Large turnout in Perth to see arrival of St Padre Pio relics

St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth has this week been filled to capacity by hundreds of people who came to venerate the relics of Italian Saint Padre Pio. 

One of the first opportunities to venerate the relics, last Saturday, included the rite of the Anointing of the Sick as well as Reconciliation.

At the conclusion of the last celebration to venerate the relics, on Wednesday, Cathedral Dean Msgr Michael Keating said more than 8500 people had passed through St Mary’s Cathedral during the five-day visit.

The Mass on Saturday was celebrated by Emeritus Archbishop of Hobart, Adrian Doyle, and concelebrated by Msgr Keating, and assistant parish priests Fr Conor Steadman, Fr Brennan Sia (MC), and Fr GianMaria Digiorgio – a member of Padre Pio’s Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, who had studied and worked with the saint.

Fr Digiorgio said he had been invited to Perth by Msgr Keating, who believed the relics of Padre Pio held particular significance now, as the Catholic community reached the end of the 2016 Jubilee Year of Mercy.

“The Monsignor has been very keen to conduct this special occasion as we reach the conclusion of this Jubilee Year of Mercy,” he said.