On Sunday, May 31, 2026, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Viterbo renewed its Solemn Vow to Mary Most Holy, Our Lady of Deliverance (Maria Santissima Liberatrice), the principal patroness of the Diocese and protectress of the City.
This centuries-old annual occurrence renews the powerful bond uniting the City of the Popes to its heavenly Protectress. It featured the significant participation of the Knights of the Tuscia and Sabina Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, who, upon joining the Order, committed themselves to spreading devotion to Mary Most Holy, Our Lady of Deliverance, chosen as their patroness.
The history of Viterbo is not just made of walls and stone, but of a living memory that unites generations of citizens. Rediscovering the indissoluble bond between the City and Our Lady of Deliverance means touching the most authentic roots of the local community. The oldest, deepest, and most identity-defining devotion of the City of Viterbo—that to Our Lady of Deliverance, acclaimed as the Protectress of Viterbo—was born out of history, Faith, and legend. It is a seven-century-long journey of a multi-centennial devotion that every citizen of Viterbo should know and guard with pride.
This event, which for eight centuries has represented one of the most deeply felt religious moments for the Viterbo community, concluded a month rich in spiritual appointments organized by the Parish of the Most Holy Trinity, run by the Augustinian Fathers. These events included evening recitations of the Holy Rosary in the Renaissance Cloister, conferences, a sacred play put on by the youth, and commemorations of Saint Rita of Cascia and Our Lady of Fatima.
The celebrations began at 5:00 PM in Piazza del Plebiscito with a greeting and address by the Prior of the Augustinian Community, Father Vito Logoteto, O.S.A., followed by an address of homage to Our Lady of Deliverance by the Mayor of Viterbo, Dr. Chiara Frontini.
Addresses and the Procession of the Vow
Father Vito Logoteto, O.S.A., emphasized the value of civic unity, stating that:
“We stand together in this square because, even today in these dark times, Mary takes us by the hand. May the Virgin return to deliver us from all evils.”
In her speech, Dr. Chiara Frontini recalled the deep devotion of the City of Viterbo toward Our Lady of Deliverance, linked to a secular tradition spanning over seven hundred years of history. She also noted the recent return of the restored fresco to the Complex of the Most Holy Trinity—a symbol of both the religious and civil identity of Viterbo’s citizens—renewing the community’s entrustment to her protection and invoking, through her intercession, harmony among citizens and peace in the world.
This was followed by the traditional Procession of the Vow of the Municipality and People of Viterbo to Mary Most Holy, Our Lady of Deliverance. Setting off from Piazza del Plebiscito and moving along Via Madonna Liberatrice, the passing of the Sacred Icon was welcomed by a rain of flower petals thrown by the faithful and residents looking out from their windows and lining the streets.
During the procession, the Sacred Icon of Mary Most Holy, Our Lady of Deliverance, placed upon a canopy, was carried on the shoulders of the Facchini di Santa Rosa (the Porters of Saint Rose). The Sacred Icon was accompanied by the musicians and flag-wavers of the Pilastro neighborhood, confraternities, religious and civil associations, a pageant featuring historical re-enactors in period attire, and the traditional historical procession.
Delegation Presence and Solemn Mass
As is tradition, the Sacred Icon was escorted by representatives of the Tuscia and Sabina Delegation, led by:
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Nob. Atty. Roberto Saccarello, Knight Grand Cross of Jure Sanguinis (Delegate)
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Dr. Sandro Calista, Knight of Jure Sanguinis with Gold Star (Vice-Delegate and Treasurer)
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Dr. Alessio Marzo, Knight of Merit with Silver Star (Delegation Councilor)
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Prof. Roberto Sangiorgi Colangelo di Villazzano, Knight of Merit
These representatives had the honor of carrying the insignia of the Sanctuary of Mary Most Holy, Our Lady of Deliverance, alongside the ancient silver reproduction of the City of the Popes, both of which are kept next to the altar dedicated to Our Lady of Deliverance.
Upon reaching the city’s Marian sanctuary in the heart of the San Faustino district—marking the end of an event that is always deeply felt, highly attended, and unites Faith, history, and civic identity—the Sacred Icon was greeted by a choral shout: “Evviva la Madonna Santissima Liberatrice!” (Long live Mary Most Holy, Our Lady of Deliverance!).
The solemn celebration of the Holy Mass was presided over by the Bishop of Viterbo, His Excellency the Most Reverend Bishop Orazio Francesco Piazza.
