Castelpetroso Basilica aggregated to Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica dell'Addolorata in Castelpetroso has been formally aggregated to the papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. This spiritual communion allows for the sharing of Marian devotion and the granting of indulgences from the Apostolic Penitentiary.

To mark the 136th anniversary of the laying of the first stone, a series of celebrations will take place from September 19 to 27. The program includes a seven-day spiritual preparation, a traditional torchlight procession from Guasto, and a solemn pontifical mass on September 27 presided over by Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, the archpriest of Santa Maria Maggiore. The festivities will conclude with a celebration led by the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Mauro Lalli.