Everything is ready for the solemn celebrations in honor of the glorious patron saint of Ragusa, San Giorgio martyr. This morning the program of celebrations, starting tomorrow, was illustrated during the traditional press conference held in the hall of honor of the conversation club in Piazza Duomo. The parish priest, the priest Pietro Floridia, the mayor, Peppe Cassì, and Stefano Avola representing the celebration committee were present. Initially the introduction was entrusted to Domenico Arezzo as president of the club who thanked the committee for having, for a decade, chosen the suggestive location for the presentation of the initiatives concerning the holy martyr. The parish priest, in underlining his satisfaction for the “aeque principalis” recognition which decreed the official confirmation of the patronage in the city of Ragusa for Saint George the Martyr, an additional reason for joy to celebrate the megamartyr, praised the young people who are committed not only for the celebration but also for everything that concerns the parish, animating a journey of faith worthy of consideration. Among other things, Father Floridia illustrated one of the novelties of this year, namely the videomapping in Piazza Duomo, upon the return of the simulacrum and the Holy Ark on Sunday and before the pyromusical show, which will no longer be projected only on the façade of the building of worship but also on all the facades of the baroque buildings that stand in the same square.
Mayor Cassì focused attention on the Vatican decree which put an end to all potential controversies on the age-old affair, giving rise to a new season of reconciliation, with the hope that it can become an opportunity for growth on the of social cohesion for the entire city area. Avola thanked the bishop of the diocese of Ragusa, mons. Giuseppe La Placa, for the commitment and support provided, as well as for the strong responsibility assumed, on the occasion of this issue of the recognition of patronage. Thanks also to the mayor for the commitment, vigilance and support provided to the young people and devotees of San Giorgio, preventing a part of the city from being divided over unhelpful issues. The most important thanks, on behalf of the committee, was addressed to the parish priest, Don Pietro Floridia, “for the strength, tenacity and courage that he has transmitted to us and, above all, for the journey of faith that has led for 37 years to this part in this parish. He is a person – Avola clarified – who not only testifies to his perseverance in matters of faith, but has given and continues to give so much because his civic commitment is worthy of admiration”. Among other things, it was announced that this year there will be no fireworks as the simulacrum passes through the Iblean Garden. Rather, here, the fireworks will be exploded upon the return of the simulacra (St. George and the Holy Ark), on Sunday evening of May 26th, after the pyromusical. The committee also thanked the Municipality of Ragusa, the Free Municipal Consortium, the Hon. Giorgio Assenza, who also ensured that a contribution was made for the restoration of the Holy Ark, a restoration that will begin immediately after the celebrations, and the Hon. Ignazio Abbate. “Whoever welcomes even one of these children in my name welcomes me”. It is the verse from the Gospel of Matthew that will characterize tomorrow. At 10am the ringing of bells will announce the opening of the celebrations. At 10.30 there will be the opening of the charity fishing event at the former church of Sant’Antonino. At the Duomo, at 11am, Holy Mass with first communions. At 5.30 pm the traditional “dinner”, with the sale of the gifts at auction, in Piazza Duomo. At 6pm the recitation of the Rosary and at 6.45pm the celebration of Vespers. At 7pm the solemn holy mass.
