Every year on 20th June, Turin celebrates the Feast of the Consolata. The date commemorates the miracle of the blind man of Briançon, who regained his sight in 1104 after rediscovering the icon of Mary. An important and evocative moment of the Feast is the evening procession through the city streets, which gathers large crowds around the statue of the Consolata.
The solemnity of Mary Consolatrix, known as Consolata, co-patron saint of the city of Turin along with Saint John the Baptist, has taken on particular importance over the centuries, coinciding with significant events.
This was the case in 1904, when, to commemorate the eighth centenary of the icon’s rediscovery, the statue of the Consolata was crowned with a new star-studded crown.
On that occasion:
“Archbishop Richelmy, St. Joseph Allamano, several cardinals, a representative of the royal family, and a crowd of faithful participated in the solemn Mass. The procession began with the ringing of the Sanctuary bells.”
The Procession is a collective event that unites past and present, spirituality and urban civilization. A blend of faith, popular participation, and a sense of belonging.
On June 20th, early in the morning, the icon of the Consolata, positioned above the main altar, a Baroque work by Filippo Juvarra, is removed and placed near the main entrance of the Sanctuary, to emphasize that it is the Madonna who welcomes not only the people of Turin, but also pilgrims arriving from various parts of Piedmont. A simple gesture, yet one that emphasizes Mary’s welcome and protection.
Throughout the day, the Sanctuary hosts a series of Holy Masses interspersed with therecitation of the Holy Rosary.
At 12:00, coinciding with the supplication to the Consolata, several bell towers in the area ring out to accompany the prayer, while in the evening, several bell towers located along the procession route ring out their bells to greet the statue of the Madonna as it passes.
Around 9:00 PM, the procession, led by the Archbishop, departs from the Sanctuary and winds through the streets of the historic center, passing in front of the Town Hall, where the statue of the Consolata is awaited by a delegation from the Palazzo Civico executive branch, the City Council, and other city officials.
Along the sidewalks, people await the silver statue of the Consolata, joining in prayer and singing, which the choir plays through speakers positioned along the route.
The Confraternities with their banners, the Catholic volunteer associations, and the city’s men and women religious, followed by the faithful and a few curious tourists, accompany the statue of the Consolata on a journey steeped in symbolism and memory.
And so, every year, on the evening of June 20th, the city streets become avenues of faith!
by Sr. Maria Luisa Casiraghi, mc
