It is said that Saint Rosalia rescued Palermo from a horrible plague: she appeared to a hunter in the woods of Mount Pellegrino, and told him where to find her remains and then to have them brought to Palermo and carried in procession throughout the city. After the procession, the plague actually ceased: from then on, the Saint started being venerated as the holy protector and patron saint of Palermo. The trip from Palermo up the mountain is surreal: deep in the coastal valley, a short bus ride takes visitors 430 meters above sea level, providing stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape on the way to the Santuario. For hiking enthusiasts, a trail exists from the top of Monte Pellegrino to the city streets. Every year on September 4, pious followers of Santa Rosalia walk the same trail barefoot to the shrine at the top of Monte Pellegrino to show their respect. Two feasts are celebrated to honor St. Rosalie: the Festino, the big feast, goes from July 13th to July 15th. The September event is celebrated with processions and prayers as the faithful walk the steep road called Strada Vecchia, the old path, to visit and venerate the Saint in the cave, now a Sanctuary, on Mount Pellegrino where the relics of the Saint where found. On the night of the 3rd, the devotes go to the cave in a procession illuminated with torches, praying to Saint Rosalie for favors or to thank her for graces received. (Various sources)
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 14:00:13 +0000
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