Beginning on February 5, the remains of two popular Italian saints will arrive at the Vatican. They are Padre Pio and Leopoldo Mandic.
MSGR. RINO FISICHELLA
Organizer, Jubilee of Mercy
'It is a novelty for two poor friars who never left their village when they were alive to be transferred to Rome with so much solemnity. It is something extraordinary.â?
Two urns with the remains of these two saints will travel through the streets of Rome in a procession before arriving at the basilica. Given their popularity, the Vatican hopes thousands of people will be there to receive them.
MSGR. RINO FISICHELLA
Organizer, Jubilee of Mercy
'St. Peter's Basilica will be open until every person in the square has passed before the relics.â?
The remains of Padre Pio and Leopoldo Mandic will continue to be exhibited in the basilica together near the altar of confession, from Friday the 5th until the 11th of February.
When Pope John Paul II canonized Padre Pio, there wasn't enough room in St. Peter's Square for all the pilgrims. Therefore, many others attended the ceremony from another square in the city. At the end of the ceremony, the Pope rode in a helicopter to greet them.
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