Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin of Graces 2026: Program and Celebrations
The Diocese of Faenza-Modigliana is preparing to celebrate the Blessed Virgin of Graces, Patron Saint of the city and the Diocese. The 2026 celebrations take on special significance during the transition from Apostolic Administrator Mons. Mario Toso to the appointment of the new Bishop Mons. Michele Morandi. The program includes a week of preparation followed by the solemn celebrations on May 9 and 10.
Preparation Days (May 3–7)
Sunday, May 3 – Day for Peace
At Faenza Cathedral:
- 5:15 PM: Rosary at the Altar of Our Lady of Graces.
- 6:00 PM: Opening Holy Mass celebrated by Mons. Claudio Stagni, in memory of Father Giuliano Gorini on the 10th anniversary of his passing.
- 8:30 PM: Prayer vigil for peace dedicated to young people and migrant communities.
Monday, May 4 – Day for Children and Youth
- 9:00 AM: Blessing at the kindergarten of the Ghidieri Institute.
- 6:30 PM: Rosary and Holy Mass (7:00 PM) in the Cathedral with meditation by Father Filippo Aliani.
- 8:00 PM: Rosary and Holy Mass in San Michele, Brisighella for the Western Rural Vicariate.
Tuesday, May 5 – Day for Families
- 10:00 AM: Holy Mass at Opera Santa Teresa celebrated by Mons. Claudio Stagni.
- 6:30 PM: Rosary and Holy Mass (7:00 PM) in the Cathedral (invitation extended to married couples and engaged couples).
- 8:00 PM: Rosary and Holy Mass in San Francesco, Glorie for the Northern Rural Vicariate.
Wednesday, May 6 – Day for Vocations
- 8:00 AM: Holy Mass at Ara Crucis Monastery.
- 6:30 PM: Rosary and Holy Mass (7:00 PM) in the Cathedral (invitation extended to deacons, seminarians, and religious).
- 8:00 PM: Rosary and Holy Mass in Santa Maria Assunta, Marzeno for the Southern Rural Vicariate.
Thursday, May 7 – Day for the Sick
- 10:00 AM: Holy Mass at San Pier Damiano Clinic.
- 6:00–7:30 PM: Blessing of vehicles in the parking area of Piazzale Tambini (PalaCattani).
- 6:30 PM: Rosary and Holy Mass (7:00 PM) in the Cathedral.
- 8:00 PM: Rosary and Holy Mass in San Francesco, Cotignola for the Eastern Rural Vicariate.
Act of Entrustment (Friday, May 8)
- Morning: 9:00 AM, departure of the walk from Passo della Peschiera to Mount Lavane with the image of the Virgin and Holy Mass at the summit.
- Evening: 8:30 PM, Solemn Procession from the Church of San Domenico to the Cathedral along Corso Mazzini. Presided over by Mons. Mario Toso; participation by city parishes and children of First Communion.
Saturday, May 9 – Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin of Graces
- 8:00 AM: Holy Mass.
- 10:30 AM: Pontifical Mass celebrated by Mons. Livio Corazza (Bishop of Forlì-Bertinoro). Offering of the candle by the Mayors of the 12 municipalities of the Diocese. Followed by the blessing of the city and a bell concert.
- 3:00 PM: Opening of the food stand organized by the Municipal Group APS.
- 4:00 PM: Children’s floral tribute and homage to the Madonna della Torre.
- 6:00 PM: Holy Mass with the offering of candles by the city districts, presided over by Mons. Mario Toso.
- 9:00 PM: “Concerto delle Grazie” in the churchyard with the Voices of Joy choir and the Pavone d’Oro children’s choir.
Sunday, May 10
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Holy Masses in the Cathedral.
- 10:30 AM: Holy Mass for the elderly and the sick with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, presided over by Mons. Mario Toso.
- 6:00 PM: Holy Mass in memory of the deceased members of the Archconfraternity, presided over by Don Francesco Cavina.
Side Events and Guided Tours
- Torta delle Grazie: Available in collaboration with Ascom Faenza and local pastry chefs.
- Artistic heritage: On Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10 (3:00–6:00 PM), guided tours of the Oratory of San Pietro in Vincoli (Piazza XI Febbraio) organized by the Pro Loco of Faenza.
The Patron Saint’s celebration is a precious moment to ask for the gift of unity and to support with prayer the journey of our diocesan Church in this time of renewal.
