The Secretary General of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Msgr. Stefano Russo, replied to the note with which the President and the National Secretary of the ANA, Ivano Zonetti and Marrigo Rosato, had represented the serious situation created in Italy to about 60.000 street vendors who they are still stuck in their business due to the suspension of fairs, festivals and religious events.
The Secretary of the CEI, in expressing "Proximity to the many workers represented by the National Association of Street Vendors" it does not fail to go into the specifics of the problems that thousands of Italian families are experiencing with the crisis that followed the pandemic.
The important message of the CEI is addressed not only to the ANA and its associated street vendors, but constitutes a real formal act of reminder both towards the Bishops and the Dioceses - who are reminded that "since few days" decisions have been made "In dialogue with the competent state authorities" for the development of the processions, and can be a stimulus for the resumption of fairs and patronal festivals, which we hope for "The return to full normal"although the organization is delegated to the Municipalities.
We recall, in fact, that after the Lazio Region - which in its Guidelines had already given the possibility to carry out Fairs and Festivals - in these days also the Regions of Puglia and Campania have unblocked these activities.
In Calabria, the San Pietro and Paolo Fair in Lamezia Terme has already taken place - the first in Italy - and the Carafe Fair in Catanzaro has already been authorized.
We therefore hope that the authoritative message of the CEI Secretary General will be collected by all the Mayors to organize the traditional Fairs and Festivals throughout Italy and lower Lazio, including that of the Madonna della Civita, in Itri, S. Rocco and Madonna del Colle in Lenola, of S. Onorato a Fondi and numerous others in all the Municipalities.
