Today, December 8, Pope Francis pays homage to the Immaculate Conception at the foot of the stele in Piazza di Spagna. An act of veneration much awaited by the faithful and which in these two years of the pandemic had been forced to stop due to the health emergency.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
In the afternoon Papa Francesco it will be in the famous square as a sign of great and profound deference to the Virgin. As per tradition, the Romans will make a pilgrimage throughout the day to the foot of the stele to pray and meditate in the presence of the Mother of God. The first devotees will be the firefighters who, like every year, will represent the 220 colleagues who on 8 December of 1857 inaugurated the monument. According to a press release released by the Vatican, the Holy Father will be welcomed by the cardinal vicar, Angelo De Donatis, and by civil authorities. Pope Francis will gather to pray in front of the monument dedicated to Madonna and will lay a wreath of flowers. Throughout the day the floral tributes will be incessant: a large perfumed garden at the foot of the 12-metre high column designed by the architect Luigi Poletti. Column, at the head of which stands the bronze statue of the Immaculate created by the sculptor Giuseppe Obici.
The devotion of the Romans
In the morning, the homage of the Corps of the Vatican Gendarmerie, with the musical band performing a hymn to the Madonna. Afterwards there will be a large procession of workers from the most important Roman companies, including municipal companies. From 6 and throughout the day, the Friars Minor Conventual of the basilica of the Santi XII Apostoli will welcome the faithful, sing songs and be available for confessions. It should also be noted that in the Basilica of the Holy XII Apostles the oldest novena to the Immaculate Conception in Rome is held. Numerous prelates presided over the various liturgies during the days of the novena. Today, December 8, the rite will be presided over cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, in the presence of ambassadors accredited to the Holy See.
(Photo archive italiani.it)
