Padre Pio relics visit the Archdiocese of San Francisco

Thousands came to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Redwood City on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20, to venerate the relics of St. Padre Pio, coming from as far as Fairfield and Salinas.

In an overflowing healing Mass on Friday evening, Father Ernesto Jandonero (Fr. Ernie), chaplain at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, spoke on the call to holiness made possible through Our Lady and the saints, including St. Padre Pio. Father Ernie encouraged the faithful to pray the Rosary daily and wear a miraculous medal, asking the Blessed Mother for help and protection amidst the many trials and temptations of life, including during sickness.

Pilgrims came forward during the healing Mass to be blessed by and venerate the relics of St. Padre Pio and also receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The powerful faith of hundreds of pilgrims was made visible as people waited close to 90 minutes to receive a blessing.

Saturday, May 20, saw similar numbers of pilgrims come to venerate the relics in the afternoon and then participate in a votive Mass to St. Padre Pio that evening.

The relics were brought to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in partnership with the Padre Pio Foundation whose mission is to not only promote the life of Padre Pio, but also support healthcare, educational, social, religious, and cultural initiatives.