Pastoral Visit of the Holy Father Francis to Pietrelcina, in the diocese of Benevento, and to San Giovanni Rotondo, in the diocese of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo, on the centenary of the apparition of the permanent stigmata of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina and on the 50th anniversary of the death of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (17 March 2018) – Updated Programme, 08.03.2018
7.00
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Departure from Vatican heliport
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8.00
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Landing at the square adjacent to the liturgical hall of Piana Romana in Pietrelcina
The Holy Father is received by:
- H.E. Msgr. Felice Accrocca, archbishop of Benevento
- Mr. Domenico Masone, mayor of Pietrelcina
Brief pause for prayer in the Saint Francis Chapel in front of the elm of the stigmata
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8.15
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On the Square in front of the liturgical hall: Meeting with the faithful
- Greeting from the archbishop of Benevento
The Holy Father greets the Community of Capucins and a representation of faithful
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Address of the Holy Father
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9.00
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Departure from Piana Romana, for San Giovanni Rotondo
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9.30
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Landing in the “Antonio Massa” sports field of San Giovanni Rotondo
The Holy Father is received by:
- H.E. Msgr. Michele Castoro, archbishop of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo
- Dr. Costanzo Cascavilla, mayor of San Giovanni Rotondo
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10.00
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Transfer by car to the “Casa sollievo della Sofferenza” Hospital. From the square in front, the Holy Father greets and blesses the sick, without leaving the car
Visit to the Paediatric Oncology Ward.
The Holy Father is received by:
- Dr. Domenico Crupi, director general of the “Casa sollievo della Sofferenza” Hospital
The Holy Father meets children, inpatients on the third floor of the ward.
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10.45
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At the end of the visit, the Pope arrives at the Shrine of Saint Mary of the Graces, where he is received by:
- Fr. Maurizio Placentino, provincial minister of the Capuchins
- Fr. Carlo Laborde, guardian
- Fr. Francesco Dileo, rector
In the Shrine, the Holy Father greets the religious Community of the Capuchins, and venerates the body of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina and the crucifix of the stigmata.
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11.15
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Parvis of the Church of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
Eucharistic Concelebration
At the end of the Holy Mass: greeting of H.E. Msgr. Michele Castoro, archbishop of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo
The Holy Father greets some of the Authorities and a representation of faithful
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Homily of the Holy Father
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13.00
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Departure from the sports field of San Giovanni Rotondo
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14.00
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Arrival in the Vatican heliport.
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