The mayor of Catanzaro, Nicola Fiorita, on the day of the traditional festival of the patroness of sailors and fishermen: The large bronze statue of the Madonna di Porto Salvo created by master sculptor Luigi Verrino will be placed on the pier
Never was a meeting, even if by chance, more appropriate, auspicious, and fruitful than the one that took place yesterday afternoon, on the pier of Catanzaro Marina, between the mayor Nicola Fiorita and the sculptor Luigi Verrino, among the crowd, at the arrival of the traditional statue of the Madonna di Porto Salvo, for the "procession at sea" on the historic fishing boat Marvin, which was lucky enough to be drawn, followed by many boats manned by devotees. The mayor of the capital of Calabria, Fiorita, confirmed to the sculptor Verrino that his large bronze statue of the Madonna di Porto Salvo, currently located at Calabroparati, will be installed on the pier of the port of Catanzaro on a high column, and that the work will be included in the budget of the major port project. Sculptor Luigi Verrino sincerely thanked mayor Nicola Fiorita, reiterating that his is a tribute to the City of Catanzaro, to sailors, to fishermen, and that he is not asking for anything for the artistic execution of the work except for the actual expenses incurred by the foundry for the bronze casting and, of course, for the installation. Fiorita expressed sincere words of great appreciation for the sculptor Verrino, to whom he also asked about some of his works he had already admired and which were intended to decorate and enhance the seafront. Next to the mayor was his deputy, Giusy Iemma, who has already had the opportunity to see and appreciate the statue of the Madonna di Porto Salvo signed by Luigi Verrino. Also His Excellency the Metropolitan Archbishop of Catanzaro-Squillace, Mons. Claudio Maniago, upon seeing the image of Verrino's Madonna in a monograph dedicated to the artist, reserved the right to go and bless the statue in the courtyard of the historic Calabroparati company, founded by Luigi Verrino himself, awaiting its placement in the port to protect sailors. The devotion in Catanzaro to the Madonna di Porto Salvo is great, with roots deep in history. Yesterday's procession was further proof: hundreds and hundreds of bathers on the shore of the Ionian Sea applauding the passage of the statue of the Madonna, kept in the church, on the fishing boat Marvin of Toto La Monica, an expert fisherman and shipowner of the Catanzaro Lido fleet, fireworks from the crowded bathing establishments, prayers, religious songs, a procession of boats from Giovino to Roccelletta under the close supervision of the Harbor Master's Office, Coast Guard, Municipal Police, Fire Brigade, State Police, and Finance Police. A religious and civil festival that, however—as several sailors have observed—tends to diminish over the years, while, as noted by the founder and president of the Mar Jonio Award, Luigi Stanizzi, it should be further enhanced both from the fundamental religious aspect and from that of maritime tradition, which is based on passing down popular faith from generation to generation. And the large bronze statue created by master sculptor Luigi Verrino, once placed at Catanzaro Lido as assured by mayor Nicola Fiorita, will help revive a great festival of people and faith, which could also boost tourism, including—why not—religious tourism. The sailors and the leaders of the Fishermen's Cooperative were very satisfied with the mayor's reassurances.