The Christmas period is upon us and the Sanctuary of Vicoforte is also preparing to dress up for the holidays, to experience the weeks of Advent in spirituality and joy, with proposals suitable for young and old. On the occasion of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, on 8 December at 3.30 pm, the “Nativity scenes from the world” collection will be inaugurated in the “Nativitas aps” association office (located at number 41, under the building). It is a collection of over 50 cribs from all over the world: the exhibition will be open on the weekends of 10-11 and 17-18 December, then also from 6 to 8 January of the new year. The opening on weekdays will be guaranteed from 14 to 18, while on holidays it will be from 10 to 13 in the morning and from 14 to 17 in the afternoon.
On Sunday 11 December, at 3.45 pm, a concert by the Children’s Choir of the Municipal School of Music will be held in the Basilica. The musical direction is by Maurizio Fornero, the boys will be accompanied on the organ by Maestro Alberto Rainetti. The program includes Christmas carols and sacred songs dedicated to the Nativity of Jesus.
Sunday 18 December, again in the Sanctuary at 3.45 pm, a new musical appointment is scheduled: a bagpipe concert, with Maestro Fabio Rinaudo. It will be possible to listen to music from the northern Italian and French tradition, and to delve into the stories and tales of popular folklore. The musical appointments make use of the collaboration of the Municipal School of Music of Mondovì, the Academia Montis Regalis and the Amici dell’Academia association.
Furthermore, three extraordinary guided tours of the monumental complex will be held on the festive days of 8, 11 and 18 December. The appointment is set at 14.30: the volunteer guides “Nativitas aps” will be available to accompany visitors to discover the curiosities and wonders of the Sanctuary and the former Cistercian monastery. Reservation is mandatory; the meeting is set at the association headquarters.
«Christmas is a moment of the year to be rediscovered, to be experienced with family and loved ones, – comments Marzia Danna, president of “Nativitas aps” – but also a moment of intimacy and spiritual communion. Alongside the liturgical appointments, we of the “Nativitas” association wanted to organize opportunities for sharing, fun, curiosity but also enrichment. We hope that the proposal meets with everyone’s approval and participation”.
The initiatives are carried out with the support of the CRT Foundation as part of the “Sanctuaries and communities” project. In this regard, it should be remembered that the fundraising for the audio guide project “A Sanctuary to listen to” (which has also recently obtained the support of the Monregalese Lions Club, as well as some generous companies and various commercial activities) is still ongoing. Therefore all the free offers that will eventually be donated, since all the activities and visits are free, will be destined for this purpose. For more information and reservations, contact: [email protected]
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