For some years the procession of the Patron Saints has been brought forward or postponed compared to the date of June 11th, a choice that not all the faithful like.
This year it took place the day before, unfortunately also wet by rain. However, the moment of mass in the Cathedral attracted the presence of many faithful and the city authorities. The church was packed to listen to the words of Bishop Giampaolo.
However, the cathedral remained open until late today, the official day of the Patron Saints Felice and Fortunato, for the veneration of modern statues and ancient relics. And at 6.00 pm the last mass was celebrated by Bishop Giampaolo.
However, not all the faithful like the early or postponed procession. There is no shortage of comments on social media about it. Maria Daniela Siviero, volunteer of the pro-life association Santa Gianna Beretta Molla, writes: “The feast of the Patron Saints without the procession loses its religious meaning because that moment of silence and prayer during which one stops from buying, from eating, from making music because the people of God cross the Square with those celebrating, our patron Saints. It makes no sense to have the procession the day before.”
Mariella Roncolato adds: “But why change the rules. The procession has been taking place on the 11th for ages. I used to go when I was little. Then my children went. Chioggia was banned in red, a beauty for everyone. Give us back the procession on the day of the patron saints.”
Michele Siviero, a goldsmith on Calle San Giacomo, justifies the change: “Once the stalls closed when the procession passed, in recent years too much rudeness.”
Valeria Cristian writes: “We have always complained about the mix between the sacred and the profane. I don’t think a solution that everyone can agree on is possible.”
