Procession of Saint Francis of Paola

In 2025, the festivities for Saint Francis of Paola in Messina took place over several days. On April 30, the relic of the saint's staff, arriving from Palermo, was welcomed in Piazza Castronovo, followed by a mass. From May 1 to 3, a preparatory triduum was held with evening celebrations.

The highlight was Sunday, May 4, with morning masses and the solemn pontifical mass at 11:00 AM presided over by Cardinal Paolo Romeo; in the afternoon, the procession of the statue and the relic passed through the northern part of the city. On Sunday, May 11, the sea procession was held: the statue was transferred to the Rada San Francesco and loaded onto a Caronte & Tourist ferry for an evocative voyage along the Strait, with stops in front of the Madonnina del Porto, the Riviera di Pace, and the Grotte church.

April 30, 2025

• Arrival of the relic of Saint Francis of Paola's staff from Palermo in Piazza Castronovo, followed by mass

May 1-3, 2025 — Triduum

• Evening preparatory celebrations

Sunday, May 4, 2025 — Feast Day

• Morning masses
• Solemn pontifical mass presided over by Cardinal Paolo Romeo
• Procession of the statue and the relic in the northern area of Messina, with brass band and confraternities

Sunday, May 11, 2025 — Sea Procession

• Transfer of the statue to Rada San Francesco
• Embarkation on a Caronte & Tourist ferry for the sea procession across the Strait
• Stops in front of the Madonnina del Porto, Riviera di Pace, and the Grotte church