On December 15, 2024, Rai 1 will broadcast the Santa Messa for the third Sunday of Advent from the Concattedrale di San Michele Arcangelo located in Terlizzi, Bari. This yearly tradition, supported by the Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (CEI), aims to deepen the significance of the Advent season leading to Christmas.
The live televised mass will begin at 10 AM, but viewers and congregation members are encouraged to arrive early, as doors will open at 8 AM. Monsignor Domenico Cornacchia, the bishop of the Molfetta-Ruvo-Giovinazzo-Terlizzi diocese, will be the chief celebrant at this event. He is expected to deliver poignant messages centered on peace and community during the service.
For those unable to attend physically, the mass will also be accessible via streaming on RaiPlay, as well as through the app RaiPlay with the cooperation of Rai Vaticano. The event will be directed by Simone Chiappetta, with commentary provided by Orazio Coclite, who will guide viewers through the liturgical significance and cultural richness of this special occasion.
The readings for today’s mass will include the first reading from the book of the prophet Zephaniah, and the second reading from Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians, which emphasizes the joy and closeness of God to humanity. The readings prepare the congregation for the upcoming celebration of Christ’s birth, encouraging feelings of joy and community connection.
During the service, the Gospel according to Saint Luke will feature the figure of John the Baptist, reitering the messages of repentance and anticipation for the coming of the Lord. This is depicted as he interacts with sinners, urging them to inquire, “What should we do?” John humbly acknowledges his role and reminds them of someone greater who will bring baptism with the Holy Spirit.
Cornacchia's homily is expected to stress not only personal peace but the active community involvement necessary to achieve lasting harmony. “La pace non è affatto un dono, ma va costruita giorno dopo giorno col grembiule della solidarietà e il sudore della responsabilità,” he has stated, emphasizing the collective effort required from every member of the community.
After the mass, viewers can look forward to the traditional Angelus broadcast, which will feature Pope Francis from Corsica, coinciding with his apostolic voyage to address the Congress of the Diocese of Ajaccio, themed around “The Popular Piety of the Mediterranean.”
The public engagement around the Santa Messa is underpinned by careful safety protocols, as only a limited number of congregants can physically attend due to regulations. This ensures both the safety of participants and the ability for wider audiences to connect through Rai 1’s broadcast.
Preparation for the mass has included the participation of the local community, where church leaders have urged parishioners to support this national broadcast. The choir Jubilaeum and Pueri Cantores have practiced diligently, providing sacred music to complement the liturgy, enhancing the overall experience for both attendees and viewers.
Although only some individuals could attend due to capacity restrictions, many filled the pews, especially young members of the community, which signifies hope for the future. The performance by talented musicians, including notable violinists Florangela D'Elia and Elena D'Amato, is set to augment the mass with rich, melodic elements.
Aside from the Santa Messa, there’s more to look forward to on Rai 1. Saturday programming includes varied segments focusing on topics of current events and cultural narratives. The shows encourage viewers to engage with significant issues impacting the nation, spotlighting the diverse facets of Italian life.
On December 16, another notable show titled Storie Italiane will highlight investigative stories focusing on social themes, such as disability rights, housing emergencies, and the fight against violence directed at women. The format features interviews with experts and discussions to promote awareness and encourage action on these pressing concerns.
Throughout December, Rai 1 aims to connect culturally and spiritually with its audiences. From the immersive experience of the Santa Messa to engaging narratives on social issues, they seek to provide viewers with opportunities for reflection, discernment, and participation.
For those who missed the live broadcast of the mass, it remains accessible on RaiPlay, allowing everyone to join this beautiful celebration of faith and community spirit from their own homes. This year’s Advent celebrations remind viewers of the importance of community, reflection, and the anticipation of joy during the festive season.
