Florence - The lighting of a miniature rocket in the shape of a dove or "colombina" on the main altar at 11 o'clock on April 9th, 2023, while the cathedral bells ring ferociously went viral on social media.
The Easter custom in Florence cathedral follows a massive fireworks display. The fireworks are launched while the lighted dove moves along the wire, stretches to the cart, and ignites it.
"The Cart is then prepared in front of the cathedral with a respectable armory of fireworks. When the "Gloria" is sung inside the cathedral at around 11 a.m., the archbishop uses the fire to light a dove-shaped rocket (called the "Colombina" and symbolizing the Holy Spirit) from the altar. This rocket then flies out down a wire to the outside of the church and collides with the Cart in the square, setting off a spectacular firework display to the applause of everyone. The Explosion of the Cart then follows!
"We hope for a wonderful explosion of the cart every Easter if the intricate ritual goes off without a hitch and all the fireworks go off, good luck is ensured for a good harvest for this year as well as for the city and its citizens."
Father Vierling again makes reference to "Visit Florence" in a subsequent tweet while discussing the historical roots of this intriguing brand of popular piety:
"The events that gave rise to this custom are both mythical and historically based. Young Florentine Pazzino, an aristocratic Pazzi family member, reportedly participated in the First Crusade in the Holy Land in 1099. He displayed great bravery by being the first person to mount the walls of Jerusalem and hoist the Christian flag.
"When he returned home, he brought three flints from the Holy Sepulchre that he had been given in appreciation for his bravery. The Florentine celebration of Christ's Resurrection is centered around this reliquary, which is currently maintained at the Church of SS. Apostoli.
Father Vierling criticized certain Catholics for "knee-jerking" the tradition as he wrapped up his thread. "These traditions bear witness to the vitality of the Catholic faith life," he said, calling it "something to celebrate."
He added it was disappointing to see people in "traditionalist" (I despise that phrase) Catholic circles dismiss this tradition out of hand without even trying to understand the "why" and "what" behind it.
There are numerous liturgical traditions that unite our Catholic faith with Catholic living in accordance with regional custom. These customs stand as a testament to the dynamism of Catholic life and the inclusiveness of our faith. Something to rejoice about!"