The new Patronal Festivals Deputation presented the program to the citizens last June 29th, at the historic headquarters in Garibaldi Street (a stone’s throw from the Duomo), immediately arousing interest and enthusiasm among citizens.
After the last edition of the Patronal Feast in honor of Maria SS di Ripalta definitely below par, expectations are higher this year, but the proposals are certainly up to par.
The program is rich and varied.
The celebrations of the patron saint of Cerignola will begin Sunday 30th Augustwith the first “MSS di Ripalta” foot race, which will start from Piazza Duomo at 9.30. The sporting event is organized in collaboration with the “Santo Stefano” running association of Cerignola.
Wednesday 4th September 7:00 pm: “Youth Novena” in the Cathedral with Gen Rosso. At 9:00 pm, in collaboration with the “Diocesan Youth Ministry”, the youth of the Diocese will meet Gen Rosso and the Focolarini movement.
Thursday 5th September at 9.00 pm in Piazza Duomo Live Concert by Gen Rosso.
Friday 6th September 6:00 p.m.: “A promise for Hyso. Stories and testimonies 25 years after the death of Hyso Telharay, an innocent victim of gangmastering”: conference organized by Caritas Diocesana, at the “Giovanni Palo II” Hall of the Episcope of Cerignola.
At 11.00 pm the evocative Enthronement of the Icon of Maria SS di Ripalta.
Saturday 7th September 10.30 am: Cultural meeting on devotion to the Virgin of Ripalta at Palazzo Coccia. Speakers: HE Fabio Ciollaro (Bishop of the Diocese of Cerignola-Ascoli Satriano); Dr. Francesco de Cosmo (President of the Patron Saint Festivals Deputation); Dr. Rossella Digirolamo (recent graduate from the Institute of Religious Sciences in Milan with a thesis on the topic: “The icon of MSS of Ripalta. History, devotion, iconography; Prof. Emanuela Fogliardini (Professor at the Institute of Religious Sciences in Milan. Expert in Byzantine art; Testimony of faith by Mario Trematore (he saved the Shroud from the fire of 1997); Inauguration of the exhibition on Marian images dedicated to the Madonna of Ripalta curated by Francesco Radi (contemporary art exhibition).
8.00 pm: Solemn Vespers of the vigil presided over by Bishop Fabio Ciollaro.
9.00 pm: arrival of the “Triumphal Chariot” in front of the Cathedral.
10.00 pm: musical show with and for young people with the performance in Piazza Duomo by DJ Fargetta.
In Piazza Duomo, organized by UCM (chefs of Ukraine), a food evening with tasting of typical Apulian dishes.
Sunday 8th September 10.30 am: Pontifical Mass presided over by Bishop Ciollaro for the solemnity of Maria SSma di Ripalta, patroness of the Diocese of Cerignola.
12.30 pm: “Farsi prossimo”, community lunch in the hall of the Mensa Caritas in Piano San Rocco with the needy of the city, in collaboration with the Diocesan Caritas and meals prepared by the UCM (chefs of Ukraine).
7.00 pm: Holy Mass followed by a solemn city procession of the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Ripalta and Saint Peter.
12.00am Fireworks show/competition in the Fornaci area, near the LIDL.
Monday 9th September 7.00 pm: Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop, in suffrage for all deceased Cerignolans.
10.00 pm: Concert of light music with the performance of Noemi in Piazza Duomo.
