Feast of Santa Maria Maggiore in Scordia

Every year in the month of May the inhabitants of Scordia, in Sicily, celebrate the co-patron of the town, Santa Maria Maggiore, with feasts and liturgies. There is no shortage of celebrations throughout the month, but the most important events with which the faithful pay homage to the Mother of the Lord are concentrated between 28 and 31 May.

How the feast of Santa Maria Maggiore in Scordia takes place

During the Feast of Santa Maria Maggiore the faithful gather in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore to celebrate Mass together and then follow the simulacrum of the patron saint in procession along the streets of the town. The procession ends in the evening, when the statue arrives near the Church of Jesus the Redeemer.
Upon her return to the church, the Virgin is paid homage by the faithful who will continue in the following days to demonstrate their devotion with prayers and celebrations.
On the evenings of 29 and 30 May, the whole town celebrates Santa Maria Maggiore with music and songs: artists and citizens of Scordìa perform on piano and guitar in a festive choral atmosphere.
May 31st is the last day of the Feast of Santa Maria Maggiore and for the occasion, the inhabitants of Scordi gather in the Church of Jesus the Redeemer to listen to the Marian Pontifical. At the end of the celebration, all the parishioners and visitors follow the statue of the Virgin in procession which is carried into the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The religious procession, in celebration, is accompanied by the music played by the band. To greet Santa Maria Maggiore returning to the church, fireworks are launched in several points of the town.

History linked to the feast of Santa Maria Maggiore

The story related to Feast of Santa Maria Maggiore it is ancient and troubled. Until the seventeenth century, in fact, the Virgin was Patroness of Scordia and the celebrations in his honor were the most important in the country. During the 1600s, however, Prince Antonio Branciforte had a new church built, dedicating it to Saint Roch of Montpellier. In short, the cult of the Saint joined that of the Virgin, so much so that both were defined as co-patrons.
In 1888 San Rocco became the official Patron, but the faithful also continued to celebrate their Patroness, Santa Maria Maggiore.
Over the centuries, however, the feast was forgotten and in the twentieth century it was no longer customary to celebrate in the month of May. Only the intervention of Don Salvatore Abbotto, in 2011, brought back to life this ancient festive and solemn tradition which today is repeated every year.

Where the feast of Santa Maria Maggiore takes place

La Feast of Santa Maria Maggiore it is a period of celebrations taking place at Scordia, metropolitan municipality of the city of Catania. The main churches where you can participate in the Holy Masses dedicated to the Virgin are the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore , Church of Jesus the Redeemer. The processions, on the other hand, wind along the streets of the town, decorated for the occasion by the inhabitants.

What to do during the feast of Santa Maria Maggiore in Scordia

During the holidays you can take part in the celebrations of the Holy Masses in honor of the co-patron, celebrated by the parish priest and which are also joined by parish priests and parishioners from the nearby hamlets.
On May 28th and 31st you can take part in the procession that accompanies the statue of the Virgin along the streets of the town. On this occasion, you will be able to immerse yourself in the streets decorated by the inhabitants of Scordìa.
In fact, those who live along the route of the procession have the habit of displaying colored flags at the windows or along the walls, to cheerfully greet the passage of the patron saint.
In the evening it is possible to enjoy the fireworks that light up these beautiful Sicilian nights.
Along the way you will find the altars placed by the families of the town: a wonderful opportunity to gather in prayer with the faithful.
Between 28 and 31 May, the town becomes the scene of musical tributes, during which it is also possible to hear the moving Ave Maria sung by professional singers accompanied on the piano.
Not only the inhabitants of Scordìa, but also tourists and visitors, can all celebrate together in the evocative spring atmosphere.

How to get to Scordia to attend the feast of Santa Maria Maggiore

There are many ways to get to Scordìa and witness the Feast of Santa Maria Maggiore.
By car. From the Catania-Siracusa highway, exit Lentini-Carlentini; from the A19 Palermo-Catania, exit Motta S.Anastasia.
By train. From the main Italian cities, Scordìa can be reached from the Catania Centrale and Catania Europa stops, 30 km from the town.
Once in Scordìa, remember that the most important celebrations are held in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Piazza Regina Margherita and in the Church of Jesus the Redeemer, which can be reached from Via Porta Pia.