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Feast of Saint Philomena
The month of August is dedicated to celebrations and festivities in honor of Saint Philomena:
10th - Translation of the Sacred Relics from Rome to Mugnano del Cardinale.
11th - Liturgical feast of Saint Philomena throughout the world.
Second Sunday – In the morning, the procession of the Battenti; in the afternoon, procession of the Miraculous Statue through the town, ending with the solemn Mass.
13th - Celebration of the name of Philomena in Italy. Known as the "onomastico" (name day).
The last Sunday - Consecration of children to Saint Philomena, throughout the day.
The festivities begin with Eucharistic celebrations already in the first week of August with the solemn preparation and enthronement of the miraculous statue of Saint Philomena, donated to the Sanctuary in 1806 by Cardinal Luigi Ruffo Scilla.
The most significant and important date for the Philomenian community, both locally and internationally, is August 10th, the day on which the translation of the body of Saint Philomena from the catacombs of Priscilla in Rome to Mugnano del Cardinale in 1805 is commemorated.
On the second Sunday of August, two major religious events characterize the celebrations in honor of Saint Philomena: "The Battenti of Saint Philomena" and the procession of the "Miraculous Statue".
The Battenti of Saint Philomena represent one of the most important manifestations of Mugnano del Cardinale. They date back to 1934 and the protagonists are the faithful of the town, who undertake a long journey of devotion to the saint on the second Sunday of August. The name of the event derives from the practice, carried out by the faithful, of continuously and rhythmically beating their feet, wearing, according to tradition, white shirts and trousers, which represent the purity of the Saint; bare feet and a red sash symbolize, instead, the martyrdom of the Saint. Many faithful undertake this journey, starting from Cimitile, which is the site of the early Christian basilicas symbolizing martyrdom, and then reach the sanctuary of Mugnano dedicated to the Saint, bringing offerings such as bouquets of flowers, candles, and "toselli", that is, symbolic constructions of various sizes and shapes, decorated with ribbons, paper, and shells. Some carry the large statue of the Saint.
All groups of faithful are led by a leader, "O Cap Vattient", who, blowing his little trumpet, leads the ranks by pronouncing at the start: "A’NNOM E SANTA FILOMENA…. VIVI O’MUORT…. TUTTI A MUGNANO", as if to give a beginning to what will be their long journey.
In Mugnano there are typically three teams of Battenti: the first team is the largest, which before reaching the sanctuary joins the "Barca" (representation of the Saint in papier-mâché that changes every year), which is carried on the shoulders by some faithful who are distinguished from the others because they wear a blue sash. Upon arriving at the sanctuary, the group kneels for a few minutes to show devotion to the Saint, then proceeds on their knees to the martyr's urn where candles and flowers are placed. The great event concludes with the arrival of the other two teams and the celebration of Holy Mass. This rite in honor of the Saint has a very important identity value for the people of Mugnano del Cardinale; in fact, for this event, many fireworks are set off and emigrants from Mugnano return to the town for the great event.
In the afternoon, the Miraculous Statue of Saint Philomena is carried in procession through the streets of Mugnano del Cardinale, decorated for the celebration. At the end, the solemn Mass is celebrated by the Rector of the Sanctuary.
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