Pics: Anush Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Sep 23: The feast of Padre Pio was celebrated at St Anne's Friary, Jail Road, Bejai, here on Sunday, September 23.
The Festive Mass was celebrated by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangaluru diocese. Fr Peter Cyprian D’Souza, advisor, Capuchin Congregation, Karnataka Province, Fr Paul Melwyn D Souza, the superior of St Anne's Friary and many priests joined the celebration as concelebrants.
In his homily, the bishop said, "St Padre Pio is a great example for living a life of simplicity and prayer. He showed us the importance of prayer and confession of our sins. He had faced many challenges in his life. Vatican has testified regarding the stigmata meaning wounds of Christ’s passion that used to appear on his body. Church prevented him from doing his duties of priest for two years. Then finally all realised that the wounds that appeared on Padre Pio’s hand were a miracle,”
“In his entire life he gave importance to prayer and love to poor and destitute. He tried to give salvation which was assured by Jesus Christ, by hearing sins of people by the sacrament of confession. Today, crores of devotees follow the way of life taught by Padre Pio. They are taking Padre Pio as a role model for holy life which is based purely on humanity. The feast of Padre Pio reminds us about a life of prayer, love and self sacrifice. Now we too should make efforts to attain the holiness in life like Padre Pio," he added.
Music director Joel Pereira and his team enhanced the spirituality of the Eucharistic celebration with melodious hymns.
After the Eucharistic celebration, bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was honoured. Bishop released a book "Kanunache Vaater" written by Fr Joachim D’Souza and "Amar Jivith - Vol 17" Audio CD of hymns produced by Fr Dolphy and Fr Peter Cyprian D’Souza.
Fr Paul Melwyn D Souza rendered vote of thanks. Dinner was served to all the faithful.
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