Transitus of Saint Benedict - The Days of Saint Benedict
The patronal feast of Cassino for Saint Benedict, patron saint of Europe, between the Abbey of Montecassino and the historic center
About Days of Saint Benedict
The patronal feast of Cassino
The Days of Saint Benedict are the patronal feast of the city of Cassino, in southern Lazio, in the province of Frosinone. Every year, in the month of March, the city and the nearby Abbey of Montecassino experience one of the most intense moments of their civic, spiritual, and cultural calendar to honor Saint Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictine order, patron of Cassino, and patron saint of Europe. The central moment is the Transitus of Saint Benedict, celebrated on March 21st, the day tradition marks as the Saint's birth into heaven, which occurred at Montecassino in 547.
The «Pro Pace et Europa Una» torch
The celebrations open in Nursia, the Saint's birthplace, with the lighting of the «Pro Pace et Europa Una» Benedictine torch, in the presence of the mayors of the Benedictine cities—Nursia, Subiaco, and Cassino—and the abbots of their respective monasteries. The torch then makes its symbolic journey to Montecassino, uniting the places that guard the memory of Saint Benedict and renewing each year the message of peace and European unity linked to the figure of the continent's patron saint.
The «Terra Sancti Benedicti» historical pageant
Among the most anticipated events is the «Terra Sancti Benedicti» historical pageant, which brings costumed medieval figures, the oath of the Militia, and a show of period dances and music to the streets of Cassino's center. The pageant recalls the ancient bond between the city and the abbey, transforming the city squares into a great living narrative of history and popular tradition.
Rites, concerts, and procession
The program alternates between liturgical moments and cultural events: the solemn First Vespers and the pontifical mass in the Abbey Cathedral of Montecassino, animated by the Schola Cantorum Montis Casini and polyphonic choirs; the «Pacis Nuntius» award dedicated to those who have distinguished themselves in promoting peace; concerts in the square; and the traditional procession with the Saint's relic through the streets of Cassino, accompanied by the city band. It is a festival that intertwines the religious and civic dimensions, involving the entire community and local schools.
A shared heritage
The Days of Saint Benedict are not just Cassino's festival, but a heritage shared with the other Benedictine cities of Nursia and Subiaco, united by the cult of the Saint and his universal message. For the visitor, the festival is also the ideal opportunity to discover the Abbey of Montecassino, one of the most famous monasteries in Europe, and the center of Cassino, a city marked by history and reborn in the post-war period.
Days of Saint Benedict — edition 2026
Days of Saint Benedict 2026
The 2026 edition of the patronal feast of Cassino in honor of Saint Benedict, patron saint of Europe, unfolded throughout the month of March, involving the city and the Abbey of Montecassino. The program combined the Benedictine torch from the cities of Nursia, Subiaco, and Cassino, the historical costume pageant, concerts, and solemn liturgical celebrations culminating on the day of the Transitus, March 21st.
Programme Days of Saint Benedict 2026
2026 Program
- Sunday, March 1 - Nursia: 3:30 PM, lighting of the «Pro Pace et Europa Una» torch with the mayors of the Benedictine cities (Nursia, Subiaco, Cassino) and the abbots of the monasteries.
- Saturday, March 14 - Cassino: 4:00 PM, «Terra Sancti Benedicti» historical pageant starting at Piazza Corte, oath of the Militia, and parade through the center; 5:30 PM at Piazza Diamare, «Facite Festa», a show of medieval dances and music.
- Thursday, March 19: 10:00 AM, arrival of the torch at Piazza De Gasperi with the involvement of local schools; 9:00 PM at Piazza Labriola, concert by Benji & Fede.
- Friday, March 20: 11:00 AM, at the San Benedetto Hall, presentation and awarding of the «Pacis Nuntius» prize; 4:15 PM, arrival of the torch at the Abbey of Montecassino, «Actus Reverentiae» rite and solemn First Vespers presided over by Abbot Dom Luca Fallica; 6:00 PM, concert by the Sistine Chapel Choir directed by Marcos Pavan.
- Saturday, March 21 - Transitus of Saint Benedict: 10:30 AM, solemn pontifical mass at the Abbey Cathedral of Montecassino presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, with the Schola Cantorum Montis Casini; 6:00 PM, liturgical celebration at the Co-Cathedral of Cassino with the «San Giovanni Battista» choir; followed by an evening procession through the city streets with the «Don Bosco» band.
Highlights Days of Saint Benedict 2026
- «Pro Pace et Europa Una» Benedictine torch lit in Nursia
- «Terra Sancti Benedicti» historical pageant in medieval costume
- Concert by Benji & Fede in Piazza Labriola
- Concert by the Sistine Chapel Choir at Montecassino
- Pontifical mass by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti and Transitus procession
Prices Days of Saint Benedict 2026
Practical information — Days of Saint Benedict
Getting there
Cassino is located in the province of Frosinone, in southern Lazio, along the A1 Milan-Naples motorway (Cassino exit). The Cassino train station is served by trains on the Rome-Naples line via Cassino. The Abbey of Montecassino can be reached by car from the city center via the scenic road.
Admission
The events of the patronal feast are free of charge. Liturgical celebrations take place in the Abbey Cathedral of Montecassino and in the Co-Cathedral of Cassino.
Information
Municipality of Cassino, tel. +39 0776 2981. The detailed program is published every year on the websites of the Municipality of Cassino and the Abbey of Montecassino.
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Where does it take place — Days of Saint Benedict
Abbazia di Montecassino e centro storico di Cassino