On a Sunday in July the people of Lucito, a small Village in Molise flock to the main square to celebrate Saint Anthony.















The celebration started with a mass, a bright and colourful event with several local children dressed as monks. 

Father Kieran, the local priest who hails originally from India conducted the ceremony in a light and touching manner, and his sermon certainly held everyone's attention.

With music from a couple of local musicians a few hymns were sung, then after communion, the highlight of the afternoon was a procession through the village with two large statues were carried through the village.

This is not an easy task as Lucito is not exactly flat. There are a great many steps which wind up around the ancient village, with narrow alleyways and cobblestones.
One statue was hoisted onto the shoulders of four men and the other onto a group of four women.


Trundling precariously across the uneven surface of the square. All were marched with determination

As they marched the priest bestowed blessings on those who had been unable stood and watched, many too frail to join in the procession.

Followed by a local band music spurred them on in earnest. 

It was not just a case of marching up the road to the top of the hill which leads out of the village but was, in fact, a tour of virtually the whole place, which is certainly no mean feat.

As I walked along side I was impressed by the determination of the women carrying the statue to do their duty, obviously proud to be part of their village's tradition and history.

Seeing a woman struggle a little, her steps faltering I stepped forward to offer my shoulder. With a smile and a pat on the shoulder, I have welcomed aboard.

I have to admit although uncertain of my own beliefs I am always keen to take part in festivals and celebrations that centre on religion.

The church still plays a huge role in Italy and although in so many ways the country rumbles forward regardless tangled in complex political wrangles the church is clearly a solid foundation on which so much in Italy has been built, and still remains.

Clearly, the church's influence has changed but there is still obviously a strong cord in place which wrapped around  Italy is to some extent clearly holding it together.

Thank you Lucito for welcoming me into your hearts.

I have never put down roots but I may just do that here.