Feast of St Padre Pio was celebrated at St Anne’s Friary Bejai, Divine Mercy retreat centre on 23rd September. The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament began at 9.30 am followed by the procession. Rev Dr Rocky D’Cunha, superior of St Anne’s Friary blessed the statue and the vehicle which is used in the procession to expose the blessed sacrament to the public. Nearly 500 devotees participated in the procession.
At 10.30 am there was a solemn concelebrated high Mass precided over by Rev Dr John Baptist Saldanha, parish priest of Bejai and the PRO of Mangalore diocese. He in his homily highlighted the aspect of peace preached by St Francis of Assisi. St Clare, St Bonaventure, St Maximilian Kolbe, pope Francis and St Padre Pio himself. To become the instrument of peace what is required today is love, forgiveness and hope in our families and society. Rev Dr Rocky D’ Cunha distributed candles to those who came forward to be the murdom and thanked the pilgrims and all those who helped for the grand celebration. Rev Dr John Baptist Saldanha distributed the candle to the pirgents. Rev Fr Richard Quadros animated the benediction. Around 1200 devotees, 40 priests and few religious sisters attended the ceremony.