The Signature
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Catania’s Saint Agata Festival Canceled due to Pandemic By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs here are some things in life that even saints can’t make happen; at least, this is what disappointed devotees of Saint Agatha have been repeating to themselves since the cancellation of Festa di Sant’Agata (Saint Agatha Festival), Catania’s most important religious event of the year. For the first time since the 16th century, the third largest Catholic festival in the world will only feature religious celebrations behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions which ban street gatherings. Many aspects of the annual three-day religious festival, which is also a major tourist attraction, have been canceled. There will be no procession comprised of thousands of devout Catania citizens swarming the streets to pay homage to their beloved “Santuzza.” Santuzza or young saint is a nickname given to the Saint because of her young age. The streets of Catania will stay relatively quiet this year since festival revilers will not be screaming “Semu divoti tutti? Cettu, Cettu, Citatini, viva Sant’Aita!” Which means “are we all devotees? Yes, of course, sure, Townspeople, long live St. Agata!” The traditional processions of the Cannalori, the tall wax candles surrounded by heavy decorated wooden structures, and the fireworks in the Piazza Duomo will be noticeably absent this year.
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The bust of the reliquary of Saint Agata, which is now kept in the cathedral of Catania, and represents the only certain work of “Bartolo.” ( Photo from Sicily Day By Day )
So, what how have Sicilians celebrated this year? Catania Archbishop Salvatore Gristina, celebrated a Holy Mass today at 10 a.m. at the cathedral that can be watched via Facebook. He encouraged heartbroken devotees to gather with their families and pray at home after lighting a red wax candle in front of an image of Saint Agatha. As for today’s religious celebrations, Gristina also suggested that devotees could attend the holy masses celebrated in the churches near their homes at reduced capacities and abide to the safety restrictions. “We will continue to turn to St. Agatha so that she will be our traveling companion in this difficult test that life offers us,” said Gristina. “To her, our beloved patroness, we will once again entrust the sick, healthcare personnel, volunteers and those responsible for the common good. With confidence, we dare to hope that we will once again experience the strength of her patronage.” Other festival virtual highlights will include the following religious events: Feb. 6-11, Holy Masses at the Altar of St. Agatha at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m. Archbishop Gristina will preside over Holy Mass on International Day of the Sick, behind closed doors without the faithful. Devotees will have the chance to worship the saint through live streaming on Facebook and YouTube channels of the Archdiocese. Only hospital chaplains will be present. At the end of the celebration, the Archbishop will impart the traditional blessing with the Veil of St. Agatha. Friday, February 12 - Closing of Celebrations: from 8 am to noon the Cathedral will remain open for the personal prayer of the faithful and devotees. At 7 p.m., the Archbishop will preside over the Holy Mass at the conclusion of the annual celebrations behind closed doors and without the faithful. Life of Sant’Agata According to tradition, Agata was born to a rich family in the year 231. As she grew up, her beauty and virtuous life drew the attention of Quintianus, a local Roman governor who actively and brutally persecuted Christians. Agata, who had already consecrated herself to God, refused his advances. Therefore, Quintianus decided to punish her by locking her in a brothel where Aphrodisia, a wicked woman, tried to corrupt Agata’s virtue and faith but Agata never wavered. Quintianus, miffed by Agata’s resistance, had her tortured and at one point ordered to cut off her breast. This detail was often depicted in the Christian medieval paintings as a peculiar characteristic of Saint Agata. Eventually after repeated tortures, Quintianus condemned Agata to death at the stake. While she was burning alive, a violent earthquake struck Catania. This natural disaster was
