On 28 July a torchlight procession through the streets of the city to commemorate the arrival of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo
On the evening of July 28th , 1916 in the small and rustic hermitage of Santa Maria delle Grazie came a humble friar Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. The July 28th San Giovanni Rotondo, with Thanksgiving Day, remembers this important event with a torchlight procession through the streets of the city. “The municipal administration – said the Mayor Pompilio – has decided to institutionalize the Thanksgiving Day, a gesture of profound gratitude to a humble friar who forever changed the history of our city. A presence on this mountain that drew millions of pilgrims from every corner of the earth, with the sole desire to meet him to ask his advice, prayers and intercession to alleviate spiritual and physical suffering. Today is the holiest in the world claimed that his example of holiness is safe spiritual reference in the general loss of consciousness. “The Day of Thanksgiving is a prayer that marks the beginning of the many cultural events and religious celebrations that converge towards the the centenary of the arrival of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo (1916-2016). The candlelight vigil sponsored by the municipality, by parishes and cultural associations and with the blessing of Bishop Michael Beaver (Archbishop of Manfredonia – Vieste – San Giovanni Rotondo), the Capuchin friars and the House for the Relief of Suffering, will start on Thursday 28 July 2011 at 20.30 from Piazza Padre Pio, and will pass along Corso Umberto I, Piazza Europa, Viale Cappuccini, after going through Home for the Relief of Suffering, will conclude with a moment of collective prayer to the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
