«It was a success we did not expect,» the Capuchins said in a statement. «Given the success obtained, the Capuchin friars are thinking of extending the band of connection, so that more users will be able to access the site at the same time, and participate with ease from their homes in the celebrations taking place in the Church and around Padre Pio´s tomb.»
The Mass in memory of the Blessed of the Stigmata was celebrated May 1, and was followed on Web page http://www.teleradiopadrepio.it.
Padre Pio, who was born in Pietrelcina, Italy, in 1887, was a Capuchin priest who bore the Stigmata of Christ´s Passion. During his lifetime, his fame for sanctity attracted pilgrims from all over the world. He founded one of the most important charitable hospitals in Italy. Padre Pio died Sept. 23, 1968, and was beatified May 1, 1999.
