It is the feast day of the Most Holy Mary of the Visitation. The city woke up this morning looking into the eyes of its patron saint and as per tradition, at 6:30, the first of the masses began, at 7 in the church of Montesalvo, there was the firing of 101 cannon shots, then at 10:30 the Cathedral hosts a solemn pontifical mass.
The preparation
The brothers of the Confraternity of Maria Santissima della Visitazione will proceed to assemble the fercolo and the poles for the procession of the patron saint, supported by 124 men. In the afternoon, the portals of the Cathedral will be closed and the dressing of Mary will take place: the red cloths sewn with various precious items, donated over the years by the faithful, will be placed on the statue. The Crown of pure gold will be placed on the head, considered among the most brilliant jewels of the Baroque tradition.
The procession
At 5 pm, the Cathedral will be reopened to the faithful who will be able to admire Mary dressed for the occasion and the vara, the Golden Ship on which the fercolo will be carried in procession to the church of Montesalvo: the shots of the cannons will mark the stages of the stops. The difficult climb that precedes Montesalvo represents the maximum effort of the 124 bearers while the statue of her cousin Elisabetta will be brought out of Montesalvo to welcome her. in an ideal embrace. The Madonna will be venerated by the faithful: there will be masses and night vigils, then on the occasion of the second Sunday of July the rite of the Madonna a’ Muntata will take place, the procession of the return to the Cathedral of the fercolo carried on the shoulders of the Confraternity.
The mayor, “important appointment”
“This year too, the most anticipated event has arrived on time,” said the mayor of Enna, Maurizio Dipietro, “when our patron saint, Maria Santissima della Visitazione, is celebrated by the entire community. An important event for each of us, which puts us in direct contact with our deepest roots. A tradition that we have been carrying on for centuries and that, as always, the municipal administration has enhanced and supported.”
“On behalf of all the citizens – adds the mayor – I want to thank all those who, with commitment and dedication, make July 2 an unforgettable day, starting with the Confraternity of the Nude Mary SS. of the Visitation that carries on this centuries-old appointment with faith and tradition, passing through the forces of law and order and civil protection, without forgetting the significant contribution of the municipal offices”
