Events

By Fr Stephen Belman Capuchin

The Capuchin Friars of St Anne’s Fraternity, Mangalore, celebrated the feast of St Padre Pio on 23rd September 2021 at Portiuncula Chapel, Bejai. Rev Fr Alban D’Souza, the Rector of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur, was the chief celebrant of the day. The festal mass was concelebrated by Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, Superior of St Anne’s Friary, Fr Chetan Lobo PRO of Udupi Diocese, Fr Peter Cyprian D’Souza, Provincial Councilor, Fr J B Saldanha, Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai, Fr Benjamin Parish Priest of Urwa, Fr Andrew Parish Priest of Bondel and the Capuchins Friars from different communities.

In Preparation to the feast we had nine days Novena and Mass in honour of St Pio from 14th to 22nd September. The novena was inaugurated with the flag hoisting ceremony by Mr Naveen Dsouza, Corporator of Bendur. During the days of novena, the following priests assisted in conducting Adoration and celebrating the Holy Mass, namely; Rev Fr Daniel Veigas OP Parish Priest Ashoknagar, Rev Fr Avil Pradeep SJ, Rev Fr Rupesh Tauro Asst Parish Priest Bondel, Rev Fr Andrew D’Souza, Parish Priest Bajal, Rev Fr Clany D’Souza, Rector Kripa Sadan, Bajpe, Capuchin Priests Fr Manoj Dsouza, Nitte, Fr Anston Fernandes, Moodubelle, Fr Ivan Pinto, Farangipet, and Fr Lenson Lobo, Permapally.

The feast day celebration began at 5 pm with the Eucharistic Adoration by Fr Richard Quadras, Capuchin. Thereafter, the relic of Padre Pio was brought in procession from the entrance of the Chapel to the Sanctuary by Fr Lancy Rebello the Animator of Padre Pio Shrine.

The chief celebrant Fr Alban in his homily said that Padre Pio is an inspiration to all the families to have a strong faith foundation, giving importance to prayer life and living the values taught by Christ.

On this occasion Fr Chetan Lobo called upon Fr Alban, Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, Fr Peter Cyprian, Fr Prem D’Souza the Vicar of the house and Fr Stephen Dsouza, administrator of Assisi Press to inaugurate the Bible Diary 2022. Speaking about the Bible Diary Fr Chetan said, Christian life depends upon two important pillars, the Eucharist and the Word of God. We all wish to read the Word of God through the Bible, yet at times while travelling and on other occasions people wish to read the Word of God through easier and convenient ways. In order to help out the people to read the Word of God in an easier way, the Capuchins have been printing the Bible Diary since 5 years.

Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza thanked Fr Alban and all other celebrants for gracing the occasion. He thanked all the lay faithful for participating in the Novena and feastal Mass. He explained in brief about “Capuchin Manna Project”, a new venture of the Capuchins, feeding the hungry on every Friday. He invited the people to participate in this venture by providing food ingredients, or financial support.

Around 400 people actively participated in the annual feast of St Padre Pio. After the Eucharistic celebration cake and cold drinks were served to all the faithful.

Watch Video :