"This is such an important day for our community, as it is for all of Sardinia, because our land is a Marian island". Thus the parish priest Don Daniele Cantieri began the ceremony of the Blessed Virgin of Defense that took place yesterday, Sunday 8 September, in Stintino .

A town and, together, a territory celebrating the anniversary, a tribute to its patron saint. Many faithful, from Stintino and elsewhere, were present to greet the day of the birth of the Virgin, in the parish church of the Immaculate Conception. Leading the procession were the members of the Confraternity of the Blessed Virgin of Defense, with the prior Giuseppe Antonio Denegri . The celebration was also the occasion for the first outing of the new president of the association Antonio Diana, who took over from Giuseppe Benenati who, after 25 years, handed over the baton to the youngest brother.

Alongside the mayor of Stintino, Rita Vallebella, there were the prefect of Sassari Grazia La Fauci and the police commissioner of Sassari, Filiberto Mastropasqua. Representing the municipalities of the territory were the mayor of the municipality of Erula Marianna Fusco and the municipal councilor for the Environment of the municipality of Porto Torres Massimiliano Ledda. Representatives of the armed forces were present, Carabinieri, financial police, harbor master's office, firefighters, forestry corps. Then the barracellari companies of Stintino and Porto Torres.

"Today we venerate Mary with the title of Defense. A combative title that leads us to ask for protection . We try to imitate her virtues to be sure of having a mother who defends us from evil", concluded the parish priest of Stintino, Daniele Cantieri, who officiated the mass with Don Antonio Serra, parish priest of Bancali .

Unfortunately, bad weather prevented the procession at sea, which could take place next Sunday, September 15.

The brothers and the faithful, however, defied the wind and the rain and carried the statue of the Virgin in a short procession through the streets of the town. Present for the occasion were 13 flags belonging to the Stintinese and Nurra territories, the Canepa band and then the folk groups of Olmedo, Ittiri, Porto Torres and Fonni. The celebrations then continued first at the Confraternity house where the typical Stintinese biscuits and a glass of white wine were distributed. And then everyone with their noses in the air, despite the risk of rain, to see the fireworks that managed to enchant the public who watched the show from the Cristoforo Colombo seafront.

The Piazza dei 45 then hosted the show of Valentina Persia who entertained the many people present with her kindness and jokes.

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