Religious recognition for Torremaggiore and Trani in Italy

The Italian town of Torremaggiore has been officially proclaimed a ‘Civitas Mariae’ by Bishop Giuseppe Mengoli of the Diocese of San Severo. The decree, signed on October 23, 2026, coincides with the 43rd anniversary of the coronation of Maria Santissima della Fontana. This ecclesiastical title recognizes the city's long-standing Marian devotion, which includes various local traditions and historical ties to the Benedictine edicola.

In Trani, celebrations are ongoing to mark the 50th anniversary of the coronation of the Immaculate Mary. The local Archconfraternity is organizing events, including conferences featuring Monsignor Saverio Pellegrino and Professor Maurizio Di Reda, to discuss the city's historical connection to the Virgin Mary, stemming from a 1656 vow made during a plague outbreak.