After the saint was moved from her niche, the faithful in attendance began to press forward – to briefly place their hands on the base of the statue, to take photos (or pose for them), to stand in silence for a moment.

Our group, without even seeming to have made a decision, headed for the stairs down from the loft (where yesterday’s photo was made), and joined the people moving toward Santa Rosalia. Why did we join up? I am not sure. What did we think would happen when we got to the saint’s statue? I have no idea. And what did happen when we got there? I can’t explain.

Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Rosalia
Bivona, Sicily
photographed 9.4.2022