Report: Fr Jawahar Jerry Cutinho
Pics: Studio Aurora, Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 25: The annual feast of St Padre Pio was celebrated on Sunday September 24 evening at St Anne's Friary near Jail Road. St Padre Pio who is popularly known as 'the mirror of mercy' was venerated in a grand manner. Nine-day novenas were held as the preparation for this feast in St Anne's Friary Chapel.

The feast was celebrated in the Divine Mercy Retreat Hall (in the campus of St Anne's Friary) with the presence of around 1,700 faithful including the priests and nuns. At 5 pm the procession of Padre Pio’s relic was held.

At 6 pm the Eucharist was celebrated, which was presided over by Dr Francis Serrao, bishop of Shivamogga diocese. Bishop Dr Serrao in his homily stressed that 'families should inculcate simple lifestyle and remind the new generation the rich traditions of our families and society'. "St Padre Pio is a great example for a life of simplicity and prayer. We too should make efforts to attain the holiness in life like that of Pio," he said.

The choir was angelic, led by Sangeeth Guru Joel Pereira. After the Eucharistic celebration bishop Dr Serrao was honoured after which he released the Franciscan Capuchin Diary 2018. This biblical diary contains the daily word of God reflections for the year 2018 prepared by 12 Capuchins Friars of Mangaluru.

Fr Paul Melwyn, the superior of St Anne's Friary and Fr Darick, the animator of St Pio’s Shrine thanked one and all. Sumptuous dinner was served to all the faithful.?