Feast of Our Lady of Light
Isernia's devotion to the Marian icon kept in the Cathedral
About Our Lady of Light Isernia
An Icon of Light in the Heart of Isernia
Every year on May 10th, the community of Isernia, the capital of Molise, celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Light, dedicated to the revered Marian icon preserved in the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle. The image, a copy of a 16th-century icon, has been an object of particular devotion for the Pentro city for centuries.
A Day of Prayer
The feast is part of the broader Marian month of May and includes several holy masses throughout the day. The most anticipated moment is the torchlight procession of the Via Lucis, a procession of lights that crosses the city to the Cathedral, symbolizing the Virgin illuminating the path of the faithful.
Vigil with the Akathistos Hymn
Devotion begins the evening before, on May 9th, with the solemn celebration of the Akathistos Hymn in honor of the Virgin of Light, an ancient Byzantine hymn that intertwines Isernia's Marian spirituality with Eastern tradition.
A City Tradition
The feast is promoted by the Parish Cathedral of Isernia and involves the confraternities and faithful of the Diocese of Isernia-Venafro, confirming it as one of the most heartfelt events in the spring religious calendar of the Molise capital.
Our Lady of Light Isernia — edition 2026
The Feast of Our Lady of Light 2026 takes place in Isernia on Sunday, May 10th, within the Marian month. The day includes three holy masses in the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle (10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:30 PM) and culminates in the afternoon with the Via Lucis torchlight procession towards the Cathedral.
Devotion begins the evening before, on Saturday, May 9th, with the celebration of the Akathistos Hymn for the Virgin of Light at 6:00 PM.
Programme Our Lady of Light Isernia 2026
Saturday, May 9th — Vigil
- 6:00 PM — Celebration of the Akathistos Hymn for the Virgin of Light (Cathedral)
Sunday, May 10th — Feast of Our Lady of Light
- 10:30 AM — Holy Mass
- 12:00 PM — Holy Mass
- 5:00 PM — Via Lucis torchlight procession towards the Cathedral
- 6:30 PM — Holy Mass
Highlights Our Lady of Light Isernia 2026
The Via Lucis torchlight procession towards the Cathedral; the celebration of the Akathistos Hymn on the vigil.
Prices Our Lady of Light Isernia 2026
Practical information — Our Lady of Light Isernia
How to Get There
The Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle is located in the historic center of Isernia, reachable on foot from the main city squares. Isernia is connected by car via the SS17 and SS650 Trignina and by train on the Rome-Campobasso-Isernia line.
Tips
The celebrations are open to all and free. For updated schedules, it is advisable to consult the website of the Cathedral of Isernia.
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Where does it take place — Our Lady of Light Isernia
Cattedrale di San Pietro Apostolo
Cattedrale di San Pietro Apostolo, 86170 Isernia