Newly Appointed Archbishop to Celebrate Feast at the First Church in Canada Named in Honour of Saint Padre Pio

St. Padre Pio Church will celebrate the feast of its patron saint this September, with a three day event, culminating in a special mass on September 23^rd, celebrated by Archbishop Francis Leo – the newly appointed Archbishop of Toronto.

Located in Kleinburg, Ontario, the Parish of St. Padre Pio is a special place of worship and the first church in North America to honour Padre Pio – an Italian priest who received the stigmata (physical manifestations of the five wounds of Jesus Christ) –  in 1918. They would stay with him until he died in 1968. Built in honour of St. Padre Pio, people come to this church from all around to pray and feel closer to the saint, known for his miraculous healings. The church offers several religious relics, including the glove that St. Padre Pio wore on his stigmata wounds, a cloth that St. Padre Pio used to wipe the blood from the stigma on his side and the chalice he used during mass. Outdoor Stations of the Cross and special prayer areas built into the beautifully kept landscaping, make this an incredible location to celebrate this modern-day saint’s feast day!

The community celebrations include:

• Thursday, September 21,  7 PM – Mass, with exposition of the blessed Sacrament and a healing service and special blessing for the sick with Fr. Sam Samuel VC Director of the Divine Retreat Centre in Toronto.

• Friday, September 22, 7 PM  – A Holy Mass and Candlelight Procession with Fr. George Parayil, Pastor of St. Padre Pio Parish in Kleinburg.

• Saturday, September 23, 5 PM – The Solemn Feast of St. Padre Pio with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Francis Leo, followed by a community celebration, which includes food and entertainment.

St. Padre Pio Church is located at 5500 Major MacKenzie Drive in Kleinburg. For more information, a media package, or to arrange for a group tour and visitor’s welcome package, please contact the Parish office at 905-893-7879 or stpadrepio@archtoronto.org.