Patronal Feast of Saint Adam the Abbot
The feast of Guglionesi's patron saint, between age-old faith, procession, and major concerts
About Saint Adam the Abbot
Over nine centuries of devotion
Guglionesi, a village in the province of Campobasso (Molise) overlooking the Biferno valley a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, celebrates its patron saint, Saint Adam the Abbot, in early June. It is one of the oldest and most cherished religious solemnities in Lower Molise, preserved by the community for over nine centuries and organized by the Parish of Santa Maria Maggiore together with the Municipality and the Patronal Festivities Committee.
The rites of the feast
The solemnity begins with the preparatory triduum and unfolds over several days. Among the central moments are the pilgrimage of the "Little pilgrims of hope" to the Spring of Saint Adam, the Mass in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and, above all, the solemn procession with the saint's triumphal chariot through the village streets. Alongside the religious rites, the festival annually offers entertainment and free concerts that attract Guglionesi expatriates back to the town.
The 140th anniversary of the reliquary bust
2026 is a particularly significant year: it marks the 140th anniversary of the pontifical blessing of the reliquary bust of Saint Adam (1886-2026). On May 20, 2026, the bust was brought to Rome and blessed by Pope Leo XIV. The anniversary is also celebrated with the 140th re-enactment of the Third Translation of the Relics and with a special philatelic postmark by Poste Italiane, set up in Piazza XXIV Maggio, in front of the parish church.
Why it's worth the trip
The feast of Saint Adam is an opportunity to experience the deepest identity of Guglionesi: a centuries-old devotion, evocative rites such as the procession of the triumphal chariot, and a community that comes together around its saint. The presence of major Italian music artists also makes it a strong attraction for all of Lower Molise.
Saint Adam the Abbot — edition 2026
The 2026 edition marks the 924th Patronal Feast of Saint Adam the Abbot in Guglionesi (CB) and coincides with the 140th anniversary of the saint's reliquary bust, blessed by Pope Leo XIV on May 20, 2026. Three days of religious rites and festive moments, opened by a free concert by singer-songwriter Enrico Nigiotti and culminating in the solemn procession on June 3rd, accompanied by a special philatelic postmark from Poste Italiane.
Programme Saint Adam the Abbot 2026
May 29-31 — Preparatory Triduum
- Triduum celebrations in preparation for the feast
- May 31: Mass at 6 PM and Rosary at Madonna del Viandante at 9 PM
Monday, June 1st
- 9 AM — Youth football trophy at the municipal stadium
- 10 PM — Largo Garibaldi (Castellara area): free concert by Enrico Nigiotti ("Maledetti Innamorati Summer Tour 2026"), featuring songs like "L'amore è", "Nonno Hollywood", "Tu sei per me", and "Ogni volta che non so volare"
Tuesday, June 2nd
- 9:30 AM — "Little pilgrims of hope" pilgrimage to the Spring of Saint Adam (meeting point: Castellara church)
- Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore and meeting "Witnesses of Saint Benedict" with the Benedictine nuns from the monastery of Santa Lucia of Tarquinia
Wednesday, June 3rd
- 11 AM-5 PM — Philatelic postmark by Poste Italiane for the 140th anniversary of the reliquary bust, in Piazza XXIV Maggio (in front of Santa Maria Maggiore)
- 6 PM — Solemn procession with the triumphal chariot and Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore
Organized by the Parish of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Municipality of Guglionesi, and the Patronal Festivities Committee.
Highlights Saint Adam the Abbot 2026
Prices Saint Adam the Abbot 2026
Practical information — Saint Adam the Abbot
How to get there
Guglionesi (CB) can be reached by car from the Termoli exit of the A14 (approx. 15 km) or via the SS647. The nearest train station is Termoli. Concerts and processions take place in the historic center and in Largo Garibaldi (Castellara area).
When
Every year in early June (in 2026 from June 1st to 3rd).
Admission
Religious celebrations and concerts are free; philatelic postmark available at the Poste Italiane stand.
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Where does it take place — Saint Adam the Abbot
Parrocchia Santa Maria Maggiore
Piazza XXIV Maggio, 86034 Guglionesi