The Pontifical Delegation for the Holy House of Loreto and the Italian Air Force announce that on Monday 11 December 2023 at 11.30 AM, the traditional Eucharistic Celebration of the Blue Military Force will take place at the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto, honouring the Celestial Patroness of Aviators on the occasion of the centenary of its foundation.

The celebration will be presided over by H.E. Archbishop Santo Marcianò, Military Ordinary for Italy, and concelebrated by the Pontifical Delegate H.E. Archbishop Fabio Dal Cin.

At the end of the ceremony, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, Air Force General Luca Goretti, will deliver a farewell speech.

Following the exit onto the Basilica's parvis, the Angelus prayer and the blessing of the HH-139 helicopter of the 15th Wing of the Air Force will take place. The helicopter will fly over the Basilica as a tribute to the Celestial Patroness with the Tricolour.

The celebration will be broadcast live by Vatican Media, Vatican Radio, Telepace (Channel 76 Veneto, Channel 75 Rome and Rieti, Telepace App also on SmartTV), in streaming on YouTube “Santa Casa Loreto” and on the official YouTube channel of the Air Force.

At the end of the event, interested press organs will be able to attend a press conference with the participating authorities in the Macchi Room of the Apostolic Palace.