by Carmelo Caspanello
MESSINA – Saturday 25 May 2024 will mark the beginning of the novena in preparation for the solemnity of Santa Maria della Lettera, an event that is of particular importance for the people of Messina, deeply devoted to the Virgin Mary invoked with the title of the “Letter”. This devotion, rooted in the history and culture of the city, represents an opportunity for the faithful to reinvigorate their faith through moments of grace and reflection.
The novena, which will last nine days, will be inaugurated with a series of liturgical celebrations and cultural initiatives aimed at spiritually preparing the community for the feast of the Patron Saint of the archdiocese. The first day, Saturday 25 May, will be characterized by an important Marian catechesis held by the biblical scholar Msgr. Giuseppe Costa in the cathedral, followed in the evening by the inauguration of an exhibition of Marian banners at the parish of Saint Catherine, Virgin and Martyr. On Sunday 26 May, the Cathedral will host the concert for choir and orchestra “Virgin Cathedral of Silence”, directed by maestro Don Fabio Massimillo. This musical event promises to be a moment of intense emotional and spiritual participation for all present. Another important event will be held on Friday 31 May, when the central churches of the city will be animated by the “Marian Night”. Promoted by the Diocesan Interconfraternal Center, this event will offer a rich series of activities that will culminate in a night of prayer, meditation and celebrations.
The culmination of the novena will be Monday 3 June, the day of the solemnity of Santa Maria della Lettera. On this occasion, the archbishop Msgr. Giovanni Accolla will be joined by the ordinary abbot of the territorial abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Don Diego Gualtiero Rosa, who will preside over the Pontifical Mass. The procession will take place in the afternoon. This solemn moment of celebration will unite the community in prayer and reflection, offering a testimony of faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary. The solemnity of Santa Maria della Lettera represents for Messina not only a religious anniversary, but also an opportunity to strengthen community ties and renew the sense of belonging to the spiritual tradition of the city. The novena days and the celebrations culminating in the solemnity will offer the faithful precious moments of introspection and communion, paying homage to their beloved Patroness.
