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Feast of Mary Most Holy of Graces
July 2nd is the day when the solemnity of Mary Most Holy of Graces, Patroness of Mugnano del Cardinale, is celebrated. History tells us that it is celebrated on this day by the will of Queen Maria Cristina of Savoy who, captivated by the splendid image of the Madonna, asked Gregory XVI to elevate it to a feast in the Two Sicilies.
The celebrations begin early in the morning with the hymn to Mary that resounds from the Sanctuary and awakens the town
“…You who are full of Grace, sweet and gentle Virgin, over our beautiful town, spread rays of goodness.
Your graces and favors always pour out generously, on your faithful Mugnano, oh Beautiful Mother of mercy…”
At 9:30, the festive ringing of the Sanctuary bells calls the people of Mugnano del Cardinale to prayer and to participate in the moving event of the descent from the high altar and the enthronement of the statue of Mary Most Holy of Graces.
In just a few moments, the Sanctuary is filled with devotees. The moments preceding the lowering of the Madonna are evocative and moving: the pulley begins its slow turns until the statue rests on the marble floor behind the altar.
The statue is shown to the people, who welcome it with a cry of “VIVA MARIA”, it is cleaned, kissed, and dressed in its crowns. Eyes full of tears and a single strong and moving applause accompany the statue, which is placed by hand on the ancient and precious throne.
It is probably to Giacomo Colombo that we owe the creation of this immense masterpiece: the pearly eyes, full of light, expressing sweetness and kindness, her rosy cheeks, that delicate face with tender maternal features. She rests gracefully on a group of clouds that serve as a backrest and a stool for her immaculate feet. With her left hand she uncovers her breast while with her right arm she holds the baby Jesus who, seated on her right knee, keeps his right hand raised as a sign of blessing for humanity. In the background, among the clouds, there are also winged cherub angels. Her colors, the red of the dress and the blue of the mantle, have been brought back to light, just as conceived by the author, following the recent and meticulous restoration.
THE PROCESSION
Then, on the second Sunday of July, around 11:00 in the morning, we experience one of the most important events for our town: the procession. A sea of devotees gathers physically and lovingly around the Holy Patroness, whose exit from the Sanctuary is awaited with trepidation. There is a pause on the steps for the contemplation of the statue, which shines even more dressed in its gold, accompanied by a long round of applause and the music of the band. The procession first proceeds along Via Garibaldi where, for more than fifty years now, one of the most exciting phenomena takes place, which truly marks the beginning of the procession; I am talking about the very famous flower petal shower. A cascade of fragrant petals is poured over the heavenly image of the Madonna, from the balconies of the building to the right of the Sanctuary. The collection of roses, selection and drying of the petals, as tradition has it for the family that organizes this moving spectacle, begins weeks in advance.
It is difficult and moving to describe the image of the Madonna under a rain tinted red, which then becomes a carpet for the crowd that follows.
Mary's pilgrimage then continues to the farthest outskirts of the town, under the scorching sun and the afternoon humidity, which, however, do not discourage the devoted spirit of those who follow her until late in the evening. It is precisely at the end of the long journey that the band once again plays the Ave Maria, followed by the sound of bells and the spectacle of fireworks. She returns to her home, and here the bearers who carry her on their shoulders, before returning her to the foot of the altar and removing her golden mantle, turn her shining eyes toward the chapel where the body of our beloved Saint Philomena rests.
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