Feast of Most Holy Crucifix in Geraci
The feast of the SS. Crucifix according to the liturgical calendar occurs on September 14th, but by ancient tradition in Geraci Siculo it takes place on May 3rd. The magnificent wooden statue is venerated in the Church of Santa Maria La Porta.
On the morning of May 3, those who made the "Vow" during the year go to the Monastery of the Benedictine Sisters to pick up the "Torch ". After the celebration of the SS. Mass, around noon the "Procession" begins where the Confraternities of San Francesco, San Giacomo, Santo Stefano and SS. Sacramento, of the Madonna, and of San Bartolomeo, each wearing the "cape" of different colors. All preceded by the roll of the drums. The "Vara 'is decorated with flowers and with four showcases full of precious objects donated to the Crucifix for graces received. Behind the Crucifix the Mayor, the Municipal Administration and the Municipal Councilors, the Traffic Police, one of which bears" The Mazza "sign of power; On the sides of the "vara" the carabinieri with the ordinance costume and the red plume. Followed by the faithful, some barefoot, holding the votive "Cero" with a hanging white satin ribbon. The candle, which represents a "grace" received, remains unlit throughout the journey. Finally, there are the children ”of the village who, barefoot and with a crown of twigs intertwined on their heads, cry out“ PANI E PARADISU, MERCY SIGNURI ”. The wooden statue is carried on the shoulders in turn by the faithful who compete to carry the "Vara" of the suffering Christ.
Dates and Scheduling
30 Apr 2025
07:45 Holy Mass.
20:00 Holy Mass.
1 May 2025
08:00 Holy Mass.
18:00 Holy Mass.
19:00 Blessing of the cars in front of the chapel of San Giuseppe at the entrance to the village;
20:00 Holy Mass.
2 May 2025
07:45 Holy Mass.
Continuous Eucharistic Adoration from 9:00 to 17:30.
09:30 Holy Mass in memory of our dear departed.
Chiesa del Cimitero
16:00 Welcome of the authorities of the Association of the City of the SS. Crocifisso at the Town Hall.
17:00 Presentazione del libro “Il Santissimo Crocifisso. Arte, fede e tradizioni nelle comunità italiane”, a cura della Prof.ssa Arianna Attinasi, e di Don Pasquale Morelli, Assistente Spirituale dell’Associazione e con la partecipazione del comitato per i festeggiamenti.
Aula Consiliare “Sen. Bartolo Fazio” c/o il Palazzo Municipale
18:00 Holy Mass.
18:30 Visit of the authorities of the Association of the City of the SS. Crucifix to the Church of Santa Maria la Porta which houses the wooden statue of the SS. Crucifix dating back to the 17th century;
Chiesa Santa Maria La Porta
20:00 Holy Mass.
3 May 2025
07:00 Alborata;
07:50 Solemn ringing of the bells from all the churches;
08:00 Holy Mass.
09:15 Holy Mass.
10:00 Departure of the procession with the Relic of the Holy Cross from the Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
10:30 Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop with delegations from some Italian municipalities that are part of the “Città del SS. Crocifisso”;
Delivery of the flag of the National Association of the Cities of the SS. Crocifisso to the Municipality of Geraci Siculo.
11:45 Solemn Procession with the illustrious Relic of the Holy Cross and evocative image of the Holy Crucifix.
20:00 Holy Mass.
20:50 Scampanio solenne da tutte le Chiese.
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References
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