Bologna, 4 May 2024 – The venerated image of Madonna of San Luca and the cardinal Matteo Zuppi they met at house of the Sisters of Charity in via del Terrapieno. Since 2020, when the rules to combat the spread of covid-19 prevented gatherings, the icon leaves the sanctuary of Colle della Guardia on a fire engine and the cardinal the archbishop joins her in the first step of this journey along some significant places in the city before arriving at the cathedral where it will remain on display for a week.
“In this place – explained Zuppi – let’s rediscover the meaning of protection that Mary carries out on each of us. Here the nuns are mothers of many mothers who, thanks to them and their welcome, do not lose hope.”
The Madonna of San Luca leaves the Basilica (Photo Schicchi)
Path
Traveling on the city bus the cardinal followed the image making a stop at the barracks of the provincial command of fire fighters. He then stopped at the house of charity in Corticella. “We thank the Casa della Carità and the house Don Nozzi that here on the side it houses some ex-prisoners – concluded the archbishop – because they testify to us that in trials we have proof that Mary’s presence is always here ready to lend us a hand when we need to get up again”.
Villa Erbosa it was another step that helps to understand the meaning of the icon’s descent. “You don’t need to be a medical specialist – Zuppi recalled – to be a support and a cure for the sick. A visit, a word or a phone call is enough to bring that comfort which costs us nothing, but which weighs heavily on us”.
The fire truck carrying the canopy then took over cathedral street.
The program
The traditional annual visit of the sacred image of the Blessed Virgin to the city, after various stages, will end Sunday 12 May with the ascent.
The effigy of Madonna began its descent today at 2.30pm from Colle della Guardia aboard a fire engine and during the day visited some significant places in the vicariate of Bologna North.
At 3.30 pm the effigy was welcomed by the cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi at the House of the Missionaries of Charity (in via del Terrapieno 15), and then visit the Regional Directorate of fire fighters (via Aposazza, 3) and to Corticella Charity House at 4.45pm.
At 5.40 pm the sacred image will stop at Villa Erbosa (in via dell’Arcoveggio, 50) and then resume the journey towards Basilica of Saint Peter where he will arrive at 7pm. This will be followed by the Mass celebrated by Monsignor Stefano Ottani, Vicar General for Synodality.
At 9 pm, Archbishop Zuppi will then lead the vigil for young people organized by the diocesan office for youth ministry.
Sunday 5 May at 6pm there is another highly anticipated appointment: the ‘Run for Mary’a 5 kilometer walk open to all through the streets of the centre, starting from Piazza Santo Stefano and I arrive in the courtyard ofArchbishopric.
The Madonna of San Luca (Photo Schicchi)
The memory of the victims of Suviana
For a week in the St. Peter’s Cathedral there will be celebrations in honor of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca, Patron Saint of the City and of the Archdiocese of Bologna.
Wednesday 8 May at 5.15 pm the Image of Madonna of San Luca will reach the Basilica of San Petronio in procession and at 6.00 pm, from the churchyard, the Archbishop will give the blessing to the city and to all the people of Bologna.
The memory will follow, together with the mayor Matteo Leporeof the workers who were victims of the explosion at Bargi hydroelectric power plant.
Cardinal Zuppi and the Madonna of San Luca at the Fire Brigade Headquarters in Bologna. Commander Calogero Turturici and the staff on duty were present
The ascent
Sunday 12 MaySolemnity of the Ascension, at 5 pm the icon of the Madonna di San Luca will be accompanied in procession to the Sanctuary by the Archbishop and the faithful, stopping for the blessing at Malpighi Square, Porta Zaragoza and to theMeloncello Arch.
Parishes, religious communities, brotherhoods, communities of Catholic migrants, Orthodox communities and ecclesial associations will participate in the procession, characterized by prayer for peace, with banners and distinctive signs. At 8pmupon the arrival of the Image in the Sanctuary on the Colle della Guardia, the Mass.
There Cathedral it will remain open every day from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm. The descent and the entire week of stay of the Madonna of San Luca in the city will also be broadcast live on the Archdiocese website www.chiesadibologna.it and on the YouTube channel of12 Doors”.
