Patronal Feast of Saint Philip Neri
Guardia Sanframondi celebrates the «Saint of Joy» on May 26th with a novena, procession, brass band, and fireworks
About Saint Philip Neri Feast
Four centuries of devotion
The Patronal Feast of Saint Philip Neri is the defining annual event for the Municipality of Guardia Sanframondi, a village of just over four thousand residents perched 428 meters high in the Valle Telesina, in the Province of Benevento (Campania). The proclamation of Saint Philip Neri as the patron of the Guardia community dates back to 1626. Since then, May 26th—the day of the Florentine saint's liturgical memorial—has marked the town's calendar with a celebration that blends liturgical devotion with civic and popular traditions.
Philip Neri, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, is venerated as the apostle of joy and a master of charity. In Guardia Sanframondi, the Oratory Church dedicated to him is a local landmark, attached to the Sanctuary-Basilica of the Assumption, where the Philippine Fathers left a profound mark on the spiritual and cultural life of the village.
May 26th: Liturgy, brass band, and procession
The rhythm of the festival is well-established. It all begins ten days prior, on May 16th, with the Holy Rosary, the Novena of Saint Philip, and Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of the Assumption. In the days immediately preceding the feast, Piazza Municipio comes alive with the Oratory Festival, featuring evenings of folk music and games for families and children.
May 26th is the solemn day: the 11:00 AM Eucharistic celebration at the Sanctuary, the celebratory toast accompanied by the marches of a guest brass band, the 6:00 PM solemn mass followed by the procession with the image of the Patron through the streets of the historic center. Upon the return of the procession, the sky lights up with a fireworks display, while festive illuminations trace arches along the village streets. The evening concludes with a concert in Piazza Municipio, often dedicated to Neapolitan songs or folk music.
2026: The Philippine Jubilee Year for the 400th anniversary
The year 2026 marked the fourth centenary of the patronage (1626-2026). By mandate of the Holy Father Leo XIV, through the Major Penitentiary Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the Apostolic Penitentiary granted a Plenary Indulgence for the occasion. The diocesan and local community experienced a true Philippine Jubilee Year from May 26th to July 26th, 2026, centered on the Oratory Church. The faithful could obtain the indulgence by participating in the celebrations or by praying in the Philippine sanctuary, under the usual conditions of sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the Pope's intentions.
The jubilee journey was publicly presented at the Sanctuary of the Assumption, with the participation of Fr. Giustino Di Santo (parish priest and committee president), the municipal administration, the Pro Loco, and local scholars. The parish choir performed the hymn «O Saint of Joy», and works by students from Guardia's schools were displayed in the sanctuary.
The closing days of July 23-26, 2026
The Jubilee Year concluded with the feast of the Patronage of Saint Philip Neri, from July 23rd to 26th, 2026. These four days included the Rosary, prayers to the Saint, daily Mass, the «Under the Stars with Mary» Rosary for peace, a screening of the film «State buoni se potete» in the Oratory courtyard, an interview-style meeting on the bond between the heart of Philip Neri and Guardia Sanframondi, and the convivial «Banquet of Paradise» event with the Pro Loco. On Sunday, July 26th, the solemn mass presided over by Bishop Giuseppe Mazzafaro, a short procession in Piazza San Filippo, and the blessing with the Saint's relic concluded the centenary year.
Guardia Sanframondi, the village of the Seven-Year Rites
Visitors arriving for Saint Philip discover one of the most evocative villages in the Sannio region: the medieval Croce district, the Lombard castle, and the cellars of the traditional Falanghina del Sannio wine. Guardia Sanframondi is known throughout Italy for the Seven-Year Rites of Penance in honor of the Assumption, celebrated every seven years in the week following August 15th, which attract tens of thousands of visitors. The May festival represents its daily, affectionate counterpart: more intimate, more local, but equally heartfelt.
Atmosphere
- A free and open-to-all festival, experienced in the squares and streets of the historic center.
- The bond between brass bands, festive illuminations, and fireworks—the unmistakable hallmark of Southern patronal feasts.
- The opportunity to visit the Oratory Church and the Sanctuary-Basilica of the Assumption with its works of art.
Saint Philip Neri Feast — edition 2026
A centenary year
In 2026, Guardia Sanframondi celebrated the fourth centenary of the patronage of Saint Philip Neri. Beyond the traditional May 26th feast, the community experienced a two-month Philippine Jubilee Year, from May 26th to July 26th, marked by liturgical celebrations, moments of spiritual reflection, pastoral initiatives, and charitable activities.
The Apostolic Penitentiary, by mandate of the Holy Father Leo XIV and through the Major Penitentiary Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, granted a Plenary Indulgence for the entire period, which could be obtained by participating in celebrations or praying in the Oratory Church of Saint Philip Neri. The diocesan bishop, Mgr. Giuseppe Mazzafaro, accompanied the journey, which concluded on July 26th with the feast of the Patronage.
