Chronicling the Visit of St. Padre Pio’s Incorrupt Heart Relic

Arrival

October 14, 2018 was a momentous event to the Dabawenyos and Mindanawans alike. The much talked-about Incorrupt Heart of St. Padre Pio arrives and will stay for three nights at the San Pedro Cathedral. Those designated to welcome at the airport came very early to have a glimpse of its arrival. From the airport, it went straight to Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) in Matina. Devotees said they want to be where the heart is.

ADDU Welcome Mass

Thousands of people lined up the streets outside the Campus and all the way inside. Veneration started after the mass.

Procession from ADDU to San Pedro Cathedral

The procession headed towards San Pedro Cathedral after a day of prayer and veneration at the University. As expected, people braved the long hours of standing on the sidewalks and outside the church in order to witness the arrival and later grab a moment to a closer encounter of the Incorrupt Heart of Padre Pio.

Mass at the Cathedral

Another Mass was celebrated after which a little explanation of the Incorrupt Heart was given. People from all over Mindanao joined the Dabawenyos in the celebration and in the Veneration after the mass. Some came in wheelchairs while some senior citizens were ushered and accompanied by their own families. The veneration lasted overnight to accommodate the thousands who came.

Close-up Photo of the Relic

Showing you one of the touching moments during Veneration. Others said, they are not particularly devotees of St. Padre Pio but they came to venerate, believing that the experience will make a difference in their lives.

REMASE

As part of closing the Year of the Clergy and the Consecrated Persons, the Heart of St. Padre Pio was brought to the the Regional Major Seminary (REMASE) in Davao on October 16, the third day since its arrival. This time, the Clergy and the consecrated persons got the chance to have a moment with the Relic away from the public. Close to a thousand were registered coming from various dioceses in Mindanao. The Relic stayed for about 10 hours at the REMASE before it was transported back to the Cathedral for its third and last evening.

Farewell

A farewell mass was presided early morning of October 17th and a brief Farewell ceremony was observed. Later on, the Relic was placed back to its case to be transported back to the airport. People waved some white linens as the relic made its way outside. A very emotional moment to capture when you see some holding back tears. May the visit of the Incorrupt Heart of St. Padre Pio transform the faithful in a spiritual way and translate our prayers into actions.

(Blaze Q. Cantaros | Sugid SoCCom)