Venue: Campo Patriarca Elia
Website: https://www.chiesagrado.org/
Friday 26 June sees the return to Grado, for the fifth consecutive year, of the Festa di Avvenire, a cultural and reflective event organised by the Catholic daily newspaper Avvenire. The event will take place in the picturesque setting of Campo Patriarca Elia, the square in front of the Basilica of Saint Euphemia.
The 2026 edition features a single event entitled “The Wound, the Joy. Face to Face with St Francis”, dedicated to the figure of St Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of his death.
The guest of the evening will be Davide Rondoni, poet, writer and one of the most authoritative cultural voices on the contemporary Italian scene. Author of numerous collections of poetry, essays and works dedicated to the relationship between literature, spirituality and daily life, Rondoni is also currently President of the National Committee for the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi.
During the event, Rondoni will engage in a dialogue with Angela Calvini, a journalist from Avvenire, exploring some of the most topical themes of Franciscan thought: peace, the relationship with creation, fraternity and the value of simplicity. An opportunity to reflect on how the human and spiritual message of St Francis continues to speak to the present day and to the fragilities of our times.
The presence of the Avvenire Festival in Grado confirms the link between the local area and opportunities for cultural exchange and dialogue, capable of uniting spirituality, dialogue and community.
Admission is free.
For further information: comunicazione@avvenire.it
Event organised in collaboration with Grado Town Council, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and Avvenire magazine.