Easter in Militello Rosmarino
Traditions
Among the various rites that characterize the Holy Week in Militello Rosmarino, the most evocative is certainly the Good Friday procession, an ancient rite that has been handed down for centuries in which the simulacra of Jesus in the Urn, of the SS . Crucifix and Our Lady of Sorrows are accompanied by the Jews and Magdalene.
On the morning of Good Friday the procession of the Urn of the Dead Christ begins, accompanied by litanies and penitential songs. Every detail in this rite hides a profound meaning: the bearers proceed two steps forward and one step back as a sign of penance and forgiveness.
In the afternoon the procession of the Magdalene takes place towards the Mother Church. The Magdalenes are devout women belonging to different social classes and no one knows their names or the place where they are dressed. They are dressed entirely in black, with their faces covered and with a crown of thorns on their heads, and they clutch a crucifix to their chests.
This is followed by the procession of Our Lady of Sorrows and the simulacrum of the dying Christ carried on the shoulders of eight Jews and followed by the Magdalenes, positioned at the corners of the vara, who hold up the cross by means of special ropes.< br>The Jews, bare-headed, wear a dark blue tunic, and hold the honorific office of carrying the fercle of Jesus on their shoulders, which is transmitted by primogenial succession by means of a holographic will. By tradition, they observe a strict fast from the morning which is interrupted at the end of the procession when, having arrived in the church of the SS. Crucified, they eat a yeast biscuit and drink a glass of wine. The procession is closed by the band with the drums rolling in mourning, by the bearer of a banner in which the heart of Jesus pierced by seven swords is portrayed, and by the faithful.
Dates and Scheduling
11 Apr 2025
16:30 Via Crucis al cimitero. A seguire, Santa Messa.
13 Apr 2025
Palm Sunday
10:30 Blessing of the palms in the Church of the Rosary and continuation in procession towards the Mother Church.
11:00 Solemn Holy Mass.
Chiesa Madre di San Biagio
14 Apr 2025
18:30 Holy Mass for the deceased at the Church of San Sebastiano.
Chiesa San Sebastiano
15 Apr 2025
16:30 - 17:30 Confessions in the Church of the Rosary.
Chiesa del Rosario
18:00 Community penitential celebration at the Church of the Rosary.
Following, Holy Mass.
Chiesa del Rosario
16 Apr 2025
09:00 Holy Mass at the Church of the Rosary and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
Chiesa del Rosario
17 Apr 2025
19:00 Holy Mass in “Coena Domini”.
Chiesa Madre di San Biagio
21:00 Beginning of the Eucharistic vigil at the Altar of Repose.
Chiesa Madre di San Biagio
22:00 Tour of the town of the “tabbali” and the Croce.
18 Apr 2025
04:30 Ancient antelucan procession of Jesus in the Urn with a visit to the traditional Altars of Reposition in the various churches along the traditional route.
13:00 Heartbreaking descent of the MOST HOLY CRUCIFIX by the JEWS and placing on His Fercolo.
15:00 Celebration of the Passion of Jesus and adoration of the Cross at the Mother Church.
Chiesa Madre di San Biagio
16:30 Arrival at the Church of the penitent MAGDALENES, the procession of JEWS and the bearers of the ADDOLORATA.
17:00 Solemn Procession of the HOLY CRUCIFIX and of the Addolorata with a stop in Piazza Lodato for the traditional sermon.
21:00 Evening procession of JESUS IN THE URN with evocative lights and “Via Crucis”.
19 Apr 2025
09:30 Moment of prayer in the Mother Church.
23:00 Easter Vigil in the Mother Church.
Chiesa Madre di San Biagio
20 Apr 2025
Easter Sunday
11:00 Solemn Holy Mass.
17:00 Procession of the Risen Jesus carried on the shoulders of children through the streets of the town;
in the San Piero district, Holy Mass and return to the center with a picturesque “Suffariddata” upon arrival in Piazza Lodato and subsequent fireworks display.
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References
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