On Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vena in Vena di Piedimonte Etneo (CT), the Jubilee of the People of the Mountains took place — an intense day of spirituality and community, amidst nature, faith, and tradition.

The young mountaineers Silvia and Giorgia, the youth members of CAI Acireale (Christian, Carlo, Federica, Enrico, Giordana), adult members, and Youth Mountaineering Leaders took part in the Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Excellency Antonino Raspanti, Bishop of Acireale.

During the event, the inauguration of the ceramics depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary took place outdoors, along with the grafting of scions from the Chestnut Tree of the Hundred Horses and the Chestnut Tree of Sant’Agata-Nave. The group then reached the small altar of the Madonna del Giretto or of the Fire, on the lava front of the Monti Sartorius eruption, in commemoration of the 160th anniversary of the event that spared Vena.

The moment of prayer was accompanied by the touching hymn written by Don Carmelo La Rosa, Rector of the Sanctuary, a poetic and spiritual tribute to Mount Etna, the Madonna of the Mountain, and to those who love and protect these places.

A sanctuary between faith, water, and nature

The Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 750 meters, surrounded by forests of chestnuts and hazelnuts, and houses a Byzantine icon from the 6th century. According to tradition, it was founded in 597 A.D. by Basilian monks who brought the image of the Virgin here. A miraculous spring of water that gushed forth was the sign that convinced them to settle.

This place is still today an oasis of peace, silence, and spirituality, ideal for those seeking rest, a journey, and contemplation. Its water sources, created by the meeting of permeable lava and the ancient clays of the underground, remind us of how essential water is to this living and sacred land.

In this spirit, the Jubilee was an invitation to give thanks and protect the mountain, as Don Carmelo reminds us:

“Be praised, my Lord, for all those who come together in a single love for You and for the mountain.”