From pedal boats to scooters, the processions in the Covid era

By pedal boat or scooter: Covid rules for processions are very restrictive and, in order to honor the Madonna or the saints, some priests use alternative and very creative methods. It happens, for example, in Cesenate, where yesterday morning the Madonna was exposed on a pedal boat, with bathers who could pray to her in complete safety.
    Spacing and masks are the rules to be observed, even outdoors, for religious events. And someone gives up by postponing popular festivals to better times. There are also those who try to dissuade the faithful, such as the bishop of Locri-Gerace, monsignor Francesco Oliva, who in a note a few days ago gave this indication to the devotees of the Madonna di Polsi: "Whoever has made a private vow will fulfill it reciting the Holy Rosary at home in front of the image of the Madonna of the Mountain ".
    The anti-Covid rules have therefore not stopped a priest from Cesenate who has decided today to carry the Madonna in procession on the pedal boat. Yesterday, however, he had loaded the statue of the Virgin on his motorcycle to have it parade through the streets of the town.
    In fact, one of the most important Marian feasts of the year is approaching, that of the Assumption (August 15) and several dioceses and parishes are having to deal with the rules to prevent infections that make events difficult, if not impracticable. religious events that take place every year in these days.
    Don Mirco Bianchi, parish priest in Gatteo a Mare (Forlì-Cesena), therefore chose alternative processions. Very active on social media, the priest is known for his direct positions often not totally in line with those of the CEI or the Pope, for example on the issue of migrants. In recent times, however, he has turned his attention above all to the PDL Zan, on homophobia, attracting the attacks of the LGBT associations.
    Returning to the religious holidays in August, the historic procession of the Vara was suspended in Messina and in the meeting that was held during the week, the rags flew, according to local reports, between the Committee in charge of the procession and the Municipality. In the end the decision is that it won't be done.
    It hadn't happened for 75 years: on 3 September the Car of Santa Rosa, in Viterbo, will not pass through the Covid emergency. It was decided this week by the public order and safety committee which met in the Prefecture. Cefalù also had to give up the feast for the Holy Savior which was to be held on August 6. It happened only 120 years ago, in 1900, when the municipal administration decided to postpone the party due to the killing, just a few days before the party, of King Umberto I.
    In Termoli, the procession was also held in these days. to the sea to honor San Basso. But instead of the statue brought to the port with the band, this year a painting was used, easier to transport by ensuring the distance. No one on the pier and a few boats following the fishing boat drawn to carry the saint. But the faithful, however, appreciated that the feast, in some way, was respected.
    (HANDLE).