DSC01434500 Years of Franciscan Presence in Mota di Livenza, Italy
On March 9, 2010, the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of our Lady of the Miracles to a peasant named Giovanni Cigana was celebrated in the city of Mota di Livenza, Italy, where it took place in 1510. Since then, the shrine has been run by the Friars Minor of the Venetian Province who were called upon to hear confessions, a ministry which continues to be carried out faithfully to this day. The shrine is well attended by many pilgrims who draw close to the Sacrament of Penance in great number. This centenary took three years of preparation through the “Peregrinatio Mariae” (i.e. pilgrimage of the image of our Lady) to all the Parishes of the Diocese. During the night of March 8-9, a prayer vigil was held and animated at each hour by a Parish of the area. At 6AM, the Minister General OFM Br. José Rodriguez Carballo, accompanied by the Definitor General Br. Vincenzo Brocanelli presided over a solemn celebration of the Eucharist attended by many Friars, the Clergy, and many pilgrims. At the conclusion of the Eucharistic concelebration, the Minister General blessed a stone recalling the apparitions as well as the presence of the Friars there for the past 500 years. (homily in italian)