Commemoration of the Arrival of the Relics of Saint Fortunata

A memory spanning over two centuries

Every year, around February 14, the village of Baucina, perched at an altitude of 550 meters in the hinterland of the Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily, gathers to commemorate an event that shaped its history: the arrival of the relics of Saint Fortunata, virgin and martyr, which arrived from Rome on February 14, 1790. This winter commemoration is distinct from the major patronal feast in September and preserves the original religious significance tied to the translation of the sacred body.

The history of the translation

The saint's remains were taken from the catacombs of Saint Ciriaca in Rome and transported to Baucina by the Pontifical Militia, following the Papal Bull of January 29, 1790. Local tradition recounts that the first miracle occurred during the arrival procession, benefiting the ninety-year-old master Nicasio Zingari. Saint Fortunata was proclaimed co-patron of the town in 1870, and since then, she has been the object of deep and uninterrupted devotion.

The historical pageant and the flight of the angels

In 1891, for the centenary of the translation, the Vicar Forane Don Pietro Traina organized a figurative procession for the first time, representing the life and martyrdom of the saint through twelve groups of characters in Roman-era attire; for the occasion, he also composed the hymn «Sposa Eletta» (Chosen Bride). Since then, in the most solemn editions, the historical pageant precedes the procession of the artistic vara that houses the relics. The most anticipated moment is the flight of the angels: two young girls dressed in white, suspended by a rope above the float, recite poems in honor of the martyr.

A festival of faith and community

The February commemoration is first and foremost a spiritual journey: it consists of an octave of prayer, during which a different priest leads the Eucharistic Celebration each day, culminating in the solemnity of February 14. The candlelight procession starting from Via 14 Febbraio 1790, the blessing of children baptized during the year, and the blessing of couples celebrating wedding anniversaries make this event a moment of strong cohesion for the small Baucina community. For those unable to attend, the celebrations are broadcast via live streaming on the Confraternity's official channels.