THE BASILICA OF SANT’ANDREA DELLE FRATTE WELCOMED THE RELICS OF THE SEER OF LOURDES WITH AN INTENSE CELEBRATORY LITURGICAL PROGRAM.
Newsroom (03/04/2025 14:12, Gaudium Press) Between March 25 and 30, the relics of Saint Bernadette Soubirous made a pilgrimage to the Roman Basilica of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, also known as the Madonna del Miracolo, where they took part in an intense program and were exposed to the veneration of the faithful.
Cardinal Ennio Antonelli took part in the celebrations
Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for the Family, presided at a Holy Mass which was preceded by a procession from the cloister of the Basilica. There was also a re-enactment of the apparitions of Lourdes, the recitation of the Rosary of Conversion, followed by a supplication to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Holy Mass in the evening.
Intense program and ’24 hours for the Lord’
Throughout the days in which the relics were present, Holy Masses were celebrated at various times, as well as a Way of the Cross, Marian Eucharistic Adoration and the recitation of Rosaries. On Friday 28, the Basilica hosted the ’24 hours for the Lord’, with prolonged Eucharistic Adoration and offering the faithful the chance to go to confession throughout the day. On Saturday 29th, the relics were taken to the foot of the Column of the Immaculate Conception, where the Rosary was recited among the faithful, followed by a procession back to the Basilica of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte.
Mass presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
The event concluded on Sunday at 12 noon with a Holy Mass presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization. At the end of the liturgical celebration, the relics of St. Bernadette were greeted. Finally, at 8 p.m., a Lenten concert was performed by the ‘Vergine del Miracolo’ choir, directed by conductor Alessia Galli. (EPC)
Compiled by Teresa Joseph
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