My Dear Friends,
For the fourth straight year, our annual Padre Pio Festival will be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15, 2019.
We invite not only our parishioners, but all devotees of Padre Pio from throughout the surrounding area to come and join us on our spacious 23-acre parish campus, to be a part of all the festivities.
We are honored to be the official host of the collection of relics of Padre Pio from the Monastery of the Carmelite Sisters of Philadelphia. As Mother Teresa of St. Augustine, the Superior of the Convent said, “This is too precious of a collection of relics to be simply displayed in our convent. We sisters want to be able to share this exhibit with all those who would like to feel closer to this saint of many miracles by being in the presence of these sacred reminders of his life and mission here on earth.” The collection of relics will be on display both on Saturday evening Sept. 14, as well as throughout the morning, afternoon and evening on Sunday, Sept. 15, in our special Padre Pio Chapel.
Holy Relics of the blood, cloak, cushion and glove of St. Padre Pio, will be on display for veneration during the Padre Pio Festival, on Sept. 14 and Sept. 15
On Saturday Sept. 14 from Noon to 5pm, our Padre Pio weekend will include a “Parish and Community Picnic within a festival.” From 1pm to 5pm, the admission price includes an All-American buffet catered by McCafferty’s Market, as well as several free attractions and live entertainment for children and adults.
Our All-American picnic features great food and a craft fair.
There’s plenty of fun games and rides for the kids!
Also on Saturday night Sept. 14, the 5:30pm Vigil Mass will include the blessing with the relics of Padre Pio. The festival will resume that night with a la carte food items, sold by our Knights of Columbus and other food vendors. The highlight of the evening will be a special free outdoor community concert by “The Jersey Tenors”, a nationally known group singing everything from opera to rock ‘n roll. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday entertainment includes an afternoon performance by the Willie Lynch Band and an evening show by the Jersey Tenors.
On Sunday Sept. 15 we celebrate Padre Pio’s feast day with a 12:30pm Mass, followed by a street procession and healing service, with opportunity for confession. We expect many pilgrims to once again join us. Father Pio Mandato will be our guest homilist.
The day will include food truck vendors, especially Maggio’s Restaurant from Southampton, providing a large array of Italian food, and popular entertainment which includes Frank Sinatra tribute artist Steve Ritrovato, and Jazz vocalist Jessica DiDonato.
Once again entertaining on Sunday at the festival will be Sinatra tribute singer Steven Ritrovato and Jazz/Standard singer Jessica DiDonato.
On behalf of Fr. Thomas O’Donald, as well as the parishioners of St. Bede, I invite you to this extraordinary weekend. If you are travelling a distance, consult our website for directions, and know that we have plenty of free parking and buses will be welcome. If you plan to bring a charter bus of pilgrims, please contact Patrick McNally at 215-357-5720 as soon as possible.
St. Bede Pastor Rev. Monsignor John C. Marine and Parochial Vicar Rev. Thomas O’Donald.
Through the intercession of Padre Pio, may the Dear Lord watch over you and your loved ones, and be sure of our prayers for you and your intentions, especially during this festive weekend.
Sincerely Yours,
Reverend Monsignor John C. Marine
Pastor, St. Bede the Venerable Church
