SMC celebrates Feast of St Pio

St Michael’s Church parish priest, Fr Michael Cheah, said this in his homily during the Mass to celebate the feast of St Pio. Those who attended the Eucharistic celebration had come earlier to attend the weekly devotion to Padre Pio, before the Mass.

“St Pio was strict in spiritual discipline yet simple in his life. The Gospel today speaks of how we must keep a balance in our lives. Keep to the simplicity of St Pio, but also follow the faith consistently. It’s easy for us to be lax when it comes to our prayers,” Fr Cheah said.

He reminded the people that St Pio was faithful to his prayers daily including devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Mary and prayers to St Michael the Archangel.

In Rotondo, Italy, St Pio’s body had been exhumed earlier this year to be buried in the new basilica which can cater to the tens of thousands of people who visit Rotondo to give praise to God, he added.

“The size of the building which is one of the most beautiful in the world, is to reflect the love of St Pio for Jesus Christ. Perhaps St Pio foresaw the many thousands who would be coming to be with the Lord in Rotondo,” he said.

During offertory, members of the Padre Pio group at St Michael’s Church presented the offertory gifts.

After Mass, many of the congregation stayed back to view the Padre Pio statues, medals and rosaries on sale at a small table set up by the SMC bookshop.

St Michael’s Church Padre Pio prayer group was formed three years ago. Its members provide support for people with cancer, stroke and terminal illnesses. It has 15 active volunteers (English and Chinese speaking). It also has 50 members as intercessors in the Englishspeaking prayer group and 27 in the Chinese-speaking section.

SMC holds 30-minute novena prayers to Padre Pio every Thursday before the 5.30 pm Mass.
IPOH: The simplicity of St Pio of Pietrelcina in his life, and his strict discipline and faithfulness where prayer and spiritual growth were concerned is something to be emulated. These two characteristics of Padre Pio, known as the priest with the stigmata during his lifetime, draw thousands to celebrate his feastday every year on Sept 23.