On Sunday, March 5, 2017, something fabulous happened in Pontelandolfo. The national television channel, RAIUNO, broadcast the 11:00 AM mass live from one of the most beautiful churches in the province of Benevento – Parish S.S. Salvatore of Pontelandolfo Chiesa Madre. The church, built in a Romanesque style, heralds back to before 1500. Completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1688, the church was then rebuilt ten years later in a Baroque style. This is the church my grandparents were married in and my aunts and uncles were baptized in. It is truly magnificent and deserves to be seen by the world.
Mass was officiated by the new Archbishop Monsignor Felice Accrocca.
Pontelandolfo News published the formal announcement from our parish priest, Rev. Don Giusseppe Girardi and our mayor, Il Sindaco, Dott. Gianfranco Rinaldi. My heart filled as I read the announcement. It reminded me just how many of us left this village in the Sannio hills.
“Sarà un momento unico e irripetibile che ci permetterà di entrare nelle case di tutti, in particolare in quelle dei nostri fratelli emigrati in terre lontane, per stare ancora più vicini agli anziani e agli ammalati.”
“It will be a unique and unrepeatable moment that will allow us to enter the homes of all, in particular in those of our brothers who emigrated to distant lands, to be even closer to the elderly and the sick. “
The WhatsApp texts and e-mails started flooding my in box. The mayor sent me a notice, my friend Nicola sent me pictures of the crews setting up an incredible collection of cameras in the sanctuary. My favorite florists Nella and Fabio were up to their elbows in flowers. My family urged me to grab a plane and get back. I sadly missed the mass but thanks to the RAI application on my iPad. I was able to get up at 4:30 AM and watch the program live.
Pontelandolfese filled the church.
To me – with my public relations hat on – the opening of the broadcast was the best thing that could have happened to Pontelandolfo. Before Mass, RAI, presented an overview of the village. It featured the mountain scenery that daily takes my breath away, our iconic medieval tower and other points of interests.
I don’t know how long the link will be live so click on it and see why I return to spend months at a time in Pontelandolfo.
Ci vediamo.
Nonna's Mulberry Tree 
Thank you…so beautiful and full of people I recognise!
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Absolutely beautiful and moving, Midge! Thank you for sharing.
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The spirit of Pontelandolfo was expertly captured by the director. I was transported back to your beautiful town.
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It looks like a truly magical and special place (all it needs is a good sushi bar to be heaven)
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Reduced to tears….beauty…magic!
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Midgie, you always know the best places! So beautiful….
On Wed, Mar 8, 2017 at 6:07 AM, Nonna’s Mulberry Tree wrote:
> midgeguerrera posted: “On Sunday, March 5, 2017, something fabulous > happened in Pontelandolfo. The national television channel, RAIUNO, > broadcast the 11:00 AM mass live from one of the most beautiful churches in > the province of Benevento – Parish S.S. Salvatore of Pontelandolf” >
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What a treat to see the town featured on national tv. The church service was beautiful. I have found your site about a year ago and check it frequently to read your blogs which I find quite informative, insightful and entertaining. My parents were both born in Pontelandolfo and I had the pleasure to visit the village almost twenty years ago. I traveled with my father which was his first and only time back to the town he was born and raised since he immigrated in 1955. My name is Michael Gugliotti. My mother’s maiden name is Varrone and her side of the family are the Cifaldi’s. A few of my mother’s cousins still reside in Pontelandolfo. I remember when I became the Chief of Police of the Waterbury Police Department I was honored by the mayor of Pontelandolfo and other town officials who recognized me being the first of Ponte descent to hold such a position in the sister city of Waterbury. I look forward to reading more of your adventures and equally look forward to visiting the Town of Pontelandolfo once again.
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