Festa di San Matteo

Friday was a holiday in Salerno - the festival of San Matteo, the patron saint of the city. We attended language class in the morning, rested in the afternoon, then came home to see things being set up for the procession. Earlier in the week, Lacey Mai and I had met a shop owner, Vincenzo, and his granddaugher (we think), Maria Grazia, at their store. They invited us back to watch the procession from their shop Friday at 6pm.

Being in Italy, we thought that if we arrived a few minutes late, it would be ok. Whoa, were we wrong. There were masses of people blocking our path. Only after several minutes, back roads and "permiso.. scuza..." were we able to get to the shop. Then it only got more interesting. The parade was lining up right in front of the shop. We met Micheala, Vincenzo's daughter (we think) and then realized this may be a difficult time. Neither Vincenzo or Micheala speak English...and we speak horrible Italian. Sooo after a few short charrades games, we watched the procession without speaking.

I had always heard of these processions but never seen one. It took somewhere between 20-30 men to carry the different statues of saints down the road. There were so many people in this parade - seemed like every priest, nun, etc were in Salerno. Check out the pictures.

Reflections:

If this is such a big deal, I wish we could have a parade for Jesus. Isn't He the coolest ever? We got to thinking, this procession was a rather boring event, just people walking, different marching bands for the different saints represented, but mostly just a peice of entertainment for locals. Everyone in Salerno and visiting towns showed up, but how many actually understand what is happening - or care? I don't exactly understand the role of patron saints, but I've decided I want to be in a parade for Christ. It would be the largest, most festive parade ever! I want to be a part. Shoot, I want to just see it! Instead of statues, there would be stories - stories of what God has done throughout the world, stories of lives changed because of Jesus. Each "float" would represent God moving in the world. Just think of it! It gets me so excited. Granted, it may be because I took classes in event management - but I believe it goes even deeper - a desire to make God known and celebrate His work. Let's be a part of the parade!