The city of Brescia is preparing to celebrate the fifth edition of the Festival of Miracles, an event that combines faith, art, and community. Organized by the Collegiate Parish of Saints Nazarus and Celsus and the Parish of Sant’Agata, with the sponsorship of the Municipality of Brescia, the event will take place from May 19th to May 26th, 2024 at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli.
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, located on Corso Martiri della Libertà, was built in the late 1500s by order of Pope Innocent VIII at the request of the Municipality of Brescia. Since then, it has become a central point for the local community. The management of the sanctuary is entrusted to the Collegiate Parish of Saints Nazarus and Celsus, which has been organizing the Festival of Miracles in collaboration with the municipal administration for years.
The festival not only has a strong religious connotation but also has social and cultural significance. It involves the entire neighborhood: families, children from the oratory, local merchants, and various institutions actively participate in the event. This year, as in previous editions, the Madonnari will be the protagonists with their artworks along Corso Martiri della Libertà.
The program of celebrations includes various events. On Sunday, May 19th, there will be a book presentation on the facade of the sanctuary, followed by a concert in the Sanctuary of Miracles. On Friday, May 24th, there will be a prayer of the Holy Rosary in the cloister of San Francesco, followed by a torchlight procession to the sanctuary. On Saturday, May 25th, there will be guided tours of local churches in the morning and afternoon, as well as the blessing of the Madonnari during the solemn Mass at the Sanctuary of Miracles. In the evening, there will be a conference on the restoration of the artwork “Incoronation of the Virgin” by Moretto, followed by a concert. On Sunday, May 26th, there will be a solemn celebration in the Collegiate of Saints Nazarus and Celsus, followed by a procession through the main streets to the sanctuary. There will also be a children’s soccer tournament organized by the oratory, a concert in the Church of Sant’Agata to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Piazza Loggia massacre, and the final award ceremony of the Madonnari in front of the sanctuary.
All events are free and open to the public, except where otherwise specified. For more information, interested individuals can contact the organizers via email at info@bachconsortbrescia.com or visit the official website of the event.
Italian Version
