The Supplication to the Queen of the Holy Rosary of Pompei was written in 1883 by Blessed Bartolo Longo. Today, it is solemnly recited twice a year—at 12:00 PM on May 8 and on the first Sunday of October—drawing thousands of pilgrims from all over Italy and abroad, who on these occasions gather in front of the sanctuary’s façade to participate in its choral recitation. The Supplication was composed by Longo in response to the invitation made by Pope Leo XIII in his first Encyclical on the Rosary, calling on Catholics to undertake a spiritual commitment aimed at confronting the problems of society.

On this occasion, H.R.H. Prince Carlo of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro, Grand Master and Head of the Royal House, joins in prayer for Our Lady of Pompeii, Co-Patroness of the Royal House and of the Constantinian Order of Saint George.