Ragusa begins festivities for patron saint San Giovanni Battista

The city of Ragusa has begun solemn festivities in honor of its patron saint, San Giovanni Battista. The celebrations officially commenced on Wednesday, August 19, at the Cathedral, marked by the opening of the niche and the translation of the saint's simulacrum to the left arm of the transept.

The Eucharistic celebration was led by parish priest Canon Giuseppe Burrafato. During the ceremony, Carmelo Gatto and Adriano Guarino were blessed as new bearers of the saint's fercolo, joining the historical group of community servers.

A solemn novena is scheduled to continue until August 28, featuring daily prayer, sacred music, and liturgical celebrations. The religious relics are scheduled to be moved to the San Pio X parish on August 20 for prayer sessions with local elderly residents, followed by a visit to the Santa Maria Ausiliatrice parish on August 21.

Bishop Giuseppe La Placa issued a message to the diocese, emphasizing the spiritual and civic importance of the feast, calling on the community to build a more just and fraternal city inspired by the figure of the Baptist.