Pastoral Visit to the Diocese of Ugento-Santa Maria di Leuca—Diocesan Day for Migrants 2026 - First day

From August 7 to 9, the Superior General, Sister Maria Eliane, accompanied by the Assistant General, Sister Stella Maris, and Sister Assuntina Scopelliti, accepted an invitation from the Diocese of Ugento-Santa Maria di Leuca to participate in the Diocesan Day for Emigrants, held at the Parish of San Rocco in Gagliano del Capo and at the Parish of San Michele Arcangelo in Castrignano del Capo.

On August 7, they were welcomed by Father Fabrizio Gallo, director of the Migrant Office of the Diocese of Ugento-Santa Maria di Leuca, and by Father Pasquale Pizzuti, O.SS.T., pastor of Gagliano del Capo.

On the morning of August 7, they visited the Basilica and Shrine of Santa Maria de Finibus terrae; afterward, a prayer for peace was recited and the bell was symbolically rung.

The Sanctuary is located (as can be clearly seen on the map) at the southernmost tip of Puglia, the “heel” of the Italian peninsula; in this area of the Sanctuary, in a corner with a breathtaking view of the sea, stands a bell tower from which one can see a marvelous, endless expanse and the end of the earth.

The sound of the Shrine’s bell is particularly evocative thanks to the location of this place of prayer. Next to the bell stands a concrete pedestal on which a prayer for peace is engraved:

PRAYER

Holy Mary “de finibus terrae,”

who carried the Lord of Peace in your womb,

watch over the Mediterranean so that it may be an embrace among peoples.

You, who reign over this land, which opens like a window onto the sea, help the peoples on all its shores to rediscover the beauty of coexistence founded on generosity and reconciliation.

Amen

At 7:00 p.m., Bishop Vito Angiuli, Father Fabrizio, Father Pasquale, and the priests of the diocese—along with several other priests from the diocese, civil and military authorities, representatives of various associations, and the faithful—welcomed the arrival of the relic of St. F. X. C., presented by the Superior General and accompanied by Sister Stella and Sister Assunta, to the sound of the marching band.

This was followed by a solemn procession to Piazza dell’Immacolata, where Holy Mass was celebrated. The community thus experienced an important moment of faith, fellowship, and reflection.

During the thanksgiving portion of Holy Mass, Sister Eliane delivered a message, and the Superior General of the MSC, Sister Eliane MSC, to the bishop, during the procession held in Piazza Bitonti, where Mass was celebrated, presided over by the bishop of the Diocese of Ugento and concelebrated by the other priests present, including Father Fabrizio and Father Pasquale.

Father Fabrizio Gallo, of the Diocese’s Office for Migrants, highlighted the significance of Pope Leo’s recent apostolic visits—first to the birthplace of Saint Cabrini in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano and then to Lampedusa. There, too, in the Diocese of Ugento, many migrants arrive in Leuca, a gateway to the Mediterranean;

Here, in particular, are some of his words:

“Pope Leo XIV felt immediately drawn to that figure of holiness, whom his predecessor of the same name had encouraged; for this reason, upon traveling to Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, he wished to venerate the relic of her heart—that same big, open heart, capable of understanding the anxieties and hopes of so many migrant brothers and sisters, even overseas.”

Monsignor Vito stated during his homily:

“The phenomenon of migration continues to challenge the conscience of Christians and society, and the mission of Saint Frances Cabrini remains, for everyone, a shining example to follow.

Faith and charity overcome all fear and transform a childhood dream into a great life of mission.”

More information about the Shrine

The Bell of Peace (called “Vox Pacis”) was blessed and dedicated on September 1, 2025, at the Basilica and Shrine of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae in Santa Maria di Leuca, on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Sponsored by the Diocese of Ugento-Santa Maria di Leuca and local communities, its ringing is intended to convey a message of brotherhood and an embrace of peace to the entire Mediterranean region.

The Peace Bell (known as Vox Pacis) in the Basilica and Shrine of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, in Santa Maria di Leuca, symbolizes spiritual openness toward the Mediterranean and the Holy Land. Its ideal echo is symbolically directed toward Jerusalem, ideally uniting Italy’s “finis terrae” with the places of reconciliation and peace in the Middle East.

Other interesting facts about this shrine:

• Santa Maria di Leuca marks the end of the southern route of the Via Francigena.

• The port of departure: In the Middle Ages, those arriving at Punta Meliso found a natural harbor from which to embark on ships bound for the East.

• The gateway to the East: The sanctuary was the last sacred outpost before the open sea leading to the Holy Land.

According to Gospel accounts, Peter landed in Leuca to begin his work of evangelization. At the spot where he set foot on land stood the ruins of a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. It was here that the decision was made to build a church, which has since been replaced by the sanctuary.

After Communion, the parish priest, Father Pasquale Pizzuti, and the Superior General, Sister Maria Eliane, offered their greetings and thanks. During the thanksgiving portion of the solemn Mass, Sister Maria Eliane received a beautiful oil painting of Mother Cabrini, painted in the Agrade style, as a gift from the parishes of San Rocco and San Michele Arcangelo.

After the celebration and the final blessing, the procession continued to the entrance of the São Roque parish, where everyone watched the fireworks and enjoyed a time of fellowship.

This event demonstrates the commitment of the Church and civil society organizations to welcoming migrants and showing solidarity with them.