Saint Padre Pio – Feast Day
23 September
Born into an Italian farm family, Francesco Forgione overcame bad health and poverty to realise his dream of becoming a Capuchin Priest.
He dedicated himself to prayer and works of mercy, even building a hospital to care for the sick.
A stigmatist and mystic, he lived the mystery of the cross. Padre Pio spent long hours hearing confessions, drawing great crowds to San Giovanni Rotondo.
He often said of himself, ‘I am only a poor brother who prays’.
Pope John Paul II canonised him in 2002.
Mass Times:
7:00 am at St Therese Church – Fairfield West
7:00 pm at St Benedict’s Shrine – Smithfield (followed by Holy Hour and Novena to St Benedict)