Festival of Our Lady of Sorrows and Saint Gaspar del Bufalo

A celebration of faith and tradition

In the heart of the Comino Valley, at the foot of the mountains marking the border of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, the village of Campoli Appennino experiences one of the most intense moments of its calendar every year in early September: the Festival of Our Lady of Sorrows and Saint Gaspar del Bufalo. It is a celebration that weaves together religious devotion and community life, drawing not only residents but also many emigrant locals who return for the occasion. The festival is organized by the Parish of S. Andrea Apostolo together with the Festivities Committee, with the support of the Municipality.

Saint Gaspar del Bufalo and Campoli Appennino

The bond between Campoli Appennino and Saint Gaspar del Bufalo dates back to the early 19th century, when the Roman saint, founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, arrived in the village to preach. Since then, the devotion has never waned and was further strengthened in the 20th century: the healing of a young local man, which occurred according to tradition through the saint's intercession, is linked to the path that led to his canonization, proclaimed by Pope Pius XII. Alongside Saint Gaspar, the festival honors Our Lady of Sorrows, whose image is among the most beloved by the community.

The relics and the Missionaries of the Precious Blood

One of the most solemn moments of the festival is the arrival of the relics of Saint Gaspar, accompanied by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, who enliven the days with celebrations, catechesis, and moments of prayer. Their presence renews every year the thread that connects the small Apennine village to the great spiritual history linked to the saint and his congregation.

The nocturnal procession and fireworks

The heart of the festival is the nocturnal procession: the streets of the historic center light up with candles and lamps as the statues are carried on the shoulders of the faithful along a suggestive route, often concluding with a moment of prayer at the Calvary. Crowning the evening are the majestic fireworks, which burst into the sky from the heights of Campoli and are visible throughout much of the Comino Valley, attracting spectators from all the neighboring towns.

The secular program

The religious dimension is accompanied by a secular and convivial side, with days full of events in the square:

• Band and orchestra concerts, featuring traditional Italian and Southern musical repertoires;
• Evening entertainment shows in the square;
• Illuminations that light up the village;
• Stalls and convivial moments that bring the town center to life.

The festival thus becomes an opportunity for the entire community to meet, amidst faith, music, and tradition.

Campoli Appennino and the Comino Valley

Campoli Appennino is a small municipality in the province of Frosinone, in south-eastern Lazio, also known for its characteristic natural environment, among karst sinkholes and forests on the edge of the National Park. Visiting the village during the festival means discovering an authentic corner of the Ciociaria and the Comino Valley, where religious traditions are still deeply alive and the community preserves them with pride from generation to generation.