This morning's Ardia was also masterfully led by sa prima pandela Danilo Pes, assisted by sas pandeleddas Matteo Falchi and Andrea Mureddu. The race, which unites faith and tradition, once again confirmed the value of the Sedilese's most cherished festival, attracting thousands of people and transforming the sanctuary of San Costantino into a place of intense popular participation.
The end of the event, however, was marred by an accident during the procession's return to the village. Shortly after leaving the sanctuary, while the marching band, riflemen, Mayor Salvatore Pes, and parish priest Don Maurizio Demartis were proceeding on horseback, the horse ridden by the priest made a sudden and abrupt movement. Don Maurizio, 43, fell to the ground on a steep section of the route, much to the shock of those present. "It was just a moment; we weren't expecting it," some witnesses said. The priest was immediately treated by paramedics on duty, who diagnosed him with facial trauma and a sprained right ankle. He was taken to the San Martino Hospital in Oristano, where his condition is not worrying, but he and all those who witnessed the accident were extremely frightened.
Shortly before, Father Maurizio had presided over the thanksgiving concelebration in the sanctuary, acknowledging everyone's commitment: "Thanks to the flags and knights, to the Council of San Costantino and the prioress, to the Santu Antinu association, to the municipal administration, and to all the volunteers. This year too," the priest emphasized, "Sedilo has demonstrated a community welcoming in the faith. San Costantino, returning to our homes, will guide us on the path of our lives."
Due to the after-effects of the accident, the priest was unable to attend vespers and the procession with the three flags this evening. The rites were officiated by Sedilese priest Father Giancarlo Norio, but everyone warmly gathered around Father Maurizio. Mayor Pes expressed his sympathy to the parish priest, while at the end of the Ardia he emphasized the quality of the race: "Danilo, Matteo, and Andrea ran a perfect Ardia, honoring the saint and representing the entire town in the best possible way."
