Nizza Monferrato (Italy). From 23 to 25 September 2022, the journey – pilgrimage Mor… Nizza will take place, organized by the Historical Archive of Our Lady of Grace House of Nizza Monferrato of Mary Help of Christians Province (IPI), in collaboration with the Associations of the Territory of Nizza Monferrato (Asti).
Now in its 5th edition, the initiative was born in 2017 with the aim of retracing the journey undertaken in 1879 by Mother Mazzarello with the first Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from Mornese, Foundation House, to Nizza Monferrato, Motherhouse of the Congregation.
The stages in the program:
23 September, towards San Michele
At 3:00 pm, gather at “Our Lady of Grace” Institute in Nizza Monferrato for departure. The first stop is the hamlet of San Michele, where a local family will open the small church and offer refreshments to the pilgrims.
At 9:00 pm, at the “Trinità” Auditorium, the reporter and pilgrim, Sergio Ardissone presents “The journey of St. Benedict”, showing his film with images of nature and the places he traveled. At the end there will be space for questions.
24 September, towards Acqui Terme
At 8:00, cutting of the ribbon in the presence of the local Administration, prayer for the start of the journey, and departure for Acqui Terme. The pilgrims will cross green hills and villages, and be pleasantly welcomed by the inhabitants of Castle Boglione, at the Great Panchina Panoramic for a refreshing break.
Arrived in Castle Rocchero, in the churchyard of Saint Andrea Church, the administration and the ‘Proloco’ will offer biscuits accompanied by the ‘must’ of Moscato. The path will continue until the ‘Bollente’ of Acqui Terme, in the province of Alessandria, where the walkers will be greeted by the City Council. Then there will be lunch, the “Desco (table) of the Pilgrim”.
In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the thermal waters of the city and, at 6:00 pm, Holy Mass in the Cathedral of Holy Mary of the Assumption. At the end of the day, overnight stay on site or return to Nizza Monferrato.
25 September, towards Mornese
Sunday 25 will allow both walkers and those who prefer to reach their destination by public transport to be able to participate in the pilgrimage, thanks to a pullman. All the pilgrims will meet at the Silvano d’Orba and from here, they will continue to Mornese on foot through the fresh paths of the Alto Monferrato, or by pullman.
This year, the Mornese destination will be Valponasca, where silence reigns and you can breathe deeply the strong spirituality that pervades it. At around 1:00 pm, when the walkers arrive, the ‘pilgrim’s table’ will be consumed in fraternity. After an afternoon spent in the Salesian spirit, at 4.00 pm the Holy Mass will conclude the experience and we will return to Nizza Monferrato.
The local television station TeleNizza will broadcast some parts of the pilgrimage route live, with short interviews with the participants.
The initiative is free; a contribution will be required for individual meals and for the bus. For organizational reasons, reservations are required by Wednesday 21 September.
