Madonna festivals and art exhibition draw crowds in Aragona and Oristano, Italy

From July 22 to August 2, the town of Aragona revived its Madonna della Mercede celebration after a 22‑year hiatus. The program includes daily masses, rosary recitations, a moving statue procession, cultural performances, and dedicated days for prisoners, families, and the memory of mafia victims. The festivities culminate with a mass in Piazza Mercede presided over by the bishop of Savona‑Noli, followed by traditional refreshments and a folk group performance.

In Oristano, the Museo Diocesano Arborense closed its “MADRE” exhibition on July 23 with a finissage that featured the presentation of a new catalogue. Director Silvia Oppo said, “Con questo finissage vogliamo restituire alla comunità il senso più profondo di ‘MADRE’, un percorso che ha saputo parlare a tutti, credenti e non, perché la maternità, la cura, l’accoglienza e la speranza sono valori universali.” The event included an aperitif, a final guided tour, and free entry, marking the end of the exhibition scheduled to run until July 26.