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Daijiworld Media Release - Mangaluru (PMD)

Mangaluru, Sep 22: Annual feast of Padre Pio will be celebrated on Sunday, September 24, announced the Capuchin priests at a press meet here.

The festal mass will be at 6 pm, and the principal celebrant will be Dr Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shivamogga diocese. There will be a procession to venerate Padre Pio at 5 pm.

As preparation for the feast, a nine-day novena from September 15 to 23 is being held.

The inaugural ceremony was held on Friday, September 15 where mayor Kavitha Sanil hoisted the flag to honour Padre Pio. On Saturday, September 23, a special prayer for the sick and infirm will be held at 11 am.

Mass in Malayalam and Kannada will be held on Sunday, September 24 at 9 am, and 11 am respectively.

Fr Melwyn D'Souza, superior of St Anne's Friary, Fr Darick D'Souza, animator of Padre Pio Shrine, Fr Richard D'Souza, director of Canara Communication Centre, Br Victor Crasta, assistant director, Sandesha Pratishtana, and Joel Pereira, well-known musician and writer were present during the official announcement.