National Shrine of St. Francis hosts St. Padre Pio Festival

By Mary Powers

The National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, tucked in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, held their St. Padre Pio Festival on September 24. Partnering with the Saint Padre Pio Foundation and the Knights of St. Francis, the National Shrine hosted the relics of St. Padre Pio, which brought hundreds of people to the Shrine throughout the day.

The Festival began with veneration of the relics in the Porziuncola Nuova chapel, a scaled replica of the chapel of Our Lady of Angels in Assisi. Veneration was followed by a procession around Washington Square to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where those attending the 12:00 p.m. Mass received a blessing with the relics. The procession returned to the National Shrine for Mass in honor of St. Padre Pio.

The Festival also included entertainment and an evening dinner at the Italian Athletic Club sponsored by the Knights of St. Francis. Performing in the piazza were comedian Mike Marino, award-winning singer and songwriter Giada Valenti, and Italian tenor Luciano Lamonarca.

The Saint Padre Pio Foundation promotes the life and legacy of St. Padre Pio, while also working with institutions and individuals to serve those in need of spiritual, physical, and emotional nourishment.

View a video highlight of the day here.