Visita del Cardinale Ernest Simoni

The Valbelluna is preparing to welcome a visit of extraordinary spiritual, cultural, and human value: on the 16th and 17th of May 2026, His Eminence Reverend Cardinal Ernest Simoni will be a guest in the area for two intense days of meetings, celebrations, and testimonials (event promoted by Unidolomiti, SSML San Domenico, the Municipality of Limana, and the San Giovanni Bosco Parish of Belluno).

A symbolic figure of the Church of our time, Cardinal Ernest Simoni is internationally known for his extraordinary human story: persecuted during the Albanian communist regime, he spent many years in prison and forced labor without ever renouncing his faith. His testimony, authentic and intense, continues today to speak to both believers and non-believers, invoking universal values such as dignity, hope, dialogue, and peace.

The program will start on Saturday, May 16th at 4:00 p.m. at the Municipality of Limana with the official welcome from Mayor Michele Talo. Following this, at 4:15 p.m., Cardinal Simoni will be the protagonist of the testimony meeting titled "The Reason for Faith and Spirituality," included in the “GrandiosaMente” festival. The event will offer the public the opportunity to directly hear the story of a life marked by suffering, but also by unshakeable faith and a profound message of reconciliation.

The day will continue at 6:30 p.m. with the solemn Holy Mass at the San Giovanni Bosco Parish of Belluno and will conclude at 8:00 p.m. with a convivial moment together with the Albanian community of the area.

On Sunday, May 17th, the Cardinal will preside over the Holy Mass at the Santa Giustina Parish in Limana at 10:30 a.m. In the afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., a visit is scheduled to the birthplace of Pope St. Pius X in Riese Pio X, in an ideal journey between memory, spirituality, and ecclesial tradition.