I 150 years of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians
Reporting of Federici Studies Center
Exactly one hundred and fifty years ago
9 June 1868: solemn consecration of the church of Mary Help of Christians
Preparations for the party
In mid-March Archbishop Riccardi set the consecration of the church for the first fortnight of June. Everything was now ready: the two bell towers of the facade surmounted by two archangels, the large golden statue on the dome already blessed by the archbishop, the five marble altars with their respective paintings, including the wonderful one of Mary Help of Christians with the child in her arms, surrounded by angels, apostles, evangelists, in a riot of light and colours.
An exceptional plan for preparation was then triggered. First of all it was a question of finding the consecrating bishop; then to contact various bishops for the solemn celebrations in the morning and evening of each day of the octave; also to issue personal invitations to dozens of illustrious benefactors, priests and lay people from all over Italy, many of which should be worthily hosted at home; finally to prepare hundreds of young people both to solemnize the pontifical and liturgical ceremonies with songs, and to participate in academies, games, parades, moments of joy and happiness.