TARANTO - A time-honored tradition intertwining faith, memory, and local history is set to unfold in Taranto on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The city will gather in prayer to commemorate the "Inventio Corporis Sancti Cataldi," marking the anniversary of the discovery of the relics of its patron saint, San Cataldo, which occurred in 1071 during the reconstruction of the Cathedral. The day’s events will kick off at 10:15 AM with a symbolic draw in the archbishop's hall, where local construction companies will be selected to carry the Crocetta aurea, candles, and incense in the solemn procession.
The procession will commence from the episcopate and make its way toward the Duomo di San Cataldo. Monsignor Emanuele Ferro will preside over the liturgy of the Word in front of the baptistery. The Crocetta aurea will be shown to the public at the "Locus Invenctio Corporis Sancti Cataldi," the very spot where the relics were unearthed. This moment is expected to be particularly poignant, as the Crocetta aurea, a golden cross inscribed with the name "Cataldus," symbolizes the deep connection between the city and its patron saint.
Following the ostension, the precious symbol will be stored in the stauroteca and ceremoniously moved to the saint's chapel, where it will be displayed alongside the relics of San Cataldo. This ritual, steeped in spirituality, renews the city’s bond with its authentic roots, emphasizing the collective participation in honoring San Cataldo.
In Corato, another celebration is taking place on the same day, May 10, 2025. The city will hold a solemn concelebration at 11:00 AM in the Chiesa Matrice, presided over by Monsignor Leonardo D’Ascenzo, alongside local clergy, civil and military authorities, and religious associations. Later in the evening, at 7:00 PM, a Eucharistic celebration and prayer to the patron saint will occur, marking the second occasion this year when the community expresses its devotion to San Cataldo.
The significance of May 10 is rooted in the 1071 discovery of the saint's remains during construction work for the new cathedral in Taranto. According to local legend, the scent that filled the air guided the workers to the burial site, where they found the remains of San Cataldo, adorned with a golden Celtic cross inscribed with the name Cataldvs.
The bond between San Cataldo and Corato is steeped in history. An account from 1483 tells of a farmer named Quirico Trambotto, who, during a plague outbreak, was promised by the saint that if he built a temple in his honor, the city would be saved from disease and famine. The next day, as foretold, Trambotto's oxen fell while plowing, leading him to construct a church at the site, thereby establishing a deep-rooted connection between the saint and the town.
The cult of San Cataldo as the patron saint of Corato dates back to 1681, with earlier acknowledgments of his protective role emerging in the 16th century. The community's reverence for San Cataldo has endured, with celebrations evolving over the centuries, including the construction of a convent in 1506, which later became the town hall.
As part of the ongoing celebrations in Taranto, the day will feature various events. The commemoration of the "Inventio Corporis Sancti Cataldi" will include the ostension of the San Cataldo cross at 11:00 AM, followed by a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Ciro Miniero at 5:00 PM. This will be followed by a procession through the historic districts of Città Vecchia and Borgo.
At 8:30 PM, a concert featuring Patrizia Conte, the winner of the 2025 edition of "The Voice Senior," will take place in Piazza Castello, accompanied by the Jazz Studio Orchestra, conducted by Paolo Lepore. The festivities will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display from the Aragonese Castle at 11:30 PM, illuminating the night sky and celebrating the city’s patron.
In a fitting gesture of community spirit, the "Cataldus d'Argento" awards ceremony was held on May 9, 2025, in the Basilica Cattedrale of San Cataldo. This year’s theme, "Su di te sia pace," emphasized the importance of dialogue and civic responsibility. Awards were presented to individuals who made significant contributions to cultural, social, and professional life in Taranto, including journalist Angelo Mellone, the Italian Red Cross - Taranto Committee for volunteering, and Leonardo Giangrande for entrepreneurship. The special award was presented to singer-songwriter Mariella Nava.
As part of the celebrations, the local government has announced that the door-to-door waste collection service will be suspended on May 10 due to the Feast of San Cataldo. However, the Centro Comunale di Raccolta (CCR) will remain open from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, ensuring that the community can participate in the festivities without disruption.
These celebrations not only serve as a reminder of the rich history and traditions surrounding San Cataldo but also highlight the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. As the people of Taranto and Corato come together to honor their patron saint, they reaffirm their faith and the deep-rooted connections that bind them to their history.
