Feast of San Mauro in Aci Castello

The patronal feast of San Mauro is a very awaited moment by the whole community of Aci Castello. The party is announced on January 15 in the morning by the sound of the party bells and the firing of the firecrackers. The whole community gathers at the Mother Church for the unveiling of the simulacrum of San Mauro welcomed by the faithful with the waving of white handkerchiefs. The solemn Pontifical presided over by the Bishop follows. In the afternoon the statue of the Patron is placed on the artistic launch and carried in procession through the city streets: at the war memorial people will pray for peace in the world and in the square of Porta Messina there will be the traditional descent of the Angel, during which a statuette of an angel is sent down from heaven. The procession continues to the marina for the final blessing and the fireworks display at sea.

Dates and Scheduling

15 Jan 2025

08:00 The solemn bell ringing and the firing of firecrackers will announce the day of celebration.

08:15 Entrance to the “Città di San Gregorio di Catania” band complex directed by maestro Giuseppe Scavo and parade through the streets of the town.

08:30 Lauds celebration.

09:30 Welcome in the churchyard of the Mayor of the municipality of Aci Castello and of the S. Agata, Santa Maria in Ognina, Acitrezza, Cannizzaro, Ficarazzi and Valverde celebration committees.
Entry into the Church and start of the traditional waving in a riot of white handkerchiefs and invocations.

09:45 Welcoming of the Bishop in the churchyard.

10:00 Unveiling of the venerated Simulacrum of the Patron Saint.
Floral tribute from the S. Agata celebrations committee.

10:30 Solemn Pontifical presided over by His Exc. Most Rev. Mons. Antonino Raspanti, Bishop of Acireale. The songs will be performed by the “Claudio Monteverdi” choir directed by Maestro Carmen Finocchiaro. The civil and military authorities will be present.

12:00 Holy Mass.

15:15 Arrival on the churchyard of the artistic “VARA”.

15:30 Exit of the Simulacrum of the Patron Saint.
Blessing of the children.
Performance of the Hymn of S. Mauro.

Procession.

The following stops are scheduled during the tour: Via Teocrito: prayer of the inhabitants of the neighborhood. Via Dietro le mura: prayer of school children. Carabinieri station: floral tribute. Piazza Maiorana: prayer of the inhabitants of the neighborhood. Piazza Micale: prayer for world peace. In front of the Giuseppe Church: floral tribute from the Confraternity of San Giuseppe. Porta Messina, traditional "Descent of the Angel".

18:00 Holy Mass in the Church.

21:00 Blessing of the Sea in via G. Marconi, at the Marina.

21:30 Entrance of the Saint into Piazza Castello and final fireworks display with lighting of water fires.

22:00 Return to the Church.
The Blessing with the Relics and the singing of the hymn will precede the closure of the Saint in the chapel. between the waving of white handkerchiefs and the cry of "Viva San Mauro".

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