Monday 6 April 2026 — On Easter Monday, Materdomini officially opens the year of the celebration, marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard Majella, who was born on 6 April 1726 in Muro Lucano.
The opening ceremony is the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 11:00 am, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Expected to attend are the Superior General of the Redemptorists Fr. Rogerio Gomes, the Provincial Superior Fr. Gennaro Sorrentino, bishops, civil and military authorities, confreres and numerous faithful from all over Italy. The event has been organised by a special Committeecomprising representatives from the religious and civil spheres.
Fr. Serafino Fiore CSsR, Rector of the Materdomini Shrine, explains the significance of this day: “We simply want the greatness of the Eucharist to speak to the extraordinary nature of this figure, and of the love that so many people feel for him and for his spiritual message.”
A year packed with events
The Tricentenary is not limited to a single day. Father Serafino previews a packed programme: academic conferences, days of formation, a gathering of consecrated life from across the region, a day for Catholic doctors, and school competitions to introduce young people to the figure of the Saint.
Among the most eagerly awaited events are three extraordinary displays of the urn of St Gerard — on Mother’s Day, 15 August, and as part of an initiative dedicated to the towns most closely linked to his devotion — in addition to the customary display on the second Sunday in December. A peregrinatio of a special relic, featuring the statue of the Saint, is also planned, which will visit the Redemptorist communities in Poland for four months.
Materdomini, a place of living spirituality
Father Serafino observes how the pilgrimage to Materdomini has changed over time: “In the past, people came out of tradition, out of popular piety. Today, a new kind of people and families come: Materdomini is seen as a place of spirituality, a place where one can ask Saint Gerard for protection.”
At the heart of this devotion remains the Saint’s patronage of mothers and children: “When we say ‘mother’, we mean ‘child’; we mean a life being born; we mean love in its purest form. It is a spectrum of spirituality that opens up very widely.”
Who is Saint Gerard to Father Serafino?
To this personal question, the Rector replies with simplicity and warmth: “Saint Gerard is the saint of my vocation, the first saint I ever encountered. A fascinating figure who lived his life to the full — just 29 years — interwoven with miracles and faith.”
And he concludes with the words that still resonate today: “In a world where discouragement can prevail, Saint Gerard continues to tell us: Cheerfully, cheerfully, let us go forward with joy.”
Would you like to follow the opening ceremony? The 11:00 am celebration will also be available via live stream.
Scala News in collaboration with Fr. P. Mazur CSsR
