The first-class relics of one of the greatest mystics of the modern era will be in Perth in August
By Bridget Spinks
Fr Ermelindo DiCapua OFM, a Capuchin of San Giovanni Rotondo Italy, spent six years with Saint Padre Pio as his translator. He will visit Perth from 9-15 August as part of a St Padre Pio 2010 Australasian tour and bring relics of the astonishing saint to venerate. The visitation honours the 100th anniversary of St Pio’s ordination to the priesthood. Fr DiCapua will bring the relics to each venue for the faithful to venerate. St Pio (1887-1968) was canonised in 2002.
Marks of a Mystic
Padre Pio was reputed to have the gift of reading souls.
In 1947 he told a young Fr Karol Wojtyla he would become Pope.
A 1999 book by Malachy Carroll relates how the prayer of the Italian mystic won back sight for Gemma di Giorgi, born without pupils.
Fr Ermelindo’s programme:
GERALDTON
7 August: 10.30am Mass at St Lawrence’s Church, Geraldton
8 August: 7.30pm St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Geraldton
PERTH
9 August: priests only) Little Sisters of the Poor, Rawlins St, Glendalough
10 August: 6.30pm Mass led by Archbishop Hickey at St Mary’s Cathedral
11-12 August: Private visitations
13 August: 11.30-2.30pm at All Saints Chapel, Allendale Square, Perth
13 August: 6.30pm at Our Lady of the Mission Church, Whitford
14 August: (Italian speaking day) at Infant Jesus Church, Morley
8.30am- Padre Pio DVD; 10am- Adoration; 11am- Mass followed by BYO lunch in Parish Hall
14 August: 6.30pm Mass at St John & Paul Church, Willetton
15 August: 10.30am Matt at St John & Paul Church, Willetton
For further information about Fr Ermelindo’s tour, contact Perth coordinator, Des Scully on: scully8@optusnet.