Candlelight procession for peace at St Mary Major on October 31

As October, traditionally dedicated to Marian prayer, draws to a close, a candlelight prayer gathering takes place on the evening of October outside Rome’s Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, for the protection of all those suffering from violence and division around the world.

Vatican News

As October draws to a close, a month traditionally dedicated to Marian prayer, the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome is organising a Candlelight Procession for Peace, entrusting to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary the desire for reconciliation among peoples and peace throughout the world.

The event is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, October 31 at 9 pm CET, in the square in front of the basilica. From there, participants will set out on a candlelight procession around the perimeter of the basilica complex.

Praying for those who suffer

Participants will join in a communal moment of prayer, with particular remembrance of populations affected by war.

The invocation to Rome’s beloved Salus Populi Romani will thus become a plea for protection not only for the “people of Rome,” but for all those who, wherever they may be, are suffering because of violence and division.