Patronal Feast of Saint Quiricus and Saint Symphorosa

Two patrons, an ancient devotion

San Chirico Raparo, a village in the province of Potenza nestled at the foot of Mount Raparo in the Pollino-Lagonegrese area, celebrates its two patrons in July: Saint Quiricus, the young martyr of Iconium killed at just three years old with his mother Saint Juliet, and Saint Symphorosa, co-patron, martyr of Tivoli with her seven children. A devotion rooted in centuries past, which since 1641 has also been expressed through the veneration of the relic of blood of Saint Symphorosa.

A month of preparation

The feast is preceded by a long spiritual preparation: starting from June 15th, what is popularly known as 'a mhsata' begins, a month of daily masses at 7:00 PM, followed by novenas dedicated to the patron saints. It signifies the community's deep and daily bond with its protectors, culminating in the central days of mid-July.

The days of the feast

• July 15th — day dedicated to Saint Quiricus;
• July 16th — feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with a procession from the parish church;
• July 17th — vigil of Saint Symphorosa, with the translation of the statue to the main altar and the procession of the relic of blood;
• July 18th — liturgical commemoration of Saint Symphorosa with the main procession (11:30 AM - 2:00 PM).

The village of Mount Raparo

The patronal feast is an opportunity to discover San Chirico Raparo and its mountainous territory, amidst unspoiled nature and religious traditions experienced with intensity. In summer, the village welcomes residents, returning emigrants, and visitors, who find in the patrons' feast the heart of community identity.