Nora, the return of the martyr: Sant'Efisio ignites devotion in the little church of sacrifice

He returned to where it all began. Sant'Efisio reached Nora, amidst crowds and silences full of faith, in the exact place where he suffered martyrdom. Here, in the little church overlooking the sea, the spiritual heart of a centuries-long pilgrimage takes place, now in its 369th edition.

The faithful gathered around the statue of the Saint, arriving in procession after days of walking amid devotion, requests for supplications and promises.

Representing the Municipality of Cagliari, Alter Nos Marzia Cilloccu, symbolic leader of the popular vote. Celebrating the mass, in the crowded little church, the Archbishop of Cagliari Giuseppe Baturi.

While waiting for the mass to begin, an ancient sound gave voice to the soul of the people: Luigi Lai, a living legend of the launeddas, 96 years old, played “his bambine” – as he calls his instruments – providing a moment of pure emotion. His notes resounded in the square like a blessing.

Sant'Efisio today in Nora, at 18.30 the Saint will be carried on the shoulders of the Brothers to the archaeological excavations of Nora and then across the beach he will be brought back to the parish of Pula where the Holy Mass will be celebrated. After this rite the glorious martyr will resume his journey towards Cagliari, and the vow will be once again fulfilled.