The Federation of Associations of Istrian, Fiuman and Dalmatian Exiles adheres to and invites to adhere the people linked, for reasons of blood, for love of Julian-Dalmatian history and culture or for simple emotional reasons, to the human events marked by the exodus of the Italians from the eastern shore of the Adriatic, to

JUBILEE OF THE ISTRIAN FIUMANI DALMATIAN EXILES

The Jubilee of the Exiles will be celebrated on the sacred island of Barbana, in the Grado Lagoon, on Monday 25 April 2016.

The chosen date is the anniversary of the death of the venerable Egidio Bullesi, born, lived and died in 1929 in Pola, from where the urn of his remains arrived in Barbana in 1974. Egidio Bullesi is also called 'the venerable young man', he died at the age of 23 after contracting tuberculosis while carrying out works of mercy, having devoted himself entirely to the apostolate in the parish in Pola and in the associations of lay faithful of the city.

The Julian-Dalmatian Exiles when they decided to abandon their land, home, possessions and affections, made a choice against the current pursuing ideals of truth, justice and freedom that have given testimony to the courage and identity of a strong and devoted people. The Exiles and the following generations have bet on these great ideals in the laborious certainty that it is always possible to love one's own identity and, from this love, rebuild a life and work for a perspective.

Today, the Julian-Dalmatian Exiles bear witness with dignity and pride to their Memory, embodying with their very existence a tangible example, a concreteness and human experience of what mercy is, to be given and requested for one's existence.

PROGRAM OF THE JUBILEE OF THE ISTRIAN, FIUMIAN, DALMATIAN EXILES

Monday April 25 2016

09.30 am – From the Grado pier (Riva Scaramuzza), departure for Barbana of the Exile pilgrims and representatives of their Associations and Communities. Then, on the island, welcome and meeting at the Domus Mariae.

10.50 am – Rite of passage through the Holy Door of the Sanctuary: recitation of the Creed and prayer of the Pope for the Jubilee of Mercy. Solemn entrance with the banners of the Associations.

Holy Mass concelebrated with commemoration of the Venerable Egidio, presided over by Archbishop Monsignor Oscar Rizzato, (Vatican City, former Papal Almoner).

The Choir of the Association of Istrian Communities of Trieste supports the songs.

At the end – Procession singing the Litany of the Saints of Istria and Dalmatia to the external Chapel that preserves the Urn of the Venerable Egidio. Invocations read by exiles from Pola, Fiume, Zara and other places in Istria and Dalmatia. Speech by Lucia Bellaspiga, journalist of the daily newspaper Avvenire. Prayer of the Exile and solemn blessing.

Followed by: lunch for the exiles in the Casa del Pellegrino.

Information from the Associations of Istrian, Fiuman and Dalmatian Exiles.

Members: Federation of Associations of Istrian-Fiumani-Dalmatian Exiles, Association of Dalmatian Italians in the World – Free Municipality of Zadar in Exile, Association of Istrian Communities, National Association of Venezia Giulia Dalmatia, Free Municipality of Pola in Exile, Free Municipality of Fiume in Exile.

Participants: Istrian-Venetian Cultural Circle “Istria”, Adriatic Coordination Association , Giuliani nel mondo, Regional Institute for Istrian-Fiuman-Dalmatian Culture, National League, Dalmatian School of Saints George and Tryphon, Union of Istrians.

FederEsuli, 28/03/16