Cardinal Seán O’Malley announced a few weeks ago that the Capuchin Friars who run the Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Italy, had offered to bring the heart of Saint Padre Pio to Boston for his feast day, September 23. This is truly a historic moment: the first time a major relic of the Saint has left Italy, where his body is permanently exposed for the veneration of those visiting the Shrine of San Giovanni Rotondo in the province of Foggia.
Saint Padre Pio was a Capuchin priest who bore on his body the marks of the passion, he was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002 and many have a great devotion to him, praying for his intercession.
A group of Residents, Little Sisters and friends were among the large group attending the morning Mass and veneration at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. After Mass our newly ordained auxiliary bishop, Most Reverend Robert P. Reed took the heart case across the aisle to allow the Residents to pray before the relic. This was a touching moment that visibly marked each one, moving some to tears.
The prayerful recitation of the rosary united those in the pews and those standing in line to touch the silver topped glass case that contains the relic. “Saint Padre Pio, pray for us.”
Rev. Martin K. Mannion was honored and proud to hold the relic so that people could venerate it.
“This year I celebrate 50 years as a priest and as part of the celebration I am in Boston visiting a priest friend at the Little Sisters of the Poor. This was the highlight of the trip.” Photo: Gregory L. Tracy, The Pilot.
Resident Mary Loffredo kisses the relic held by Bishop Reed. Photo: Gregory L. Tracy, The Pilot.
Exposition of reliquary containing the heart of Saint Padre Pio at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
