More Than 600 People Visit the Basilica to Attend Mass and to Venerate the Relics of Saint Padre Pio

Today, the relics of Saint Padre Pio arrived at the Basilica. The first-class relics — which include a crust of Saint Pio’s wounds, cotton gauze stained with his blood, and a lock of his hair — drew more than 600 people so far, and the night isn’t over as the public veneration of the relics will continue until 8 p.m. After the 12:10 p.m. Mass ended, Father Jerome Fasano — the former pastor of Saint John the Baptist Church in Front Royal who has a deep devotion to Saint Pio and a keen understanding of the humble Italian priest’s spirituality — gave a passionate and personal reflection on the Saint’s life. Please click here to see more photos from the day. You can watch the Mass and hear his reflection by clicking here.  Special thanks go to all the Knights of Columbus and Ancient Order of Hibernians members who helped out during the day, making sure the veneration process went smoothly.