Large mobilization in Sanframondi Guard for the Seven-year ritesAn invasion of visitors (estimated at about 50,000) from all over the province and region, as well as from outside, poured into the completely cordoned off city centre from the early hours of the morning. All gathered to experience the decisive moments of the climax of the day: the Mass presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese Don Giuseppe Mazzafaro and the priest Don Justin of Santo was celebrated, the wait for the penitents and flagellants, the arrangement of the mysteries of the four districts of Croce, Portella, Fontanella and Piazza, the long procession through the streets of the old town between two crowds of people. Perhaps it was the first real social edition of the rites. Shortly after 12 o’clock the call: “Brothers, in the name of Mary, with strength and courage, fight one another”. Then the exit of the penitents from the basilica, lined up in two columns to follow the mystery of the penitent St. Jerome. An atmosphere marked by songs, bells, the sight of blood and the smell of white wine to disinfect the wounds. And then the exit of the statue of the Assumption at exactly 1.30 p.m. Over 300 accredited journalists in the two press offices from all over the world. Newspapers, television channels, photographers, videographers.
Impressive, as announced, is the organizational machine set up by the municipal administration under the leadership of the mayor Raffaele DiLonardo was launched. Over a thousand emergency personnel were present on the ground, including state police, carabinieri, army, firefighters, financial guard, civil protection, Red Cross, doctors and paramedics. A unique operational management, led by the Benevento Police Directorate, which used the most modern control and surveillance instruments, in addition to a well-coordinated medical machine ready to deal with any type of emergency: 27 Red Cross foot teams, 3 first aid stations with 6 beds each, 13 ambulances. Among the authorities present at the town hall, in addition to numerous bearers of the tricolor ribbon from the area, the President of the Regional Council Vincenzo DeLucathe prefect Charles Torlontanothe police director Nunzio Trabunellathe president of the province Nino Lombardithe mayor of Benevento Clemente Mastellathe Member Francis Mary Rubanothe regional councillor Armida Filippelli and the councilor Mino Mortaruolo“In Guardia Sanframondi today I attended the procession of the Seven Years’ Penitential Rites, an event that has been renewed every seven years for four centuries. A religious tradition that combines the great participation of the faithful with the rituality of taking part in a procession of great fascination that raises simple but at the same time complex questions,” said the Governor of Campania, De Luca.
