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| Potenza, Basilicata |
May 30th is the Sfilata dei Turchi e Festa di San Gerardo La Porta. The Feast recalls Potenza's desperate defense against Saracen raiders and the miraculous intercession of their beloved patron, San Gerardo La Porta. Mooring their galleys on the Basento riverbank, a band of corsairs made their way towards the unsuspecting townspeople of Potenza. Tradition has it that if not for the timely appearance of San Gerardo, flanked by angels, the town would have suffered the usual horrific fate met by so many other unfortunate victims of Moslem piracy across the Southern Italian seaboard—death or slavery. The sight of the celestial host before them caused panic among the marauding infidels, allowing the city's defense to organize and drive them off.
The Saint's intercession is celebrated with a magnificent parade called Sfilata dei Turchi or The Procession of the Turks. Dressed in picturesque costumes, Christian knights on horseback and Turkish pirates, including the Grand Vizier on a horse drawn carriage, complete with replica slave ships, march along the parade route with great fanfare. Children dressed in white (representing angels) and the effigy of San Gerardo La Porta follow them, to the crowd’s delight. After the parade the celebrants are treated to jousting competitions and horse races. San Gerardo’s Liturgical feast day is celebrated on October 30th.
In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer. San Gerardo La Porta, ora pro nobis.
Prayer to San Gerardo La Porta
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of San Gerardo La Porta may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of San Gerardo protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
