Solemnity of Our Lady of Grace

The Diocesan patronal feast at the Sanctuary of Allumiere

Every year, on September 8th, the small town of Allumiere, perched in the Tolfa Mountains within the Metropolitan City of Rome, Lazio, experiences its most significant day: the Solemnity of Our Lady of Grace, venerated as the patroness of the entire Diocese of Civitavecchia-Tarquinia. The Sanctuary dedicated to her, standing on the hill overlooking the town, becomes the spiritual heart of a vast territory, drawing pilgrims who often make the journey on foot from neighboring villages.

The novena and the night vigil

Religious festivities begin with a preparatory novena in late August, featuring the Holy Rosary and Holy Mass celebrated every evening at the Sanctuary. The most evocative moment occurs during the night between September 7th and 8th: the Sanctuary remains open all night to welcome the faithful, with Eucharistic celebrations held hourly and priests available for confessions. It is the night of the pilgrimage, when groups of devotees reach the mountain on foot, upholding a tradition passed down through generations.

The day of September 8th

On the day of the solemnity, Holy Masses are celebrated hourly from dawn until noon to allow everyone to participate. The liturgical highlight is the solemn afternoon Mass, presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese and accompanied by the local musical association. The following day, a Holy Mass is dedicated to the benefactors and those who support the life of the Sanctuary.

Tradition, community, and civic celebration

Alongside the religious observances, Allumiere accompanies the occasion with popular festivities that involve the entire community: evenings of music and dance in the squares, solidarity initiatives, and inclusive walks in the nearby Parco del Faggeto, as well as events that blend devotion with the town's identity, famous for its districts and the traditional Palio dei somari (Donkey Palio). The feast of Our Lady of Grace thus tells the story of a mining village in the Lazio hinterland, where popular faith and a sense of belonging remain vibrant.

A place of devotion in the Tolfa Mountains

For centuries, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace has been a spiritual landmark for Allumiere and the entire Tolfa district. Its panoramic position, immersed in the woods surrounding the town, also makes it a destination of great scenic charm, where a visit to the place of worship combines with the discovery of an authentic and lesser-known corner of northern Lazio.