evocative moment of birth of Baby Jesusmeeting organized by the rector, Father Pasquale Rago, who recited a prayer for peace in the world, enhancing the message contained in the feast of Holy Christmas.
Gathered around the popular style nativity scene, the participants sang the song “Tu scendi dalle stelle” to reinforce the beauty of birth rich in universal human and spiritual values. In the nativity scene we noticed the effigy of Holy Mary. of Constantinople, resting on a boat placed on the fishing net in the sea and with Michele Lobasso, vice-prior of the Confraternity of St. Mary of Constantinople, we chatted about the initiative, born in collaboration with the “Chiamata di scene” association; here's what he told us about this meeting steeped in faith, folklore and ancient traditions.
“The meaning of these moments is very interesting,” he said Michele Lobasso -. First of all, I want to underline my pride in the opening of our church to worship after such a long time. All this encourages us to organize initiatives that give life to our community. The older brothers tell us about this moment of birth which was deeply felt in the church in the past. The traditional nativity scene presents the boat with the icon of the Madonna of Constantinople on it, brought by sea. The virgin of Hodegitria brought the little Jesus who, according to the Holy Scriptures, is the way, the truth and the life. These are moments that strengthen faith, traditions and devotion towards the titular Madonna of the Brotherhood without distorting the deepest meaning of the birth.”
The evening continued harmoniously with the fusion between music and voices thanks to the “caravan” of the Santa Allegrezza led by Alberto Fiorentino on the accordion; Nicola Defronzo on tambourine; Vincenzo Ignomiriello on sax and Vito Labellarte on guitar. All those present shared the last moment of encounter between faith and song by singing the ancient devotional song “La Santa Allegrezza” in an “unscheduled” performance after the success of its itinerant mode through the streets and squares.
Reflections on the concert “The magic of the nativity scene”
A small mention was made by the vice-prior Michele Lobasso regarding the concert entitled “The magic of the nativity scene”, which took place on Saturday 21 December. «After years of silence, a song of hope has arisen with the children as protagonists who are our future- stated the vice-prior. We cannot help but think that in many countries around the world children suffer from war and cannot live off the magic that Christmas conveys. We must pray for them and for peace – concluded Michele Lobasso”. Angela Cassanelli, his collaborator for religious and cultural events, echoed the reflections of vice prior Lobasso. She also told us about the Christmas carols concert that took place on Saturday 21 December. «”The magic of the nativity scene” featured the children of the children's choir of the “Filippo Cortese” school in Giovinazzo directed by the music teacher Anna Catino and led by Ileana Spezzacatena. The program proposed a series of emotions in music as the children performed songs that praised brotherhood, love and peace. Among the beautiful and emotional songs there was “Bianco Natale” of particular refinement. I extend sincere thanks to the rector Father Pasquale Rago, to the prior Carmine Palermo, and to all the brothers for the trust placed in me. The concert was also created to bring back to life in all adults “the child within us””, concluded Angela Cassanelli.
The two proposals from the church of S. Maria di Costantinopoli, both curated by “Scene Call” gave strong and pure testimony to the values of the Catholic Church which brings us together, transmitting to us the profound meaning of Christmas with all its meanings which we should never neglect .
We at GiovinazzoViva send a special wish for a Merry Christmas to our readers with the hope that serenity, hope and peace will reign in everyone's hearts.
