Liturgical feast of Padre Pio on Tuesday
Saint, born on May 25, 1887, was an Italian Franciscan Capuchin friar, who was known for his piety and charity
Padre Pio prayer groups in Gozo will gather at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Divine Grace in Victoria to celebrate the liturgical feast of their patron saint who died 57 years ago on Tuesday. The meeting will start with the recitation of the holy rosary at 6.15pm, followed by concelebrated mass led by Sannat archpriest Michael Curmi assisted by the spiritual directors of the groups and the Capuchin Friars at 7pm. The meeting ends with the kissing of the saint’s relic. Marita Zammit Cassar and her choir will animate the celebration.
Padre Pio, born on May 25, 1887, was an Italian Franciscan Capuchin friar, who was known for his piety and charity, as well as the gift of the stigmata. He became a priest in 1910, but was permitted to remain at home because of his poor health.
By 1919, word began to spread about Padre Pio’s stigmata and people came from far away to examine him. Padre Pio became popular with the people he encountered, who soon began to attribute supernatural occurrences to him. Among others, he was said to levitate and performed miracles. Padre Pio’s famous saying was: “Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer”.