Massa Lubrense to host 52nd Madonnina del Vervece ceremony

Massa Lubrense will host the 52nd Madonnina del Vervece celebration on Sunday, September 13, 2026. This traditional end-of-summer event at the Vervece rock sanctuary is dedicated to the Madonna and honors those who have lost their lives at sea.

Father Enzo Fortunato, a well-known figure from Rai and current communications director for the Basilica of Saint Peter, will officiate the Holy Mass and receive the “Massimo Milone” journalism award.

A central part of the ceremony involves the blessing of stone plaques to be embedded in the rock. This year, the memorial will honor Monica Montefalcone and her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, two divers from Genoa who died in the Maldives, as well as Antonino Pane, a fisherman from Nerano who died at sea. The event begins with embarkation from the Massa Lubrense pier at 10:30 AM.