The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the presentation of the relics of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina on the occasion of the 130^th anniversary of his birth.  The Saint Pio Foundation, in collaboration with the Capuchin Friars of Pietrelcina, has organized the first ever exhibition tour of his relics in the United States of America. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be the first stop on this tour.

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will present the relics of Saint Pio during the weekend of May 6 – 8 with opportunities for prayer, veneration of the relics.  Opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance and Mass will also be available.

Saturday, May 6, 2017
4:15 p.m. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
5:15 p.m. Anticipated Mass for Fourth Sunday of Easter (Wedding Anniversary Mass)
6:15 p.m. Public veneration of the relics of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
10:00 p.m. Night prayer and blessing with the relics

Sunday, May 7, 2017
9:00 a.m. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
2:00 p.m. Archdiocesan May Procession
3:00 p.m. Public veneration of relics
5:30 p.m. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
6:30 p.m. Sunday Mass
8:00 p.m. Public veneration of relics
10:00 p.m. Night prayer and blessing with relics

Monday, May 8, 2017
9:00 a.m. Public veneration of the relics
11:30 a.m. Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
7:30 p.m. Mass of Saint Pio
Conclusion of the Presentation of the relics

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as Padre Pio, was an Italian priest and friar of the Capuchin Order of the Friars Minor.  Known for his piety and humility, Padre Pio received the marks of the stigmata after praying before a crucifix, becoming the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church.  He was beautified in 1999 and canonized in 2002 by Pope Saint John Paul II. He is the patron saint of civil defense volunteers, adolescents, and the village of Pietrelcina.  His feast day is September 23^rd.

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Editor’s Note: Books and other information on Saint Pio will be available for purchase through the Saint Pio Foundation during the exhibition of the relics in Philadelphia. For additional information on the Saint Pio Foundation, please visit http://www.saintpiofoundation.org/.

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