There are approximately two million pilgrims who come to the sanctuary of Pompeii every year. “It is in their numerous and constant arrival that the Marian temple confirms itself as a true outpost of mercy and welcome. Called by Mary herself, everyone responds: young, elderly, sick, many confined to wheelchairs. Supporting them on the tiring journey are faith, filial affection towards the Madonna, the profound sense of wandering, the joy of sharing experiences and feelings that remain forever as personal baggage to continue with greater safety and awareness in the hardest journey of life”, we read in a note from the diocese of Pompeii.
In May, the month traditionally dedicated to Mary, pilgrimages to the sanctuary become even more intense. In particular, the major events with pilgrimages on foot from Naples and Castellammare di Stabia are renewed. Enlightened by the Madonna, the faithful of the diocese of Sorrento-Castellammare di Stabia will set out towards Pompeii at 10.30pm on Friday 24th, from the cathedral of Sorrento to meet at 5.30am in Pompeii and participate in the holy mass, presided over at 6.30am by the archbishop Francesco Alfano, inside the “San Giovanni XXIII” square.
“Witnesses of the Risen One. With Mary on the path of Peace” is the theme that will guide the faithful of the Church of Naples who will leave, on foot, for Pompeii, at 12.30, from the Basilica of Carmine Maggiore. Numerous faithful will join during the journey which will see the pilgrims cross Portici, Ercolano, Torre del Greco and Torre Annunziata to arrive in the Marian city in the evening and recite the holy rosary at 8.30 pm in the “San Giovanni XXIII” square where, at 9.30 pm, Archbishop Domenico Battaglia will preside over the Eucharistic celebration which will conclude the pilgrimage organized by Catholic Action.
Then, the Padre Pio prayer groups of the archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno will make the pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Pompeii on 28 May. The faithful will meet in the Marian city at 4pm to experience some moments of meditation and prayer in the presence of the Madonna. At 4.30 pm they will recite the rosary and at 5 pm they will participate in the holy mass presided over by their archbishop, Msgr. Andrea Bellandi.
Finally, on May 31st, the young people of the archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno will participate in the “night” pilgrimage to Pompeii, organized by the Youth Pastoral Office. The theme “Mary and the senses of faith” will inspire the young people from Salerno to take their walk. The pilgrimage will begin at 7pm with the Eucharistic celebration in the church of San Giorgio in Salerno, while the arrival at the sanctuary of Pompeii is expected at dawn on 1 June. During the journey, there will be stops to listen to short catecheses.
