Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord at Manoppello

                                          video  by Angelo and Agatha Rytz

Text and photos by Antonio Bini

On the 6th of August the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus was celebrated at the Shrine of the Holy Face of Manoppello, as each year, with fervor and joy. An ancient feast that began to be celebrated in the East in the fifth century, whose meaning, with reference to the symbolism of light, was explained by Msgr. Bruno Forte, archbishop of the diocese of Chieti-Vasto, who presided over the solemn celebration together with Fr. Nicola Galasso, Provincial Minister of the Capuchins of Abruzzo, Fr.  Carmine Cucinelli, rector of the Shrine, Fr. Paolo Palombarini, and other religious.  This feast has great significance for the Shrine.

Pope Francis stressed in a tweet released on August 6 that "In the Transfiguration Jesus shows us the glory of the Resurrection: a glimpse of heaven on earth".

 Following the Mass, immediately after sunset, the short 700 foot procession with the Holy Face was conducted, accompanied by the singing of the choir of the Basilica of the Holy Face, alternating with  pieces performed by the band from Lettomanoppello.

Many pilgrims came from throughout Italy and abroad. Among the latter I noticed a small group from Hong Kong as well as religious from Austria. I also met Fr. Johannes Van Tan Nguyen, a Vietnamese Cistercian monk.

Fr. Johannes Van Tan Ngyuen along with fellow Cistercian monk and Sr. Blandina Schloemer

Upon the return of the Holy Face to the shrine,  Fr. Carmine Cucinelli, in front of the main door of the basilica, thanked all the people who collaborated in the realization of the celebration and those who are committed to spreading the Holy Face in the world. On this occasion he recalled Daisy Neves, who died last March, as an example followed by others who are continuing her mission. He also announced that knowledge of the Holy Face is expanding in Mexico and South American countries such as Colombia.

The Holy Face was exhibited for the whole day, for a total of 24 hours. By a special  privilege from the Pope, the faithful who arrived in Manoppello were able to gain the plenary indulgence. Finally, it is recalled that beginning with the year 2000, on the proposal of the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I, the feast of the Transfiguration has become a day of particular intercession for the unity of Christians.