Padre Pio’s shrine: A fountain of miracles

Sep 19, 2008

Tomorrow is Padre Pio’s feast day in the Catholic Church. It falls on the day he died, 40 years ago. But Padre Pio is now a household name in many catholic families. He is known for miracles of healing, fortune and blessings. Crowds are therefore expected at Kabulamuliro shrine, which is the place

By Juliet Lukwago

Tomorrow is Padre Pio’s feast day in the Catholic Church. It falls on the day he died, 40 years ago. But Padre Pio is now a household name in many catholic families. He is known for miracles of healing, fortune and blessings. Crowds are therefore expected at Kabulamuliro shrine, which is the place of worship dedicated to the saint.

Situated 18 km along Kampala-Entebbe road, the shrine was built in memory of Padre Pio, an Italian brother, who was declared saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002.

The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, will celebrate mass at the shrine. Here, many believe that when you recite prayers in Padre Pio’s name, you get what you want. Others go there for retreats and novena that may last between six and ten days.

Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala offered the Fathers of Assisi congregation from India a place at Kabulamuliro, Kisubi parish in Entebbe deanery, to build a shrine for Padre Pio.

According to Fr. John Fernandes, the superior priest at this shrine, people who follow Padre Pio’s steps have started their journey to sainthood. “It is true. Miracles take place here,” he says.

Fernandes however says people must have faith first. Mary Nabakooza of Sisa Kisubi, says Padre Pio has helped her get school fees for her four children who are all in boarding schools. “I am a single mother. But whenever I get stuck, I come to this shrine and somehow, I get a way through,” she says.

Padre Pio died at the age of 81. His congregation decided to have his remains buried in a special place where they are still in good condition. It is estimated that around seven million people visit his grave every year.

He was said to be a foreteller and miracle worker who could appear in two places at the same time. Much is said about how he would fight satan physically in his bedroom and come out sweaty and exhausted.

Literature about Padre Pio also says he used to get unexplainable wounds in the same places Jesus got at his crucifixion (hands, feet, head and side) during Easter season. And they would heal leaving no scars. Catholics interpreted this as a spiritual symbol of his sainthood.

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