Only in Italy you will see the vitality of something like this, a para-liturgical rite that has been incorporated in past centuries and remains today. The value of this tradition was deemed so great it survived the reforms of Trent, when St. Charles Borromeo, the great reformer bishop of Milan implemented the decrees of the Council.
For centuries this tradition has been part of the official liturgical canon of the local church - an example of true "inculturation" in the liturgy in the hallowed See of Milan.
Depicted in these images here can be seen the so-called "Rito del Faro" (Rite of the Lighthouse), or better called in English, the "beacon ritual," held at the Duomo di Milano. This is perhaps the most evocative tradition of the Ambrosian liturgy, celebrated every year on the occasion of the Solemnity of Santa Tecla.
St. Tecla was a martyr from modern day Turkey (Asia Minor), who was a convert of St. Paul. Under the reign of the Nero she was killed for the Faith (burned alive) and buried in modern day Iraq.
Visitors gather at the Cathedral of Milan on the last Sunday of September for the 11:00 High Mass to witness this feast day celebration. Before Mass, a large balloon or globe made of cotton wool (bambagia) is hung from the ceiling at the entrance of the sanctuary.
The celebrant sets it afire with three candles fixed to the top of a long taper. This is done at the end of the entrance procession during the singing of the Kyrie.
Although there are different interpretations of the meaning of this tradition, it alludes to the sacrifice of the martyr, St. Tecla, who gave her life in an instant. The fire is suggestive of her sufferings and sacrifice. The symbolism is related to the triumph and glory of the martyrs.
This whimsical tradition was born from a custom quite ancient, dating from the seventh century. At that time, during certain important annual liturgical celebrations, there was the lighting of the "pharus," a kind of chandelier suspended from the ceiling that was arranged in the shape of a crown. It had a ring of cotton that when lit, was engulfed in flames and communicated the fire to individual lamps.
St. Tecla's feast day is Sept. 23. This is what the Roman Martyrology says of her life and death:
"At Iconium in Lycaonia, St. Thecla, Virgin and Martyr, who was brought to the faith by St. Paul the Apostle and, under the Emperor Nero, overcame fire and wild beasts in the confession of Christ. After having, to the edification of many, conquered in many contests, she came to Seleucia and there rested in peace. The holy Fathers have lavished on her the greatest praise."
Posterity, which is a dispassionate and competent judge, has always venerated and fostered this wonderful tradition, a visible recognition of the glory and immortal honors bestowed upon the martyrs, who are consumed with the fire of God's love and mercy.
Through the passing of ages, this tradition has thus been kept, surrounding all those who witness it each year with a visible sign of the glorious halo of immortality given to the saints, a tangible recognition that each year the Church still produces martyrs, whose sacrifice and example shine like a burning globe.
