The liturgical service in honour of the “Heavenly Patron” of aviators was celebrated at the Comani Chapel. The religious service, concelebrated by the Vicar of the Diocese of Latina, Monsignor Mario Sbarigia, and military chaplain Don Raimondo Salvaggio, was presided over by Colonel Salvatore Romeo, Commander of the 70th Wing “Giulio Cesare Graziani”. Both civilian and military personnel from the Department took part in the liturgical service.
This morning, during the Flag Raising ceremony, Colonel Romeo read out the message addressed to the personnel from Air Force General Giuseppe Bernardis, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force.
The bond between the Italian Air Force and the Madonna of Loreto dates back to the early decades of the 20th century, when the Virgin Mary began to be venerated as the protectress of aviators. Pope Benedict XV, in response to the wishes of World War I pilots, proclaimed the Madonna of Loreto the Celestial Patroness of all aviators with the Pontifical Brief of 24 March 1920.
His Holiness also approved the formula for the blessing of aircraft, which he had included in the Roman Ritual. Since then, the Virgo Lauretana has been venerated in all units of the Air Force, and this anniversary is celebrated every year.
For over half a century, the Pontine Flying School has been conducting pilot training courses for the selection and training of future pilots of the Air Force, other Armed Forces, and State Armed Corps, as well as those from some foreign countries.
