I am still reading away at Mary Regan's book on Padre Pio. It is pretty good although I think she goes a lot overboard on some of the things she says about him. I am a big, big fan but it is good to keep our feet on the ground.
"On September 22, 1968, just before dawn, Padre Pio celebrated his final Mass in the crowded church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo. Only two days had passed since the fiftieth anniversary of his stigmata. Frail, exhausted, and barely able to speak, the Capuchin friar was wheeled to the altar to offer the Eucharist one last time. His gestures were slow and solemn. The church overflowed with faithful, many standing outside in tears. At the consecration, the moment seemed to stand still as the aging priest, marked by a lifetime of suffering, united himself completely to the sacrifice of Christ. When the Mass ended, Padre Pio tried to rise for the final blessing but collapsed under the weight of his weakness. Carried back to his cell, he whispered to those around him, “My children… my children…” Early the next morning, September 23, he breathed his last, his final words being “Jesus… Mary…” Padre Pio’s last Mass was not merely a farewell. It was the fulfillment of a life lived as both priest and victim—an offering poured out in love until the very end. Saint Padre Pio, pray for us! Source: padrepiopietrelcina.com
From Irish Centre for Padre Pio: "Blessings to you all on Padre Pio's Feast Day. We will remember all your intentions at the Mass for the Feast Day this evening in Capuchin Friary Church Street at the National Shrine at 7.30 p.m."
