This year the people of the Shrine Basilica Vergine SS del Carmelo in Mesagne, Italy are celebrating 500 years of ministry to the people of the area.

Between 1520 and 1521 the foundations were laid for the arrival of the Carmelites in Mesagne. In fact, on August 16, 1520, Abbot Antonio Russo had renounced all the benefits, both ecclesiastical and economic, that he had on the church of S. Michele Arcangelo in Mesagne, and had decided to donate them to the Carmelites, in the person of the Prior of the Province. Carmelite of Puglia, friar Giovanni Battista de Marenonibus from Milan.

On March 22 of this year 2021 the parish planned to announce the beginning of religious, historical and cultural celebrations, to commemorate the 500 years of presence of Carmelite Religious in Mesagne, with a press conference of the Historical-Scientific Committee, in the presence of the civil and religious authorities.

Because the Puglia Region of Italy is a red zone due to the Covid pandemic, the Carmelites were forced to postpone the celebrations until conditions are more favorable. CITOC will have more news about the celebration of this important milestone in the life of the Church and the Carmelites when the pandemic permits.

In the meantime, to learn more about the basilica and its history, go to: http://www.vitacarmelitana.org/