Cath News report: Thousands of faithful in Brisbane gathered last week to be blessed with the relics of beloved Italian mystic, St Pio of Pietrelcina. Our Lady of Graces' Church, Carina, was packed on September 3 as was St Brigid's Church, Red Hill, the following day, as people gathered to listen to Italian Capuchin Father Ermelindo Di Capua speak about the life, sanctity and humility of "Padre Pio", reports The Catholic Leader. Fr Ermelindo, one of the people to be close on a daily basis to then Padre Pio at the end of his life, was a confidant and English translator to the Italian mystic and saint.
Organiser Capuchin Father John Spiteri was overjoyed with the first Australian visit St Pio of Pietrelcina's relics.
"It was a great success," Fr Spiteri said.
"He spoke simply and very clearly about the spirituality and the holiness of Padre Pio," Fr Spiteri said.
"One of his outstanding quotes was 'Padre Pio was a simple, humble Capuchin'."
Padre Pio was ordained a priest a century ago, on August 10. He first reported stigmata wounds - which remained permanent - to a spiritual advisor in 1910.
Pope John Paul II declared Padre Pio a saint in 2002.
"Fr Ermelindo was able to testify to the eminent holiness and the simplicity and the suffering Padre Pio endured," Fr Spiteri said.
"It was wonderful to hear Fr Ermelindo speak so strongly about the holiness of Padre Pio without exaggeration.
"There was no sentimentality, no exaggeration, he spoke about the man as he was."
http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=23212
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