CATANIA, Italy — August 21, 2026: The city of Catania has marked a historic milestone in its centuries-old devotion to Saint Agatha, with the relics of its patron saint taking centre stage in ceremonies commemorating the 900th anniversary of their return from Constantinople.
On August 17, 1126, the relics of Saint Agatha, the third-century Christian virgin and martyr, were brought back to Catania after having been taken to Constantinople in the 11th century. Nine centuries later, the city recreated that historic homecoming with a major pilgrimage and religious celebration.
The celebrations on August 16 and 17, 2026, were attended by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, who was appointed by Pope Leo XIV as his Pontifical Legate for the anniversary celebrations. The Vatican said the appointment reflected the Pope’s closeness to the Church of Catania and the significance of the anniversary.
Before dawn on August 17, thousands of faithful participated in a pilgrimage accompanying Saint Agatha’s relics toward the Basilica Cathedral. The Archdiocese of Catania officially scheduled the pilgrimage from Ognina to the cathedral, followed by a Pontifical Eucharistic celebration in Piazza Duomo presided over by Cardinal Parolin.
One of the most solemn moments came when Saint Agatha’s skull was presented for the veneration of the faithful before being returned to the elaborate bust-reliquary in which it is traditionally preserved. Her other relics were placed back inside the silver reliquary chest. Cardinal Parolin subsequently solemnly crowned the reliquary bust during the anniversary ceremonies.
Saint Agatha lived in Sicily during the third century and, according to Christian tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Decius around AD 251. She became the patron saint of Catania, where devotion to her remains deeply rooted in the city’s religious and cultural identity.
The extraordinary ceremony therefore represented more than the display of ancient relics. For Catania’s Catholic community, it was a symbolic re-enactment of a homecoming that took place nine centuries ago, connecting generations of worshippers with a tradition that has survived for centuries.
The Vatican described Saint Agatha’s witness as an example of faith overcoming violence and fear, emphasizing the enduring spiritual meaning of her martyrdom.
Nine hundred years after her relics returned to Catania, the city once again gathered around Saint Agatha — honouring not only her remains, but the memory, faith and identity that have made her one of Sicily’s most revered saints.
