Padre Pio Canonization Pilgrimage,6-16-02
This entire pilgrimage was graciously offered by Mary Lou who is a holy souls list member for the intentions of the holy souls - especially those registered in the Purgatory Project roles.
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Dear friends of the holy souls,
Here is a recap of my pilgrimage. I received the computer disc in the mail with the names of all registered Holy Souls on it. This is how I carried the names with me on the trip - on the disc - it went with me everywhere I went as I will explain. We boarded the plane in Newark and flew to Amsterdam where we boarded another plane to Naples.
There a bus took us to Murgano directly to the St Philomena Shrine. During Mass I petitioned for prayers for the Holy Souls. They had a statue of St. Philomena in a glass case and I saw that she was perspirering, I ask the Nun about it and she said, "she perspires and she changes positions, can you imagine that?"
Next we went Pietrelcina, where Padre Pio was born, we went to the church he was baptized and where he lived, then on to Benevento to the church where he was ordained. We had Mass at both places and the Holy Souls were always with me. On we went to San Giovanni to where our wonderful saint lived and died. We prayed at his tomb and had Mass in the beautiful gardens behind the Church and I think by now the Holy Souls were having a good time with so many Masses being offered for them.
We now board a bus to St. Micheal's Cave, what an interesting place!!! After Mass at the Cave, the Holy Souls and I went to Adoration for an hour. Then on to Lanciano, the site of the incredible EUCHARISTIC MIRACLE that took place in 700 AD. After Mass, we again were in Adoration of this wonderful miracle.
Onwards to Rome where we attended the Canonization of Padre Pio. We had to be there at six o'clock in the morning, with tickets for standing room only. You can imagine how we felt since the Mass did't start until 10 o'clock...It was very hot, worse then Texas (where I live). This was the only Mass I could't petition for the Holy Souls outloud, but all our suffering was offered up for them.
As soon as Mass was over we boarded the bus to Assisi. This was another beautiful place, all built on hills, you were either climbing up or sliding down. The churches were beautiful, we got to see the Cross that talked to St. Francis and visited St. Clare's Church. Again we lifted up the Holy Souls during Mass at these extraordinary churches. Next morning, on to Rome for the last three days of trip, (After all the climbing there I was really ready to come home then, but on to Rome).
We had Mass at the Vatican in one of the many Altars in the basement. It was very exciting to tour the Vatican and see the Sistine Chapel and all the wonderful treasures. We got to see Pope John XXIII. He was exhumed last year and was incorrupt. They just poured a thin film of wax on him, it was a site to behold, he was a very special Pope for me. At this Mass the Priest petitioned for the Holy Souls himself....
We visited the Catacombs, the Colisium, the Basilica of St. John Lateran and across the street, the Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs that Jesus climbed during his Passion. On our last day we had Mass at Our Holy Spirit Church by the Vatican and its dedicated to Our Jesus of Mercy, our last Mass to petition for the Holy Souls and on to an Audience with Pope John Paul II. I was carrying a ton of Rosaries and medals for the Papel Blessing. What a treat that was.
I want to thank all of you that were praying for me, believe me your prayers were deeply appreciated and needed. I also prayed for you during my Adoration Hour and asked Our Lord to give each and everyone of you a very special blessing.
Now for the icing on the cake....my dentist's assistant's father was very ill in the Hospital waiting for a heart transplant and it looked bleak for him waiting for a heart. I took her a Padre Pio rosary and the novena relic pamphlet, with the Papel Blessing, I explained to her about Padre Pio and she was elated. She is Baptist but her Dad is Catholic. She said her Dad was wasting away because he couldn't eat. This was Thursday, she took the rosary and novena to him on Friday and by Monday he had a new heart!!!!He is supposingly crying and praying now and thanking Our Lord. Isn't that great....
Love you all, Mary Lou
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June12th Mungano to Shrine of St. Philomena, then to Bennevento and the Cathedral where Padre Pio was ordained. June13th Pietrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo. June14th Tomb of Padre Pio and St. Michael's Cave. June15th Lanciano to adore Eucharistic Miracle. June16th To Rome for Canonization of Padre Pio at St. Peter's Square. June 17th Catacombs, Basilica of St. Mary Major, and Holy Stairs. June18th Assisi, and Portiucula (where Jesus spoke to St. Francis from the Crucifix). June19th Mass at St. Peters and Papal Audience, Vatican Museums, Sistine chapel, and church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. June 20th come home.
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This entire pilgrimage was graciously offered by Mary Lou who is a holy souls list memberfor the intentions of the holy souls - especially those registered in the Purgatory Project roles.