The Feast of St Padre Pio was celebrated at St Anne’s Friary Bejai

Mangaluru, 23rd September, 2024: The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament began at 9.30 am, followed by the procession. Rev. Dr Rocky D’Cunha, superior of St Anne’s Friary, blessed the statue and the vehicle that is used in the procession to expose the blessed sacrament to the public.

Nearly 500 devotees participated in the procession. At 10.30 am, there was a solemn concelebrated high Mass presided over by Rev. Dr John Baptist Saldanha, parish priest of Bejai and the PRO of Mangalore diocese. He, in his homily, highlighted the aspect of peace preached by St Francis of Assisi. St Clare, St Bonaventure, St Maximilian Kolbe, Pope Francis, and St Padre Pio himself. To become the instrument of peace, what is required today is love, forgiveness, and hope in our families and society.

Rev. Dr Rocky D’Cunha distributed candles to those who came forward to be the murdom and thanked the pilgrims and all those who helped for the grand celebration. Rev. Dr John Baptist Saldanha distributed the candle to the pirgents. Rev. Fr Richard Quadros animated the benediction. Around 1200 devotees, 40 priests, and a few religious sisters attended the ceremony.