Bishop Palmieri leads basil blessing for Sant'Emidio festival in Ascoli Piceno

The Diocese of Ascoli Piceno announced a week‑long celebration of its patron saint, Sant'Emidio, beginning on 5 August. Bishop Gianpiero Palmieri, together with Mayor Marco Fioravanti and parish clergy, highlighted the ceremony’s symbolic basil blessing at dawn, describing it as a “paschal sign” that moves from darkness to light.

The programme includes a solemn Mass presided over by Cardinal Fabio Baggio, a children’s workshop, concerts, fireworks and a spiritual night walk. Organisers noted that this year marks the ten‑year anniversary of the 2016 earthquake, adding a message of hope and renewal for the community.