Historical Re-enactment of the Translation of Saint Berardo

The Translation of Saint Berardo in Pescina

In the municipality of Pescina, in the province of L'Aquila, in the heart of the Abruzzo Marsica, the Historical Re-enactment of the Translation of Saint Berardo is one of the most anticipated and well-attended events on the local calendar. The event is part of the broader festivities in honor of Saint Berardo of the Marsi, patron of the entire Marsica region, and represents its central historical and devotional moment.

The history of Saint Berardo of the Marsi

Berardo Berardi (1079-1130) was a cardinal and bishop of the Marsi, born in Colli di Monte Bove, and a close collaborator of Pope Paschal II. Upon his death, he became the patron and protector of the Marsican territory. His remains underwent two historical translations: in 1361, the body was brought to the church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Pescina, later renamed the church of San Berardo; in 1631, the relics were definitively transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where they still rest today. It is precisely this passage, from the ancient episcopal seat of San Benedetto dei Marsi (the ancient Civitas Marsorum) to the new cathedral of Pescina, that the re-enactment brings to life every year.

How the re-enactment unfolds

The heart of the re-enactment is the historical pageant that symbolically brings the saint's urn back from San Benedetto dei Marsi to Pescina. The day before, the relics are taken to San Benedetto; then, in a evocative procession, the communities of Marruvium and Pescina set off along the road connecting the two towns. The two communities, with their respective administrators, meet at Parco Barbati "Aereo" at the gates of the city, for a moment of institutional greeting and shared prayer. From there, the procession continues to the Co-cathedral of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where it concludes with a prayer to the patron saint and the reading of the Saint's Testament. The emotion of the faithful upon the arrival of the relics is traditionally one of the most intense moments of the entire event.

A festival of two communities

What makes this re-enactment special is the bond between two neighboring towns in the Marsica, Pescina and San Benedetto dei Marsi, united by the figure of the saint and the memory of the ancient diocese. This is not a show for tourists, but a participatory rite involving entire families, confraternities, and local administrations. Those visiting Pescina during these days will find a town in celebration, immersed in an atmosphere of deep spirituality and pride in identity, typical of Abruzzo's popular traditions.

In the heart of the patronal festivities

The Translation is part of a rich program of festivities that, every year, accompanies the faithful, citizens, and visitors for several days between late April and early May, alternating spirituality, history, music, and popular participation. Around the re-enactment, solemn Eucharistic celebrations, processions with the bust of the saint, shows, and concerts take place, enlivening the squares of Pescina, the birthplace of the poet Ignazio Silone.