Catholics celebrate Padre Pio Day

Thousands of Christians on Friday (September 23, 2022) made a pilgrimage of faith to the Shrine of St Padre Pio at Bwebajja, Kabulamuliro (off Entebbe Road, in Wakiso district) to celebrate the Feast of St. Padre Pio.

Padre Pio was an Italian member of the Catholic Religious Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, who died in 1968 and was subsequently canonized in 2002.

Msgr. Landas Bwambale delivers his homily during the pilgrimage mass for the Feast of St. Padre Pio at Kabulamuliro-Bwebajja. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Padre Pio (Francesco Forgione) is best known for his saintly life, miracles and stigmata (wounds that corresponded to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus).

The pilgrimage mass at Kabulamuliro was presided over by the Vicar General of Kasese Catholic Diocese, the Rev. Msgr. Landas Bwambale.

He asked the devotees of St. Padre Pio to emulate his outstanding virtues of humility, love and Christian commitment, in order to be in a proper relationship with God and fellow human beings.

The Shrine of Padre Pio at Kabulamuliro where the celebration took place. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The Superior of the Capuchin Friars, the Very Rev. Fr. John Fortunate Baluku also asked Christians to promote peace in their families, society and the world.

He said St. Francis of Assisi (the founder of the Capuchin Order) was a man of peace, who even reconciled human beings with animals, which was why his devotees had the obligation to champion peace and reconciliation.

The students' choir from St. Francis Secondary School, Busunju leading the singing during the pilgrimage mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The Director of Padre Pio Shrine, Fr. Michael Mbuse Muhasa invited Christians to participate in the religious programmes at the shrine and tap God’s blessings.

During the function, the pilgrims donated money towards the rehabilitation of the shrine.

Members of the Eritrean Catholic Community entertaining the congregation after mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The pilgrimage mass was animated by the students’ choir from St. Francis Secondary School, Busunju.

School choirs such as Kitende Modern Nursery and Primary School, St. Padre Pio PS, Banda and the Junior Franciscans also entertained the guests.