Is it permissible for a weapons factory to sponsor a religious festival in honor of the Madonna? The controversy erupted on social media among the residents of Villamassargia and then exploded: the contribution was rejected, and RWM was removed from the festival's sponsors.

For some, there's nothing wrong with it, and in the spirit of "pecunia non olet" (money doesn't stink), even war sponsorships should be considered just like any other. But for others, the Rwm Italia logo, which appeared until Saturday on the poster for the religious and civic celebrations for the patron saint's day in honor of the Madonna del Pilar and San Ranieri (scheduled for October 9-18 in Villamassargia), was completely unacceptable.

The debate quickly became polarized , with strong opposition and stances emerging, including accusations against the Church and institutions. Father Antonio Mura, parish priest of Portoscuso, also entered the debate. While he clarified that he was speaking in a personal capacity, his post, titled "Marian feasts should never be sponsored by the arms industry," demonstrates his position. "Let's draw a clear line," the priest wrote, "between sacred worship and the profane interests of economic geopolitics. Mary, the Madonna, among her many titles, is also recognized as the 'Queen of Peace,' and I would never want her to be sponsored by the arms industry."

Among the first to take a stand was Arnaldo Scarpa, spokesperson for the RWM Reconversion Committee , who stated that "he has reported this very serious sponsorship to the religious authorities." The friction and controversy then continued and led to some perhaps unexpected developments: on Saturday evening, the large RWM logo disappeared from the festival's events poster , a sign suggesting that the parish led by Father Maurizio Mirai (who chose not to comment) had returned the sponsorship received from the arms company.

Father Antonio Mura calls it a positive decision: "The church has spoken out, it has made dignified decisions that appear worthy of support." Mayor Debora Porrà expressed her dismay regarding the matter: "Let's ensure that the town festival isn't a divisive event for the community. Ethical values, consciences, and the right to work in an increasingly impoverished area are at stake in this issue. I believe it's wrong to single out and pillory: a religious festival is not an occasion to politicize."

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