Will be a Patronal Feast very different from the previous onesthe one that will animate Cerignola in 2024. It was illustrated by Deputation for patronal celebrations of the municipality of Ofantino, in a Press conference which took place at the headquarters in Corso Garibaldi on the evening of Saturday 29th June. «We have drawn up a very broad, intense programme, with a cultural and religious background, but also aimed at entertainment.“, he explains to those present Francesco De Cosmo, new president of the Deputation. «Unlike other years – goes on – which was concentrated on 7, 8 and 9 September, this year it extends for almost a week, starting from Sunday 30 August. We will try to please all palates». «This is not a solely religious celebration – highlights Mons. Vincenzo D’Ercole, vicar of the Diocese of Cerignola-Ascoli Satriano -, but it calls into question all the ethnic groups and all the social, cultural and human affiliations present within a city that has the desire to stand up, in the best sense of the term. Cerignola often ends up on the pages of crime news, in situations that end up overshadowing it. And we think that this city instead deserves much more. Through this Festival we want our kids to stay in Cerignola, instead of moving».
The Cerignola Patronal Festival Deputation is a machine whose efficiency is guaranteed by great team work, as was underlined in the meeting. The reference is to its members Gino Giurato, Rosario Marino, John Montingelli, Piero Palumbo e Giovanni Rosati. «Under the aegis of Monsignor D’Ercole – illustrates thelawyer Rosario Marino – the Deputation has been working for months to fulfill its task of organizing the Patronal Festival. It is a challenging event but it sees us all united to do in the best possible way what we set out to do. We are deputies and as such we represent the people of Cerignola, and I would like to thank all those who will support us in organizing the event most felt by our citizens». There is no lack, on the part of the Deputation, thanks to the Municipal Administration«which, as always, supports us with its contribution and above all will be close to us in those situations in which we need it», De Cosmo highlighted.
Below is the complete program:
Sunday, August 30, 2024
Ore 9.30: First foot race “Holy Mary. of Ripalta” in collaboration with the “Podistica Santo Stefano” of Cerignola (Foggia).
Wednesday 4 September 2024
Ore 21.00: in the cathedral “Youth Novena” and, in collaboration with the “Diocesan Youth Ministry”meeting with the Gen Red and the Focolare movement.
Thursday 5 September 2024
Ore 21.00: Live concert in Piazza Duomo of the Gen Red.
Friday 6 September 2024
Ore 18.00: “A promise for Hyso. Stories and testimonies 25 years after the death of Hyso Telharaj, innocent victim of gangmastering”: conference organized by the Diocesan Caritas at the “John Paul II” Hall, Episcopio of Cerignola.
Ore 23.00: Enthronement of the Icon of Our Lady of Ripalta.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Ore 10.30: Cultural meeting on devotion to the Virgin of Ripalta, at Palazzo Coccia. Speakers: S.E. Mons. Fabio CiollaroBishop of the Diocese of Cerignola-Ascoli Satriano; Dr. Francesco De Cosmopresident of the “Patronal Festivals Deputation”; Dr. Rossella Digirolamo, recently graduated from the Institute of Religious Sciences in Milan with a thesis on the topic: “The icon of M. SS. of Ripalta. History, devotion, iconography”; Prof. Emanuela Fogliadiniteacher at the Institute of Religious Sciences in Milan, expert in Byzantine art. Testimony of faith by Mario Trematorefirefighter who saved the Shroud from the 1997 fire. Inauguration of the exhibition of Marian images dedicated to the Madonna of Ripaltaedited by Francesco Radi. Contemporary art exhibition.
Ore 20.00: Solemn Vespers of the vigilpresided over by our bishop Fabio Ciollaro.
Ore 22.00: Musical show with and for young people with the performance in Piazza Duomo by Dj Fargetta. In Piazza Duomo byUCM (chefs of Ukraine) serata food with tasting of typical Apulian dishes.
Sunday 8 September 2024
Ore 9.00: Arrival on the cathedral square of the “Triumphal Chariot”.
Ore 10.30: Pontifical presided over by Bishop Fabio Ciollaro for the solemnity of Maria SS. of Ripalta, patron saint of the Diocese of Cerignola-Ascoli Satriano.
Ore 12.30: “Being neighbor”community lunch in the hall of the Caritas canteen-Piano San Rocco with the needy of the city, in collaboration with the Diocesan Charity and prepared byUCM (chefs of Ukraine).
Ore 19.00: Holy Mass and solemn mass to follow city procession of the Icon of the Holy Mary. of Ripalta and St. Peter’s.
Ore 24.00: Fornaci area, near the LIDL, fireworks display.
Monday, September 9, 2024
Ore 19.00: Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop in suffrage of all deceased Cerignolans.
Ore 22.00: in Piazza Duomo, a pop music concert with a performance by Noemi.
