On 22^nd February celebrations in honour of St. Benedict, the Norcia and Europe saint patron, began with the blessing of the torch "In favour of peace and a united Europe" by Pope Francis, followed by the lighting that, in line with tradition, took place in Norcia.  

This year the lighting ceremony has been particularly remarkable, since it couldn't take place, because of the known events, inside the St.

Benedictine's Basilica: the torch has been indeed lit by Norcia, Subiaco and Cassino's mayors on the basilica's ruins in order to renew the meaning of hope for the future.

The torch is going to be hosted in Subiaco in the Speco and is later going to reach Bruxelles, in Belgium, whereas on the 19^th March is going to return to Italy, in Cassino, where it will be accompanied by delegations and historical parades of the three benedictine towns.

On the 20^th and 21^st celebrations are going to take place simultaneously in Norcia, Subiaco and Cassino with highly valuable religious and civil celebrations.

Lastly on the 25^th March Norcia is going to host the renewal of Rome's Treaty, in the presence of authorities from all over Europe. 

For further information: 

http://www.comune.norcia.pg.it/