Anniversary of the Apparitions — Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows
The pilgrimage of March 22nd to the Sanctuary of Castelpetroso
About Apparitions of Our Lady of Sorrows
The Apparitions of 1888
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows in Castelpetroso, in the province of Isernia, stands on the site where, on March 22, 1888, two young shepherdesses had a vision of Our Lady of Sorrows. Since then, every year, the anniversary of the Apparitions draws thousands of pilgrims from all over Molise and beyond, in one of the most significant religious events in the region. The Minor Basilica, in neo-Gothic style, is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Central-Southern Italy.
The Vigil and the Anniversary Day
The celebrations are spread over two days. The vigil (March 21st) culminates with Eucharistic adoration, a solemn Mass, and a evocative torchlight procession towards the site of the Apparitions. On March 22nd, the anniversary day, the Sanctuary welcomes pilgrims from the morning with Masses and the solemn Pontifical Mass presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Campobasso-Bojano, followed in the afternoon by the Via Matris and concluding celebrations.
A Growing Sanctuary
In 2026, the Sanctuary launched a strategic plan for opening to Italian and European pilgrimage, confirming the vitality of a place of faith that, since 1888, continues to illuminate the spiritual path of Molise. The feast represents a central moment for the community of Castelpetroso and for the entire Region.
Apparitions of Our Lady of Sorrows — edition 2026
In 2026, the 138th anniversary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Sorrows in Castelpetroso (March 22, 1888) was commemorated. The celebrations, opened by the traditional Septenary, attracted thousands of pilgrims to the Sanctuary. The vigil on March 21st culminated with Eucharistic adoration, a solemn Mass, and the torchlight procession to the site of the Apparitions.
On March 22nd, the Sanctuary welcomed the faithful from the morning, with the solemn Pontifical Mass at 11:30 AM presided over by Msgr. Biagio Colaianni, Metropolitan Archbishop of Campobasso-Bojano, and the concluding celebration in the afternoon. In 2026, the Sanctuary also launched a strategic plan for opening to Italian and European pilgrimage.
Programme Apparitions of Our Lady of Sorrows 2026
Vigil — Saturday, March 21, 2026
- 4:00 PM — Eucharistic adoration
- 5:00 PM — Solemn Mass
- 6:30 PM — Torchlight procession to the site of the Apparitions, led by Don Salvatore Lombardi
Anniversary — Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Morning Masses (8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM)
- 11:30 AM — Pontifical Mass presided over by Msgr. Biagio Colaianni, Metropolitan Archbishop of Campobasso-Bojano
- 3:30 PM — Via Matris
- Afternoon (5:00 PM) — Concluding celebration
The celebrations are preceded by the traditional Septenary, held daily at 4:00 PM with Holy Mass animated by local parishes.
Highlights Apparitions of Our Lady of Sorrows 2026
Prices Apparitions of Our Lady of Sorrows 2026
Practical information — Apparitions of Our Lady of Sorrows
How to get there
The Sanctuary of Castelpetroso can be reached by car from the Isernia area and the SS17; ample parking is available near the Basilica.
When
Vigil on March 21st, anniversary on March 22nd. The Septenary precedes the celebrations.
Admission
Celebrations and pilgrimage with free admission.
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Where does it take place — Apparitions of Our Lady of Sorrows
Basilica Minore Santuario dell'Addolorata, Castelpetroso
Santuario dell'Addolorata, 86090 Castelpetroso