Altavilla school does not approve Easter Mass, students go to church with mothers

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

Altavilla, la scuola non dà il via libera per la messa di Pasqua, gli alunni in chiesa con le mamme

Explanation:

The article discusses a clash over the Easter precept in Altavilla Milicia, the town where a family massacre occurred with a woman and her two children killed during an “exorcism”. The school did not allow students to participate in the Easter celebration at the church, and the parish priest announced that he would still hold mass even if alone.

According to the school principal, Giuseppe Polizzi, the responsibility lies with the school council, as they did not authorize the students to participate in any activities. The request to convene the council came too late, and without their decision, the principal did not have the power to make the decision.

Translation into English:

Clash Over Easter Precept at Altavilla Milicia, the town where a family massacre occurred with a woman and her two children killed during an “exorcism”. The school district did not give students the opportunity to participate in the Easter precept celebration at the church, and the parish priest Salvatore Priola of the Madonna della Milicia sanctuary reiterated during his homily that he would celebrate mass anyway, even if alone. “Since the school district has chosen not to participate in the annual and traditional celebration of the Easter precept,” said the priest, “I and the parish community will still celebrate mass for the school community. Those who wish to can participate today at 10:30. I will celebrate mass even if alone.” The priest’s appeal did not go unheard, as this morning the mothers did not bring their children to school and accompanied them to the church instead. “This is Altavilla Milicia’s response to what happened in Pioltello,” said the parent of a student, “the Easter precept has always been observed here. The students of the comprehensive institute, which is also named after Monsignor Melchiorre Gagliano, participate in the Easter precept mass.”

According to school principal Giuseppe Polizzi, the responsibility lies with the school council: “I am secular and believe that school should be secular. But despite this, I do not decide alone whether students participate in the Easter precept. The school council did not pass a resolution authorizing students to participate in any activities. The request to convene the school council only came in the afternoon on March 25, there was not enough time to convene and consequently decide. Without this decision, the principal has no decision-making power. I have been the acting principal of the Altavilla comprehensive institute for two years and a situation like this has never occurred because every educational outing was planned in the appropriate time, as happened at Christmas.”