2 October 2019, the rain stops and Gavignano renews the vote to the "Mother of Graces"

(by Emanuela Ricci) After an incessant rain, in a surreal atmosphere Gavignano renewed his vow to the Madonna delle Grazie. A tradition that has lasted for 340 years. In the summer of 1678 a severe plague struck the population causing many deaths. The Gavignanesi as a last act, now resigned, turned to the wooden picture of the Madonna delle Grazie invoking help and protection. The plea was granted on October 3, 1679, the contagion suddenly ceased. The population, gathered in front of the image of the Blessed Virgin in the Church of San Rocco, pronounced the solemn vow to celebrate the feast of the Madonna on October 3 of each year, invoked with the significant title "Mother of Grace".

The town is always in turmoil, yet the ritual has been repeated for almost 350 years. Too much is the feeling of gratitude that entire generations have been handed down from father to son. The emotion is palpable in the small town, the women adorn the balconies with precious fabrics in the colors of the Madonna, white and blue. There are hundreds of small colored lights that indicate the path of the procession.

Gavignano stops and turns into a unique religious choir, it seems that time stops. The background of the musical band is often interrupted by “Evviva Maria Santissima”, this is the phrase that everyone intones both in the church and during the procession. Very suggestive is the moment when the statue of the Madonna delle Grazie descends from the altar of the church towards the faithful, sliding on two sturdy wooden planks, expertly positioned. Immediately after, the procession begins followed by thousands of faithful who flock to it from all the neighboring countries, from Rome and from many other parts of Italy. Before the start of the procession, when the statue is now on the shoulders of the faithful who will carry it, many are those who approach the statue of the Madonna with shining eyes, caress it and give it dear objects, as a sign of gratitude.

The religious celebration ended with the fireworks that lit up the whole of Gavignano in the presence of the new mayor Ivan Ferrari, the political, religious and military authorities of the neighboring municipalities.

2 October 2019, the rain stops and Gavignano renews the vote to the "Mother of Graces"

| RM 30 |