Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

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 22.

The festive Mass was celebrated by Msgr Maxim Noronha, vicar general, 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, Msgr Maxim said, "St Padre Pio is a great example for simplicity and holy life. He surrendered himself to God and proclaimed he is only the saviour. He believed sins are keeping away human from God. Though he thought confession is an important factor in life which makes human pure. For this theory he 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 realized that the wounds that appeared on Padre Pio’s hand were a miracle.

“Padre Pio’s had special concern for poor and destitute. He prepared them for confession and by this he became an instrument for them to get salvation. Today, entire world hails Padre Pio for his prayerful life and holiness. The people remember his sacrifice and life of love and prayer. 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, Msgr Maxim was released a book ‘Dispodtho Bible.

Fr Paul Melwyn D Souza rendered vote of thanks. Dinner was served to all the faithful.