Honouring
Mary Immaculate at Venafro Friary, Italy December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of
Blessed Virgin Mary, is a special day for us Capuchin Fathers,
because Mary Immaculate is considered as the patroness of our Order.
On this day, in Rome, at a junction called Piazza Spagna, Pope
Francis honours Mary Immaculate by placing a wreath on the statue of
Blessed Virgin Mary situated at the top of a column of about 20
meters high. A similar event took place at our Capuchin Shrine of
San Nicandro at Venafro, Italy. After the Holy Mass at 10.30 am., we
friars, along with the Mayer of the town and the people had a short
prayer service in front of the church. Then the fire brigade placed
a wreath of flowers at the statue of Mary Immaculate situated at the
top of the belfry which is about 35 meters of height. – Fr. J. B.
Sequeira, Capuchin.
