The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is four kilometers from Vatican City and is the actual seat of the Bishop of Rome. It is considered the “Mother Church” of all the Catholic churches in the world. Originally built in 324, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, but was last rededicated in 1724. Given its importance to all the Catholic faithful in the world, we celebrate this basilica every year on November 9th.
Luminaria di San Domenico – Praiano, Italy. Held every year this amazing festival of fire celebrates the feast of St. Dominick in early August.
The city of Trapani, on the west coast of the Italian island of Sicily, is famous for the “Processione dei Misteri di Trapani.” Believed to have started in the early 17th Century, the “Misteri di Trapani” is a 16-24 hour long procession on Good Friday of 20 floats with actors depicting scenes from the passion of Christ with lifelike sculptures made of wood, canvas and glue. The Procession is one of the oldest continuously running religious events in Europe. Click Here to Listen to Teresa describe this festival. (23:49)
Photos: Shutterstock/gianni31 joker, AM113, Marco Lissoni, Emily Marie Wilson, ecstk22