The popular healing Saint of modern times, Padre Pio's feast was celebrated with great glory and grandeur at St. Padre Pio's shrine, St. Anne's Friary, Bejai on September 23, 2023. Rt. Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga celebrated the festal Eucharist along with 30 concelebration priests and a large number of devotees. In his homily the bishop highlighted the main three ardent qualities of St. Pio as such humility, simplicity and obedience. He also said like St. Pio we need to thirst for Christ's love.
A holistic and sacred procession of Blessed sacrament and St. Pio's relic was held before the holy mass on the streets of Bejai adjacent to the Friary. Devotees in great numbers marched with chanting of hymns and prayers during the procession. The festal meal was served for more than 1500 people.
As preparation for the feast , 9 days of St. Pio's Novena and a day of Inner healing retreat by Bro. Prakash Bandra, Fr. Richie Quadros, Fr. Rocky D' cunha and team was conducted and around 3000 people attended the retreat. Many were healed and went back home rejoicing and thanking the Lord.
A day for the sick and elderly was celebrated on 22nd September 2023. A healing adoration led by Fr. Richie Quadros brought solace and consolation to the sick. Several persons witnessed instant healing and miracles through the intercession of St. Padre Pio. Thanksgiving Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Chetan Lobo, Manager of Assisi Press. Mr. Francis Rosario who prayed for healing of cancer got a clean report during the PET scan. Mrs. Mary who pleaded to the Saint got her work done very smoothly.
The shrine of St. Pio at St. Anne's Friary Bejai is witnessing numerous miracles and healings. The 10 days of festal celebration of St. Pio, a marvellous saint of Capuchin order ended with the lowering of St. Pio's flag.