First Church in Canada to Honour St. Padre Pio, Celebrates His Feast Day With Three Days of Events

Located in Kleinburg, Ontario, the Parish of St. Padre Pio is the first church in North America to honour Padre Pio - an Italian priest who received the stigmata (physical manifestations of the five wounds of Jesus Christ). Built in honour of St. Padre Pio, people come to this church from all around to pray and feel closer to the saint, known for his miraculous healings. The church was granted several of his religious relics, including the glove that Padre Pio wore on his stigmata wounds, a cloth that Padre Pio used to wipe the blood from the stigma on his side and the chalice he used during mass. Outdoor Stations of the Cross and special prayer areas built into the beautifully kept landscaping, make this an incredible location to celebrate this modern-day saint’s feast day!

The community celebrations include:

• Friday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m. – Mass and Healing Service with celebrant Fr. Francis Ching, a member of the Society of the Companions of the Cross. There will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a blessing of the sick after the Mass. Confessions will be heard from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 21, 5 p.m. - Holy Mass will be celebrated by Fr. George Parayil, in the presence of the Relics of St. Padre Pio. The Mass will be followed by a Candlelight Procession through the neighbouring community, with a light reception after the procession. Confessions will be heard from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 22, 12 p.m. – Solemn Feast Mass of St. Padre Pio will be celebrated by Msgr. John Iverinci, with guest priests. The Mass will be followed by a community celebration of food and festivities. Blessed bread will be distributed.

POSTER: https://bit.ly/FeastofStPadrePoster
CONTACT: For more information, please contact the Parish office at 905-893-7879 or stpadrepiolpa@archtoronto.org.