San Michele to hold traditional barefoot procession on August 15

The traditional barefoot procession of San Michele will take place on Saturday, August 15. The event begins at 6:00 AM with a gathering at the parish church, followed by a barefoot walk and the recitation of the Rosary at the Oratory of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto in Riobellizzo.

The procession will conclude with a return to the village and an outdoor Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption at the Rocca parish area, presided over by Mons. Giovanni Rossi, Vicar General of the Diocese of Reggio Emilia and Guastalla.

The tradition dates back to 1855, when a cholera outbreak caused 32 deaths in San Michele. In response to the epidemic, the then-parish priest, Don Antonio Pensieri, organized a penitential procession to honor the Virgin Mary. Following a second procession in September 1855, the cholera outbreak ceased, leading the community to maintain this annual tradition to this day.