Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua
The feast of the co-patron saint along the two-kilometer stretch of Via Umberto I
About Saint Anthony in Roccalumera
A feast that spans the entire seafront
The Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is the most heartfelt devotional event in Roccalumera, a town in the Province of Messina on the Ionian coast of Sicily. Saint Anthony is venerated here as the town's co-patron, and his feast, which culminates on June 13th, involves the entire seaside community, bringing together locals, returning emigrants, and faithful from neighboring towns.
The Sanctuary and the origins of the cult
The heart of the festivities is the Sanctuary of Saint Anthony of Padua, located along the historic Via Consolare Valeria (now Via Nazionale). The Antonian cult in Roccalumera dates back to the early 20th century: in 1913, Father Francesco Maria di Francia purchased a statue of the Saint, placing the orphanage managed by the Capuchin Sisters of the Sacred Heart under his protection. The church, built between 1926 and 1933, was elevated to a diocesan sanctuary in 1982. It is to these religious sisters that the care of the cult and the organization of the liturgical aspects of the feast are still entrusted today.
The 'Tredicina' and the Eve
The festivities open with the tredicina, thirteen days of prayer that begin on May 31st with vespers, the rosary, and evening Eucharistic celebrations. The evening of the eve, June 12th, is dedicated to the little ones: the blessing of the children, their votive garments, and the bread of Saint Anthony—an ancient tradition linked to charity for the poor—takes place at the Capuchin Sisters' sanctuary.
June 13th: Masses and Procession
The feast day begins with a sequence of holy masses from the early hours of the morning. In the afternoon, a solemn Eucharistic celebration precedes the most anticipated moment: the procession of the venerated statue of Saint Anthony, which travels the more than two kilometers of Via Umberto I (the SS114 state road), crossing the entire town. As the Saint passes, the streets fill with the faithful, while a brass band accompanies the pageant. The day concludes with the characteristic raffle of the thirteen gifts and secular celebrations.
Faith and community
The Roccalumera feast is both a religious rite and a moment of identity: for the occasion, traffic along the main road is diverted, and the entire seafront is decorated with lights and stalls. The Antonian motto, "If you seek miracles, turn to Saint Anthony," summarizes the spirit of a popular devotion that is renewed every year among the houses overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Useful information
- Municipality: Roccalumera (Province of Messina, Sicily)
- Location: Sanctuary of Saint Anthony of Padua, Corso Umberto I 515
- Period: Tredicina from May 31st, Eve on June 12th, Feast on June 13th
- Admission: Free
Saint Anthony in Roccalumera — edition 2026
The 2026 Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua in Roccalumera was celebrated on June 12th and 13th, concluding the thirteen-day preparation period that began on May 31st at the Sanctuary of Saint Anthony. On June 12th, the eve of the feast, the blessing of children, votive garments, and the traditional Saint Anthony bread took place. On June 13th, the day of the co-patron, morning masses preceded the solemn Eucharistic celebration in the afternoon and the procession of the venerated statue along the more than two kilometers of Via Umberto I, accompanied by the brass band. The day concluded with the raffle of the thirteen gifts and secular festivities along the seafront.
Programme Saint Anthony in Roccalumera 2026
- From May 31st: Tredicina with vespers, rosary, and Eucharistic celebrations
- June 12th (Eve): Blessing of children, votive garments, and Saint Anthony's bread
- June 13th: Holy masses from the morning; in the afternoon, solemn Eucharistic celebration and procession of the statue along Via Umberto I; raffle of the thirteen gifts
Highlights Saint Anthony in Roccalumera 2026
- Procession of the statue along more than 2 km of Via Umberto I
- Blessing of Saint Anthony's bread and children
- Raffle of the thirteen gifts
- Accompaniment by the brass band
Prices Saint Anthony in Roccalumera 2026
Practical information — Saint Anthony in Roccalumera
How to get there
Roccalumera is located on the Ionian coast of Messina, along the SS114. By train, the Roccalumera-Mandanici station is on the Messina-Catania line. By car, take the A18 Messina-Catania motorway exit at Roccalumera. The sanctuary is on Corso Umberto I (Via Nazionale).
Traffic during the procession
On June 13th, from the afternoon until night, traffic is prohibited on the stretch of the main road affected by the procession (excluding emergency vehicles). It is recommended to park on side streets.
Costs
Participation in the celebrations and the procession is free.
Contacts
Phone: +39 0942 744950 (Municipality of Roccalumera).
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Where does it take place — Saint Anthony in Roccalumera
Santuario di Sant'Antonio di Padova
Corso Umberto I, 515, 98027 Roccalumera