One of the longest-awaited events of the sanctuary of Pompeii makes a comeback. November 13th will be the 133rd anniversary of the arrival of the icon of the Virgin from Naples to the Marian city. It was the Blessed Bartolo Longo who brought to Pompeii, on a farmer’s cart, the icon he had received from sister Maria Concetta De Litala of the Convent of Rosariello in Porta Medina, Naples. As usual, the sacred effigy will be placed on the presbytery to be worshipped by the devotees, who, on this day that is considered the "date of birth" of the New Pompeii, will repeat the traditional rite of the "kiss". On the occasion, thousands of pilgrims will come to the Vesuvian city from all over Italy, Europe and the rest of the world. The devotees will cover a penitential walk from Piazza Bartolo Longo to the Basilica. The day will start at 06.00 am by saying the "Good morning to Mary" and the placement of the painting on the presbytery. At 10.30 am, the archbishop of Pompeii, mgr. Carlo Liberati, will officiate the Eucharist, at the end of which he will lead the pilgrims on a procession to the basilica, for the solemn reciting of the supplication.
