The Co-cathedral of the SS. Salvatore in Montalcino

Stories of the religious feasts

In the Co-cathedral, the sacraments considered most important by the Christian community (Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Marriage) are administered and the main religious feasts are celebrated, of which Easter is the most meaningful, since it celebrates Christ’s Resurrection. The solemnity of these special occasions is emphasized by the use of fabrics, sacred objects, and liturgical colors capable of communicating the symbolic meanings to the faithful.

The community offers a priceless memory of Easter: “On Good Friday the clergy wears red vestments, the symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, while on Holy Saturday the liturgical vestments are all white and gold. It is Jesus’ rebirth to new life! It is a moment of joy for all the faithful! During the ceremony of the Easter Vigil the priest comes out of the completely dark church, and in front of the portal a great fire is lit so as to light the Paschal Candle, the emblem of Christ, the light in the darkness. The candle is then carried in procession inside the church, ‘Lumen Christi’ is sung three times and the faithful respond ‘Deo Gratias.’ All the candles and lights in the church are lit and everything changes: Jesus is risen! The faithful chant the ‘Gloria’ accompanied by the sound of bells and the organ. The organ was fitted with a mirror so the organist could see the chancel and know when to play.”

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