During the celebrations of Sant’Antimo, the 11th of May, the Holy Mass of Sant’Antimo will take place at 6:30 pm, at the abbey, where, in the same day, there will be the firsts lessons of a three-day course about the famous Gregorian chant, with the direction of Livio Picotti.
The Gregorian songs will play an important role when on Sunday, the 13th of May, the Holy Mass of Sant’Antimo will be celebrated at 11 am. At midday there will be the inauguration of Santa Ildegarda’s gardens, an open space (open every day) that will be ornamented according to the Saint’s visions, among which the viriditas plays an essential role. This Latin term means anything green, fresh and blooming. According to Ildegarda, this property represents the creative energy that can be lost when someone stops believing and having faith by letting their heart become arid, cold and sick. Every group of illnesses can be treated by healing herbs that can be found in the gardens of Santa Ildegarda. For instance, there is an oak tree at the center of the garden, called the Moreh’s oak (in memory of the extract of the Genesis when it is narrated that God appeared to Abraham) that it is believed to put you in touch with God, thanks to silent meditation. At 1 pm the Pro Loco of Castel Nuovo dell’Abate (the organizing staff of the community) will prepare a lunch for all of those who would like to stay in Castelnuovo dell’Abate to enjoy the pipe organ concert of Fillippo Sorcinelli and Giovanni Donnini (the singer) that will take place at 4 pm at the abbey. Hereafter, it will be presented Vero Re, il profumo di Sant’Antimo (The real King, the perfume of Sant’Antimo), available at the Abbey pharmacy.
Referring to scents, when you visit the Ildegarda’s gardens, an aromatic essence of vanilla will accompany you to the discovery of the precious elements of Ildegarda’s yard, just like the extract of juniper. Or like the aroma of incense, created by the black storax plant that will make you mystically ascends to Havens.
In order to participate to the Gregorian chant course, please send an email to info@cerivo.it or call the number 329-2175896. While, to book the lunch meal on the 13th of May, it is necessary to call 0577 835716. For further information contact the info point: 0577/286300 – abbazia@antimo.it
Translated by Giulia Staggini