Photo courtesy Vatican Jubilee Website
At the request of the Pope, the relics of Padre Pio and Saint Leopold Mandic will be in Rome from February 3rd to February 11th for the commissioning of the Missionaries of Mercy on Ash Wednesday for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, February 10th. This is the first time the relics of these two contemporary saints, both renowned as confessors and spiritual guides, have been brought together for veneration by the public at the same time. It is a particularly unique event as the relics of the wildly popular Padre Pio rarely leave the shrine at San Giovanni Rotundo.
Padre Pio was a Capuchin Monk born in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy. Like St. Leopold, Padre Pio suffered physical maladies and was sickly throughout his life. In 1918 he had a vision of Jesus while offering the Mass and when it ended had the stigmata in his hands, feet, and side. Padre Pio became renowned during his lifetime for his abilities and people came from all over the world to have him hear their confessions. At his urging, the House for the Relief of Suffering, a 350 bed hospital was built. The relics of Padre Pio are on loan from the Shrine Monastery of St. Pio of Pietrelcina in San Giovanni Rotundo, Italy where they are available for veneration by the public.
St. Leopold Mandic was born in Croatia in 1866 but spent most of his life in Padua, Italy. He was plagued with disabilities and malformities in speech and stature that lead to the development of his immense spiritual strength. He became known as an Apostle of Unity and of Confession. He was a Capuchin like Padre Pio and also shared his devotion to Mary, whom St. Leopold called his “Holy boss.” He died in 1942 and is known, along with Padre Pio, as a saint of Mercy. The relics of St. Leopold are on loan from Church of the Configuration Shrine of St. Leopold Mandic in Padua, Italy where they are available for veneration by the public.
Please make sure to check the website for the most up to date schedule and any special requirements when making your plans. Large crowds are expected to participate and some may require advance tickets.
Padre Pio and Saint Leopold, pray for us!
Schedule of Events
February 4, 2016
Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls (San Lorenzo fuori le Mura), Rome, Italy
- 7:30am: Celebration of the Eucharist
- 11:30am: Celebration of the Eucharist
- 18:00 (6pm): Celebration of the Eucharist
- 20:30 (8:30pm) Interobediential Penitential Liturgy presided by S.E.R. Mons. Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization
Jubilee Church San Salvatore in Lauro
- 22:00 (10pm): Celebration of the Eucharist presided by S.E.R. Mons. Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization
- Followed by: nighttime prayer vigil
February 5, 2016
Jubilee Church San Salvatore in Lauro
- 14:00 (2pm): Celebration of the Eucharist presided by S.E. Mons. Michele Castoro, Archbishop of Manfredonia, Vieste, San Giovanni Rotondo
- 16:00 (4pm): Procession with the relics of the two saints to Saint Peter’s Basilica
- Reception of the relics by S. Em. Card. Angelo Comastri, Archpriest of Saint Peter’s Basilica
February 6, 2016
Saint Peter’s Square
- 10:00am: Jubilee Audience with the Holy Father for Padre Pio prayer groups
- 14:00 (2pm): Exposition of the relics for veneration by the faithful in Saint Peter’s Basilica
February 10, 2016
Saint Peter’s Basilica
- 17:00 (5pm): Solemn Eucharistic Celebration of Ash Wednesday with Pope Francis, and the commissioning of the Missionaries of Mercy
February 11, 2016
Saint Peter’s Basilica
- 7:30am: Celebration of the Eucharist presided by S.E.R. Rino Fisichella
- Departure of the relics of the two saints
To learn about more relics on tour and available for public veneration visit the Relics & Events page
Catholic Pilgrimage Sites 