Presentation of the “Candelora della Pace” Award

The Association "Ideals of Justice and Truth APS" gave birth to “Candlemas of Peace” Award which joins the other Agatha prizes, such as the Golden Candlemas.
The event took place on August 18th on the occasion of the anniversary of translation of the relics of Saint Agatha, canceled this year due to the pandemic.
The association is inspired by the example of Saint Agatha and the principles of magistrates.

“Candlemas of Peace” Award

Last Tuesday inside the council chamber of Palace of the Elephants of Catania, a very rich day was celebrated which saw numerous personalities awarded. Those belonging to the ecclesiastical, political, cultural, business and musical fields stand out, in the presence of the highest civil, military and religious authorities, together with the associationioni agatineThe conference was well attended and filled with emotion, devotion, and testimonies of faith.

The Candelora della Pace Award is a recognition for all those who, in various fields, dedicate themselves to the implementation of the values promulgated by the Association "Ideali di Giustizia e Verità APS" — The Candelora della Pace Award is a recognition for all those who, in various fields, dedicate themselves to the implementation of the values promulgated by the Association “Ideals of Justice and Truth APS” Photo: Serena Surdo

The occasion arises for the delivery of the "Candlemas of Peace", a cultural award that, year after year, becomes increasingly prestigious thanks to the values it embodies. From the cultural and social promotion of local communities to the names of the winners.

The Winners

Those who received the award are: Monsignor Barbaro Scionti, Monsignor Gianni Lanzafame, Monsignor Giovanni Mammino e Sister Maria Trigila. Following, Father Nino Nicolosi, Giuseppe Castiglione, president of the Municipal Council, Riccardo Tomasello, president of the Agatino Committee. The Deputy Prefect Rosaria Giuffrè, Lucrezia Dragonetto, spokesperson for the Metropolitan City, Marcello Proietto by Silvestro, president of Ristoworld Italy. Among others, Natale Spolverino, Andrea Finocchiaro, Emiliano Abramo, Giuseppe Blandini, Angelo Carbone.

The plaque depicting the "Candelora della Pace" Award was presented on Tuesday, August 18, inside Palazzo degli Elefanti to individuals who have distinguished themselves for the values that the Association, chaired by Dr. Privitera, has successfully promoted for years. — The plaque depicting the "Candelora della Pace" Award, presented on Tuesday, August 18, inside Palazzo degli Elefanti to individuals who have distinguished themselves for the values that the Association, chaired by Dr. Privitera, has successfully promoted for years. Photo by Sabrina Portale

Other winners

Other names are those of John Grasso, president of the Seventh Permanent Commission on Culture and Tourism, John Montemaggiore, the professor Carmelo Giuffrida. Giovanni Magrì, Cinzia Giuffrida, and Giusi Sanfilippo. Ugo Longobardo, Ugo Tomaselli, the businessman Alfredo Vaccalluzzo, the journalist Giacomo Glaviano, Gianluca Interrante. Daniela Randazzo, president of the provincial Fidapa and head of the Vista Area of the Lions Club, District 108YB Sicily. The mayor of Nicolosi and the deputy mayor of Aci Castello presented the awards, along with the promoter.

Most touching moments of the demonstration

Many moments embellished the event, the distribution of white roses and the illustration of the Chef Natale Spolverino of recipe for the dessert dedicated to St. Agatha. Thethe “sweet Candlemas”, created in collaboration with the Pastry Chef Dino Catalano and with the Chef Cooking Bruno Di GuardoThis is a composition featuring a white dove, next to a candle full of colorful flowers. Touching and exciting, the Candlemas prayer, recited by the actor Puccio Signorino and by the young Anastasia Bonaccorso, the musical intervention of the tenor Peter Di Paola.

The wonderful drawing depicting the Saint, the Candelora, and the city that entrusts itself entirely to Agata, is the work of Carmen Privitera, who also presented and donated her new book to the city as part of the "Candelora della Pace Award" event. — The beautiful drawing depicting the Saint, the Candelora, and the city that completely entrusts itself to Agata, is by Carmen Privitera, who also presented and donated her new book to the city as part of the "Candelora della Pace" award. Photo by Sabrina Portale

The rich event concluded with the gift of drawings depicting the Saint. These underline the connection with the candelore (which bind the people of Catania to Agatha) and the city of Catania which entrusts itself entirely to her. The memory-tribute to the Saint is a must. Commander Maina.

“The Candelore seduce the Heart of Saint Agatha“

Carmen Privitera, president of the Association and founder of the Award has dedicated to the memory of Monsignor Zito, recently passed away, the book which features the wonderful Candelore and the Prize itself.

This is a text distributed by thePublisher Cavinato International, with unpublished photos of Mario Cacciola and donated to the City of Catania. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be used for the restoration of some of the historic candlestick and to support the Community of Sant'Egidio. With this work we aim to immerse the reader in that magical atmosphere that is created during the Agatha's celebrationsThe publication, released during the quarantine period, is enriched by exceptional reviews and critical notes that highlight the cultural significance of the project.
The author also wrote the St. Agatha TrilogyA collection of unpublished prayers, in Italian and in the Catania dialect, presented to Palace Platamone last year.

This is an important contribution from the Association and the award. It enriches this celebration, which is soon destined to become a festival, with emotion and testimonies of faith and devotion. World Heritage Site.