Praiano celebrates patron saint San Luca with historic statue meeting

The coastal community of Praiano, Italy, is celebrating its patron saint, San Luca Evangelista, with a series of religious festivities. The celebrations include a novena that began on October 8, followed by the exhibition of a silver statue of the saint on Saturday, October 17.

A significant historical moment occurred when the statues of San Luca and San Gennaro met at the church of Vettica Maggiore, marking the first time the two figures have been reunited in 25 years. This event is described as a symbolic embrace of the town's religious and civic identity.

The festivities culminate on Sunday, October 18, with a solemn Mass at 10:30 presided over by Don Mario Masullo. The program includes a traditional ceremony where a candle is presented to the Mayor of Praiano, followed by a major patronal procession through the streets starting at 17:00.