Feast of Most Holy Crucifix in Geraci
The feast of the SS. Crucifix according to the liturgical calendar occurs on September 14th, but by ancient tradition in Geraci Siculo it takes place on May 3rd. The magnificent wooden statue is venerated in the Church of Santa Maria La Porta.
On the morning of May 3, those who made the "Vow" during the year go to the Monastery of the Benedictine Sisters to pick up the "Torch ". After the celebration of the SS. Mass, around noon the "Procession" begins where the Confraternities of San Francesco, San Giacomo, Santo Stefano and SS. Sacramento, of the Madonna, and of San Bartolomeo, each wearing the "cape" of different colors. All preceded by the roll of the drums. The "Vara 'is decorated with flowers and with four showcases full of precious objects donated to the Crucifix for graces received. Behind the Crucifix the Mayor, the Municipal Administration and the Municipal Councilors, the Traffic Police, one of which bears" The Mazza "sign of power; On the sides of the "vara" the carabinieri with the ordinance costume and the red plume. Followed by the faithful, some barefoot, holding the votive "Cero" with a hanging white satin ribbon. The candle, which represents a "grace" received, remains unlit throughout the journey. Finally, there are the children ”of the village who, barefoot and with a crown of twigs intertwined on their heads, cry out“ PANI E PARADISU, MERCY SIGNURI ”. The wooden statue is carried on the shoulders in turn by the faithful who compete to carry the "Vara" of the suffering Christ.
Dates and Scheduling
3 May 2024
07:00 Alborata;
07:30 Recitation of the Chaplet;
07:50 Solemn bell ringing from all the Churches;
08:00 Holy Morning Mass;
09:15 Holy Mass with the participation of children and young people from the Catechism;
10:00 Recitation of the Chaplet;
10:15 Start of the procession from the Mother Church;
10:30 Solemn Holy Mass presided over by Monsignor Filippo Sarullo, parish priest of the Palermo cathedral, with the participation of the Deputies, Civil and Military Authorities;
12:00 Solemn Procession with the Holy Crucifix and the Insigne Relic of the Holy Cross.
19:30 Recitation of the Chaplet;
20:00 Holy Mass at the conclusion of the Solemn celebrations with the participation of the seven Brotherhoods;
20:50 Solemn bell ringing from all the Churches;
Blessed Bread will be distributed during the Celebrations.
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References
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