The Mercedarian Fathers, custodians of the ancient devotion to the Madonna of Bonaria, are celebrating the centenary of the dedication of the Basilica, dedicated to the patron saint of Sardinia and protector of sailors. The entire Sardinian ecclesiastical community is with them. The Basilica is an integral part of the island's history, a religious symbol, and for many a safe haven, guarding the image linked to the legend of the miraculous arrival from the sea in 1370.
Another event in the centenary celebrations is planned for Friday, May 29. The annual Marian diocesan pilgrimage will take place, taking on a special meaning in 2026 as a sign of prayer, communion, and entrustment to the Madonna. The program includes a gathering of the faithful at 5:30 pm in the parish of San Pio X, the pilgrimage's starting point.
From here, around 5:45 PM, the procession will begin, led by Archbishop Giuseppe Baturi, leading the faithful to the Basilica of Bonaria, the heart of all Marian rites and devotion on the entire island. The journey will conclude with the celebration of solemn Mass, scheduled for 7:00 PM and presided over by the Archbishop himself. This initiative is part of the broader program promoted for the centenary, offering the faithful a concrete opportunity to actively participate in all events, rediscovering the value of pilgrimage as an experience of shared faith and a visible sign of a Church that journeys forward, as Pope Francis repeatedly called for, having indicated this path with the Jubilee.