Programme Saint Philip Neri Feast 2026
Towards the feast
- May 16th, 5:30 PM — Sanctuary of the Assumption: Holy Rosary, start of the Novena of Saint Philip and Holy Mass.
- May 25th, 9:00 PM — Piazza Municipio: «Oratory Festival» with the participation of the «la Wardia Bbella» association and the awards ceremony for the «4th Centenary of Saint Philip» school competition.
May 26th — Feast of the Patron Saint
- 11:00 AM — Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Pino Di Santo, Diocesan Vicar General.
- Followed by a celebratory toast with music by the «Città di Calvi Risorta» Brass Band (CE).
- 6:00 PM — Solemn Holy Mass and procession with the image of the Patron through the village streets.
- Upon the return of the procession: fireworks display.
- 9:00 PM — Piazza Municipio: performance by the orchestra «Roberto e la Fisarmonicando Band».
- Artistic illuminations by the Fratelli Di Meo company of Ruviano (CE).
Philippine Jubilee Year (May 26th - July 26th)
Two months of liturgical celebrations, catechesis, cultural meetings, and charitable initiatives, with a Plenary Indulgence obtainable in the Oratory Church. The program was publicly presented at the Sanctuary of the Assumption, with the participation of Fr. Giustino Di Santo, the municipal administration, the Pro Loco, and the parish choir performing «O Saint of Joy».
July 23-26 — Patronage of Saint Philip Neri
- Thursday, July 23rd: 5:30 PM Holy Rosary; 6:00 PM prayer to Saint Philip and Holy Mass; 9:00 PM «Under the Stars with Mary», Rosary for peace.
- Friday, July 24th: 5:30 PM Holy Rosary; 6:00 PM prayer to Saint Philip and Holy Mass; 9:00 PM screening of the film «State buoni se potete» in the Oratory courtyard, with a final convivial moment.
- Saturday, July 25th: 5:30 PM Holy Rosary; 6:00 PM prayer to Saint Philip and Holy Mass; 8:00 PM in the Oratory courtyard, interview «The Heart of Philip Neri and Guardia Sanframondi» conducted by journalist Barbara Serafini with Fr. Michele Nicolis C.O. (Procurator General) and Prof. Ernesto Pengue; followed by «The Banquet of Paradise», a fraternal agape with the Pro Loco.
- Sunday, July 26th — Feast of the Patronage: Holy Mass at 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM; 6:00 PM solemn mass presided over by Bishop Mgr. Giuseppe Mazzafaro; followed by a short procession in Piazza San Filippo and a solemn blessing with the Saint's relic.
Highlights Saint Philip Neri Feast 2026
- 400 years of patronage: Plenary Indulgence granted by the Apostolic Penitentiary for the entire Jubilee Year (May 26th - July 26th, 2026).
- The May 26th procession with the image of the Patron and the fireworks display upon the return of the cortege.
- The «Città di Calvi Risorta» Brass Band and the «Roberto e la Fisarmonicando Band» orchestra in Piazza Municipio.
- The four concluding days of the Patronage (July 23-26), with the final blessing with the Saint's relic imparted by Bishop Mazzafaro.
- The «4th Centenary of Saint Philip» school competition and the exhibition of works by Guardia students in the sanctuary.
Prices Saint Philip Neri Feast 2026
Practical information — Saint Philip Neri Feast
How to get there
By car: Guardia Sanframondi can be reached via the SS 372 «Telesina» (Caianello-Benevento) by taking the exit for Guardia Sanframondi; from the A1 motorway take the Caianello exit, and from the A16 take the Benevento exit. By train: the most convenient station is Telese Terme-Cerreto Sannita, a few kilometers away, followed by a connection via bus or taxi.
Where it takes place
Religious celebrations are held at the Sanctuary-Basilica of the Assumption and in the Oratory Church of Saint Philip Neri; the procession winds through the historic center, while concerts and shows take place in Piazza Municipio.
Costs
Free admission: the patronal feast does not require tickets or participation fees for either the religious celebrations or the public performances.
Tips
On May 26th, the historic center is partially closed to traffic for the procession: it is advisable to park in the areas below the town and walk up. The village streets are uphill and include cobblestone sections, so comfortable shoes are recommended. For updated mass times and the civic program, you can consult the Sanctuary of the Assumption website or contact the Municipality of Guardia Sanframondi at +39 0824 817444.
Where to stay
There is a variety of accommodation in the village (B&Bs and holiday homes) and larger hotel facilities in Telese Terme, a spa town about ten kilometers away.
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Where does it take place — Saint Philip Neri Feast
Santuario-Basilica dell'Assunta e Chiesa dell'Oratorio di San Filippo Neri