The sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella in Militello
by Andrea Cassisi
The arrival in Sicily, the last trip by Pippo Baudo, is scheduled for tonight (Tuesday 19 August). From tomorrow thousands of people are expected to visit the burning room which will be open from 9 to 13, pending the funeral, at 4 pm, in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella, in Militello Val di Catania. The name of the prelate who will officate the liturgy is not yet known. It is not excluded may be chaired by Monsignor Calogero Peri, bishop of Caltagirone, diocese to which Militello belongs. “At the moment no indication from family members on the readings of the celebration” he says Don Giuseppe Luparello62 years old, current parish priest. “The liturgy will be animated by the polyphonic choir” Maris Stella – Alfio Penna “and even for the lineup, no particular indications on the choice of songs have been advanced”.
In the country of origin of the king of Italian TV, just over six thousand inhabitants in the Val di Noto, The plan for safety throughout the territory is being set upcoordinated by the Prefecture, Police Headquarters and law enforcement. Particular attention to the entrances of the town and the areas in front of the Basilica where the funeral will take place, on live TV, in view of the participation of high political authorities, as well as characters from the world of TV and entertainment.
Waped in thousands, impossible to contain everyone in the sanctuary, they will therefore be able to follow the ritual from the maxeskem installed by the municipal administration in the square in front of the Basilica. The hearse will cross Militello, for the last symbolic embrace of his “Pippo” with the fellow citizens. «In this parish dedicated to Maria della Stella, patroness of this community to which Baudo was very devoted toPippo was Chierichetto and moved the first steps as an animator in the oratory “, recalls Don Giuseppe who, although not originally from Militello, in the last few hours has perceived the affection and collected the testimonies and memories of his parishioners, when the” king “of Italian TV was not yet known to the general public. “He accompanied us into childhood, entering our homes on tiptoe and stopping as if he were one of us,” he adds in his personal memory.
In conjunction with the funeral, Trenitalia in accordance with the Sicilian Region has enhanced the commercial offer with buses in the Central Catania, Militello and Gela stations, “to guarantee to participate in an orderly and safe way in the funeral”, underlined the regional councilor for infrastructure and mobility Alessandro Aricò. «A heartfelt and dutiful act of respect towards a great child of our land, Unique heritage for Sicily and the whole of Italy». Tomorrow Militello will be proclaimed city mourning.
Photographic material by the Instagram page “Militello in Val di Catania”
