The Madonna of Loreto Celebrated by the Italian Air Force

At the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, AM staff celebrated their “Patron Saint” A ceremony in honour of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto, Patron Saint of Aviators, took place this morning at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The religious service was presided over by the Ordinary Military Archbishop for Italy, His Excellency Monsignor Santo Marcianò, assisted by the Episcopal Vicar for the Air Force, Don Antonio Coppola, and was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Marshal Alberto Rosso, and senior officers of the Armed Forces. As always, the Basilica welcomed a large contingent of military and civilian personnel from the Armed Forces. During his homily, Monsignor Marcianò emphasised that “Your work is characterised by a readiness to act that fears no risk and is always on hand to respond to the many emergencies that arise. You do not hesitate, weighed down by fears or concerns for your own comfort or safety. You think of the people and the history of human suffering rather than of yourselves. We could give many examples, recalling your colleagues who have put their lives at risk on delicate missions and beyond.” He then continued: “Thinking of the good of the people, Mary gives of herself; she does not devise plans, strategies or programmes; indeed, she allows her own plans to be disrupted. Mary, quite simply, gives of herself! Dedication, dear friends, is also a hallmark of you; and dedication means taking on responsibility. Yours is the dedication of people who face up to problems, putting their own lives on the line, not those of others; indeed, they put their own lives on the line to safeguard those of others.” At the end of the service, General Rosso, during his address, expressed “words of thanks to His Excellency Monsignor Marcianò, to Father Antonio Coppola and to all the military chaplains”. In conclusion, General Rosso emphasised: “To all the men and women of the Italian Air Force, I extend my deepest gratitude for the generous and unassuming commitment that underpins your daily work for the common good.”.

View the photo gallery concerning the Air Force Departments' celebrations