September 17, 2026 – October 16, 2026 · Tolentino (MC)
The Pastoral Unit n.8 and the Community of Tolentino are celebrating San Francesco with a rich program of events. This celebration includes moments of prayer, insightful conferences, fun games for children, exciting sports tournaments, engaging exhibitions, heartwarming community dinners, and lively concerts. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience Franciscan spirituality and rediscover a sense of community.
The festivities kick off on Thursday, September 17th, at Chiesa San Francesco, with an inauguration at 5:00 PM, followed by a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration and altar dedication at 5:30 PM, presided over by S. E. Mons. Nazzareno Marconi. On Sunday, September 20th, also at Chiesa San Francesco, there will be a conference illustrating the completed works at 5:00 PM. Saturday, September 26th, brings outdoor fun to Piazza Mauruzi, with free registration for a treasure hunt starting at 2:30 PM (reservations: Massimo 347 9063925), and the hunt beginning at 3:00 PM. On Sunday, September 27th, at Piazza Mauruzi (or Chiesa di S. Giacomo in case of bad weather), children will share stories of San Francesco at 4:30 PM. From Thursday, October 1st, to Saturday, October 3rd, Chiesa San Francesco hosts a Triduum of preparation, with Holy Mass celebrated at 6:30 PM, presided over by Padre Luciano Genga. On Thursday, October 1st, at 9:00 PM, there will be Eucharistic Adoration guided by the Comunità di Rinnovamento nello Spirito. Saturday, October 3rd, is packed with activities: guided tours of the Church for students from 9:30 AM, and free tournaments for futsal, ping pong, basketball, and volleyball starting at 3:00 PM at Oratorio Don Bosco (these continue on Sunday, October 4th; Info: Giorgio 333 1852853 Martina 338 8864889). At 6:00 PM, Sala Colsalvatico, Piazza Mauruzi, opens an exhibition of ceramics and paintings by students from IIS "F. Filelfo" of Tolentino. A community dinner, prepared by the Contrade dell'unità Pastorale 8, with music by Tommaso Foresi, starts at 8:00 PM in Piazza Mauruzi, followed by a free foosball tournament from 9:00 PM. Sunday, October 4th, is the main FESTA DI SAN FRANCESCO, with Holy Masses at 8:45 AM and 11:30 AM. A community lunch takes place at 12:30 PM in Piazza Mauruzi, followed by afternoon games. A Solemn Holy Mass is held at 6:30 PM at Chiesa San Francesco (in memory of don Vittorio Serafini). The evening concludes at 9:00 PM with the Coro Polifonico Città di Tolentino performing the premiere of "La Perfetta Letizia" for Narrator, Soprano, Choir, and Orchestra, directed by Aldo Cicconofri. Later in October, there are cultural events: Tuesday, October 6th, at 9:00 PM at Chiesa San Francesco, features "San Francesco d'Assisi raccontato da Dante" with Marta Cottone. Friday, October 9th, at 9:00 PM at Chiesa San Francesco, presents "La ferita, la letizia - Faccia a faccia con San Francesco, poeta di Dio e del mondo" with Davide Rondoni (in collaboration with Circolo Culturale "Tullio Colsalvatico"). Saturday, October 10th, at 9:00 PM at Sala Colsalvatico, Piazza Mauruzi, there will be a screening of Liliana Cavani's "San Francesco" (in collaboration with Circolo Culturale "Tullio Colsalvatico"). Sunday, October 11th, at 6:30 PM at Chiesa San Francesco, includes Holy Mass presided over by Don Ariel and his farewell to the community. Finally, Tuesday, October 13th, at 9:15 PM at Sala Colsalvatico, Piazza Mauruzi, offers "Imparare dalla bellezza," a video where Mariella Carlotti illustrates Giotto's fresco cycle in Assisi (in collaboration with Circolo Culturale "Tullio Colsalvatico"). The program concludes on Friday, October 16th, at 9:00 PM at Chiesa di San Francesco, with "La Legge e l'Anima: Francesco, la..."