Yesterday, July 22nd, the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene not only marked the revival of devotional rites in honor of the archipelago's patron saint, but also the renewed strengthening of institutional relations between La Maddalena and its twin city of Ajaccio. A large Corsican delegation, led by Deputy Mayor Alex Farina and including several councilors, officials, and two confraternities, arrived on the island. The guests were welcomed with full honors at the town hall by Mayor Fabio Lai, the municipal council, and military authorities, amid flags, national anthems, and official speeches.
The toast between the representatives of the two cities was accompanied by a special cocktail, prepared in honor of the Corsican delegation, named “U grandi corsu (The Great Corsican),” a clear reference to Napoleon, a Corsican and from Ajaccio.
"This relationship has been going on for over thirty years: it means there's something much deeper than a simple act," said Mayor Fabio Lai. "There's something more beautiful: we have a brotherly relationship, we share the same blood, and it's no coincidence that we share the same surnames," he added, referring to the surname of Ajaccio's deputy mayor, Farina, which is also shared by some island families. The mayor also remembered the founders of the twinning, his predecessors Giuseppe Deligia and Charles Ornano. "A twinning that has lasted thirty years," Deputy Mayor Farina emphasized, "means that there are men, associations, and brotherhoods that keep it alive; it's our task to further strengthen this bond." It's also worth remembering that a delegation from La Maddalena also travels to Ajaccio in March for the Madonnuccia (Our Lady of Mercy), the patronal feast of the Corsican capital.
The solemn Mass, celebrated subsequently in the parish church and led by the Santa Cecilia choir, was attended by the Bishop of Tempio-Ampurias, Monsignor Roberto Fornaciari, who concelebrated with the parish priest, Father Umberto Deriu, along with other parish priests, priests, and military chaplains. The church, packed with residents and tourists, was attended by representatives of the municipal administration and numerous local and territorial military authorities. Following the service, the traditional procession took place to the dock, where the statue was loaded onto the ship. The procession then continued out to sea, amidst a particularly evocative setting. In the evening, the celebrations concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, organized by the class of 1976, along with this year's other civic and religious events.
