The stream of reverent devotees was nonstop at Queen of Angels Church in Riverside on March 14 as hundreds turned out to venerate the relics of Saint Padre Pio.

The day of veneration culminated with an evening Mass, celebrated by Diocesan Vicar General, Monsignor Gerard Lopez, S.T.L., that was attended by over 1,500 people.

“St. Pio left us these relics for our sanctification,” Msgr. Lopez said during his homily. “We are in unity with Pope Francis who is going to San Giovanni Rotondo to pray for the suffering. This is true of all of us, we are all in need of God’s healing, asking God through St. Pio to give us strength even in our suffering.”

The following day, St. Padre Pio’s relics were venerated at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, where they also drew hundreds of Catholics to pray and reflect on St. Pio’s life and ministry. The relics were also venerated privately by seminarians at St. Junipero Serra House of Formation in Grand Terrace on the evening of March 13.

St. Pio is the only priest in the history of the Catholic Church known to have the stigmata, the wounds of Christ. Evidence of these wounds was visible in the relics that were on display which included: St. Pio’s glove, crusts of the wounds, cotton-gauze with St. Pio’s blood stains, a lock of his hair, St. Pio’s mantle, and his handkerchief soaked with his sweat from hours before his death.

Queen of Angels parishioner Alfonso Negrete shared a touching personal story about his survival from a brain aneurysm and kidney problems. He was not expected to live and was in a coma and on life support for over a month. Following his recovery, he needed kidney dialysis. He was blessed because after three years on dialysis a donor was found, and he received a kidney transplant. Alfonso said that he knows that the prayers of his parents and relatives in Mexico is what helped him to stay alive. He has a few limitations, but he does what he can to help his sister and the parish because he feels strongly that his restored health is a blessing he said, “God gave me a second chance. I have to do what I can do to help.”

Despite the large crowd at the church the atmosphere was solemn and prayerful. Many people prayed the Rosary, some did private meditation, a few were teary eyed, and others prayed the Stations of the Cross while they waited for an opportunity to touch the relics. In St. Padre Pio’s words, “Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but with your heart. In fact, on certain occasions you should only speak to Him with your heart.”

Full story at Inland Catholic Byte.