# Saint Agatha relic anniversary in Catania > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/saint-agatha-relic-anniversary-in-catania > Updated: 2026-08-21T02:17:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Catania, Sicily, held religious ceremonies to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the return of Saint Agatha’s relics to the city. The event honored the historical tradition of the remains being returned to Sicily on August 17, 1126, after being taken to Constantinople by the Byzantines in the 11th century. During the commemorations, Archbishop Luigi Renna was filmed kissing the saint’s nearly 2,000-year-old skull before it was placed inside a bust. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, presided over the mass and crowned the bust. In his homily, Parolin framed the martyrdom of Saint Agatha as a symbol of freedom and responsibility. The celebrations also involved Catania Mayor Enrico Trantino, who kissed the saint’s skull at the invitation of the Archbishop. This gesture drew criticism from the UAAR, which characterized the act as a “shameful surrender to necrophilic superstition and tribal rites.” Supporters of the mayor defended the action as an expression of religious freedom and cultural identity. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Catania holds ceremony for 900th anniversary of Saint Agatha's relics Catholic leaders in Catania, Italy, held a ceremony to mark the 900th anniversary of the return of Saint Agatha's relics, featuring the placement of her skull into a ceremonial bust. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catania-holds-ceremony-for-900th-anniversary-of-saint-agathas-relics ### 2026-08-18: Catania celebrates 900th anniversary of Saint Agatha's relics Catania celebrated the 900th anniversary of Saint Agatha's relics. Mayor Enrico Trantino's ritual kissing of the relic sparked debate between critics of superstition and defenders of religious identity. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catania-celebrates-900th-anniversary-of-saint-agathas-relics --- Cite as: Saint Agatha relic anniversary in Catania. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/saint-agatha-relic-anniversary-in-catania