Hundreds of faithful (Romans, Sardinians, and Corsicans) joined the procession in Trastevere on the Octave of the Feast of the Noantri.

The statue traveled from the Lazio Rowing Club down the Tiber River on a boat with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State; Mons. Viola, Secretary of the Dicastery of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments; and, Mons. Di Tolve, auxiliary bishop of Rome.

Confraternity members from various Roman confraternities joined Corsican and Sardinian guests to Rome on accompanying boats.

Once arrived in Trastevere, a statue of St. Joseph carried by Corsican confraternities greeted the Madonna. Various hymns were sung in Italian and Corsican, bringing many to tears.

The procession continued on to a stop at the Church of Saint Agatha, the home of the statue of the Madonna “Fiumarola.”

After the presentation of honorary memberships to the Ven. Archconfraternity of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, fireworks were enjoyed and the procession continued on to the Basilica of Saint Mary in Trastevere.

Once arrived to the Basilica, the Cardinal carried the statue into the Basilica with the accompanying two monsignors and others as all present sang the a Marian hymn.

His Eminence preached about devotion to Our Lady, admitting that the procession was moving for him to witness. He said we can’t be Christians without being devoted to Mary. And we must listen to her, like the others did at the Wedding Feast at Cana, when she said “Do whatever He tells you.”

He ended: She will be the one who helps us to do God’s will!