pirrottina, Pasquale Foti, Saverio Canale, Giulia Stapi, Michael Abbuonante, Diana, Paolo and Sofia Morabito.