The Finding of Relic

The First Finding

Charlemagne and the Holy Relic

The Second Finding

THE BOAT PROCESSION

According to various accounts, at the time of the Gonzagas on the Day of Ascension a procession was held in the streets of Mantua in honour of the Precious Blood of Christ.

The 'Fishers' Corporation' walked in procession along the street leading from the Cathedral to the Basilica Of Saint Andrew where for centuries the holy relic has been conserved. The entire magistracy took part in the procession in which members of the 'Corporation' carried a boat (Burchiello) used for fishing on the lakes around Mantua.

It depicted three fishermen representing the three apostles, Peter, John and Andrew.

The boat was filled with live eels and other fish which the three 'apostles' distributed to the grateful crowd in a symbolic gesture.

The celebrations were concluded with Mass and an exhibition of the Holy Relic to the crowd.

Luigi Pescasio