Fr Jawahar Jerry Cutinho

Pics: Aurora Studio

Mangaluru, Sep 27: The annual feast of St Padre Pio was celebrated on Sunday September 25 evening at St Ann's Friary near Jail Road, here. St Padre Pio who is popularly known as 'the mirror of mercy' was venerated in a grand manner. For the last 9 days novenas were held as preparation for this feast at St Ann's Chapel.

The event began with welcome music, procession on the streets with the holy relic of St Padre Pio, festive mass celebrations at Divine Mercy Retreat Hall (on the campus of St Ann's Friary) in the presence of around 1500 faithful including priests and nuns, UAB team along with the superior of the Capuchins, Dr Melwin Paul D'Souza, former superior Fr Cyprian Peter D'Souza, the entire Capuchin father’s community and a large congregation of people from the city. At 5.15 pm the procession of Padre Pio's relic was held.

At 6.00 pm the Eucharist was celebrated, which was presided over by Fr Andrew D'Souza, parish priest of Bondel, St Lawrence Church. He preached a fitting homily and called upon the faithful to be mirrors of mercy after the example of Jesus Christ and Padre Pio. The choir was angelic. After the eucharist, a sumptuous dinner was served to all the faithful.

Fr Paul Melwyn, Superior of St Ann's Friary and Fr Darick, director of St Pio's Shrine thanked one and all.