The⁣ city of Piove di Sacco⁤ is immersed in the annual celebrations⁤ honoring its patron saint, saint Martin, beginning in late ​October. The festivities‍ include a historical​ reenactment of the‍ life of ​Saint Martin,‍ originally from Tours, and a strong emphasis on community outreach.

The ⁢cathedral ⁤parish plays⁢ a central role in the Saint Martin celebrations, actively promoting ⁢both ⁣spiritual observance and social responsibility.”As always,⁢ we‌ give visibility to the parish Caritas and the vicarial listening ‌center,” explains Archpriest Don Massimo Draghi.

A key⁣ component of this ⁤outreach is a donation drive running until sunday, November 2nd. Parishioners and⁢ visitors are encouraged to‌ contribute ⁣non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene ⁤products, ⁢and⁢ items suitable for infants and ‍toddlers ⁣(ages⁣ 0-3) at a designated ⁣trolley located within the cathedral.

The liturgical calendar ⁤surrounding Saint Martin’s Day is also meaningful. On Sunday,‌ November 9th, a special mass will be​ held at 11:00 ‍AM,⁣ presided ‍over by⁢ Bishop​ Claudio, and attended by the mayor, municipal administration, and other institutional authorities. This mass will include all pastoral workers.

A solemn mass will follow⁣ on Tuesday, ‍November 11th, at 9:30 AM, led by Don Dante Carraro, director‍ of Doctors with Africa-CUAMM. This service aims to “broaden the gaze of charity beyond our territory,”‌ according to Don⁢ Draghi, and‌ will be attended by priests ‌originating from or currently serving in Piedmont.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the traditional San Martino free fair – a longstanding‌ event dating back to 1628 – will take ⁤place. The cathedral parish will participate by ⁣operating a food stand within the gymnasium of the patronage center from Saturday, November 8th, to Tuesday, November 11th.