Pianura celebrates Saint Justin Maria Russolillo: a week of faith, music, and culture.

The Sanctuary of San Giustino Maria Russolillo, in the heart of Pianura, experienced a week of intense spirituality and celebration during the solemn celebrations dedicated to the Apostle of Vocations. Thousands of faithful and pilgrims from all over Italy and abroad took part in the celebrations, filling the neighborhood with prayer, devotion, and community participation. The program was rich and varied, alternating moments of prayer and reflection with musical and theatrical performances, in an atmosphere of profound joy that united different generations and sensibilities. The celebrations began on Wednesday, July 30, with the solemn triduum at the parish of Santa Famiglia. The Holy Mass was presided over by His Excellency the Most Reverend Angelo Spinello, Bishop of Aversa, who in his homily evoked the mission of Saint Justin with moving words, inviting the faithful to be guided by the spirit of vocation and to live their faith with courage and consistency. The atmosphere of intense spirituality was supported by the singing of the Altavilla Silentina inter-parish choir. At the conclusion of the celebration, the Diaconal Ordinations took place, a deeply moving moment for the entire community. The evening continued with theater: the "L'Altra Scena" company performed a lively one-act comedy by Antonio Petito, directed by Giorgio Pacileo. The initiative was meticulously curated by the president of the celebrations committee, Father Giuseppe Fasano. He ensured that every moment was lived in a spirit of spirituality, involving the Friends of Don Giustino and numerous volunteers who, under his guidance, collaborated with commitment and dedication to ensure everything ran smoothly. They transformed the Sanctuary's forecourt into a true stage for art, culture, and spirituality. On Thursday, July 31st, Holy Mass was presided over by His Excellency the Most Reverend Pasquale Cascio, Bishop of Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, accompanied by the Casella in Pittari choir. In the evening, the audience was captivated by the energy and rhythm of the band "Astonauti," which enlivened the churchyard with a well-attended concert. The most anticipated moment occurred on Friday, August 1st, with the traditional procession of the statue of Saint Justin Maria Russolillo through the streets of Pianura. The procession, opened by the "Città di Bari" marching band and flag-wavers, led the procession. At the head of the procession were the Father General of the Vocationists, Father Ciro Sarnataro, representing the Vocationist family worldwide, and Father Antonio Coluccia, with the Mother General of the Vocationist Sisters, Mother Maria Chiara Vitale. Also present were the institutions, including the President of the Municipality of Pianura and Soccavo, Andrea Saggiomo, and councilors Giorgio Birra and Agostino Romano, representing the entire Pianura community. The procession passed through the neighborhood streets, bringing the Saint's greeting to the entire community. From the balconies, decorated with white sheets in honor of their saint from Pianura, the faithful, amid applause and emotion, shouted 'Long live Saint Justin!' while throwing rose petals, creating an atmosphere of intense devotion and profound spirituality. It was a gesture charged with meaning, which ideally brought the founder of the Vocationists back to his people. At the conclusion of the procession, Holy Mass was celebrated by His Excellency the Most Reverend Gennaro Passarella, Bishop Emeritus of Pozzuoli and Ischia, with the participation of the San Marzano sul Sarno choir. The evening concluded with another theatrical performance: the "I Giovani dell'Altra Scena" company performed one of Eduardo De Filippo's masterpieces, "Filumena Marturano," directed by Francesco Sansone, to rapturous applause. Making this festive week even more special were the numerous musical events: the concert by Consiglia Morone, whose intense voice provided a journey through Neapolitan musical tradition; the performance by the Agerola Folk Group, who brought the joy and colors of Campania's popular culture to the stage; and the eagerly awaited concert by Il Giardino dei Semplici, who thrilled the audience with their most famous songs. The celebrations culminated on Saturday, August 2nd. From the early hours of the morning, the Shrine welcomed the faithful with several Eucharistic celebrations at 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12, followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary led by the Vocationist Sisters. In the afternoon, the solemn Mass was presided over by Father Ciro Sarnataro SDV, Superior General of the Congregation of the Vocationists, accompanied by the "Divine Vocations" choir. The religious celebration will be streamed live on Caprievent.TV, connecting with all the Vocationist houses worldwide. It was a moment of profound spiritual involvement, enriched by the beautiful homily of Father Ciro Sarnataro, who retraced the life of Saint Justin and invited the faithful to follow his example. Closing out the week, a charity raffle and a fireworks display will light up the skies above Pianura, joyfully greeting the faithful and thanking them for their great turnout. A special applause goes to the Organizing Committee and the Friends of Don Giustino Committee, to the Vocationist Fathers and to all the volunteers who, with passion and dedication, contributed to the success of this edition. Once again, the celebrations in honor of Saint Justin Maria Russolillo successfully combined faith, tradition, and culture, leaving a profound mark on the hearts of all who attended.

MO