Toscolano Celebrates Madonna del Benaco Feast with Processions and Masses

TOSCOLANO – A festive atmosphere envelops Toscolano on the occasion of the feast of the Garda’s patroness, Madonna del Benaco. This quinquennial celebration honors this Madonna, whose statue is kept all year in the ancient sanctuary overlooking the lake.

In recent days, the statue was carried in procession through the town streets to the parish church, where mons. Vigilio Mario Olmi, auxiliary bishop, celebrated Mass. After processions at the Porto and the «Vialone» beach, today’s program, Wednesday, includes Masses at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, and 3:30 pm (for all the sick).

In the evening, at 8:00 pm, don Roberto Zappa, rector of the Sanctuary of Valverde di Rezzato, will celebrate Mass in the Chiusure area. Tomorrow, Thursday, at 9:30 am, priests from the area will concelebrate the Eucharist; at 8:00 pm, another celebration will take place in the square behind the «Le Montagnette» shopping center, presided over by the parish priest of Rezzato, don Giuliano Franzoni.

Friday celebrations and ceremonies

At 9:00 pm, at the Oratorio, a concert by the town’s band will take place. On Friday, the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin, the bishop of the Diocese, mons. Giulio Sanguineti, will celebrate Mass at 10:00 am and preside over the Confirmation liturgy.

In the evening, at 8:00 pm, Mass will be presided over by don Gianfranco Mascher, parish priest of Maderno, and don Fausto Prandelli, parish priest of Toscolano, with a procession through the streets of the historic center, where the statue of S. Maria del Benaco will be carried — as tradition dictates — to then return to the Sanctuary.

Around 9:00 pm, the celebrations will conclude with a fireworks display over the waters facing the Riva Grande beach and the Porto.