Today the Italian region of Piemonte came on pilgrimage to honor the patron saint of Italy, Saint Francis. Each year, a different region presents the oil that will burn at the tomb of the saint. The Archbishop of Turin, Cesare Nosiglia, celebrated the 10am Mass at the Upper Basilica and the Mayor of Turin, Chiara Appendino, presented the oil, asking for it to be blessed.
After Mass, various authorities addressed the crowd from a balcony, including the Mayor of Assisi as well as the Bishop.
The memory of Francis continues to inspire Italians and the world to seek peace and to respect God’s creation. As we all know, Francis inspired not only our current Pope’s name, but the tone of his pontificate. Rumor has it that Pope Francis will make an unannounced visit to the Sacro Convento this afternoon for Solemn Vespers. He unexpectedly left Rome this morning by car to visit the area damaged by the earthquake last month, primarily the town of Amatrice. On his way back, he may stop by to pray at the tomb of Francis.
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us.
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