The Madonna of Loreto Celebrated

On Tuesday 10th December, the Italian Air Force celebrated Our Lady of Loreto, the “Celestial Patron” of all aviators. Major Luca Parmitano, an Italian Air Force test and experimental pilot and an ESA astronaut, also attended the ceremony and presented Cardinal Bertellola with a photograph taken from space during the “Volare” mission. “While I was on – stated Major Parmitano – I thought I'd show our world, protected from above by our protectress. I thought I'd take a photo that I've brought with me today and that can remain here forever in her home. The celebrations continued in the afternoon at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, attended by the Undersecretary of State for Defence, Gioacchino Alfano, accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. On the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Loreto, patron saint and protector of all aviators, Undersecretary Alfano wished, in a letter addressed to General Preziosa, to express...”Heartfelt wishes on this significant and solemn anniversary.”with the prayer that “extend these wishes to all the men and women of the Armed Forces, together with my expressions of esteem and gratitude for the meritorious work carried out in the service of our country”. Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli, the Chief of the Defence Staff, also wished to convey, via General Preziosa, “The most fervent wishes from the Armed Forces and my personal ones to all serving and retired members of the Blue Army and their loved ones. In the New Year's message, Admiral Binelli Mantelli stressed that “Men and Women of the Air Force, with diligent industriousness, unwavering spirit of sacrifice, and fervent passion, continue to make a valuable contribution to all operational activities, confirming themselves to be a modern, effective, and dynamic component.From the defence of airspace to power projection, from deterrence to aero-cooperation, from emergency aeromedical transport to search and rescue, through to numerous solidarity missions, the Air Force operates daily and tirelessly, with professionalism, enthusiasm, and absolute dedication in support of Italy's efforts for the maintenance of peace, the safeguarding of human rights and international security, and for the good of the community.
Watch the video of the celebrations for Our Lady of Loreto Watch the video of the celebrations for Our Lady of Loreto