Cardinal Seán's Blog

Cardinal Seán O’Malley shares his reflections and experiences

Even More Pictures From The Padre Pio Celebration & Mass

Good morning.

It’s early morning here in Rome, but, first-thing today, I wanted to share with you even more photos from yesterday’s joyous and holy celebration and Mass. I hope you enjoy them.

Have a wonderful remainder of the weekend.

God Bless,

Cardinal Seán

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The procession prior to the Mass….the cover that you see in the Deacon’s hands was quit beautiful.

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Preparing to enter the new Padre Pio Church, where the Mass was held.

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The long line of concelebrants as we begin to enter the Church.

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About to enter the Church.

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More of the procession.

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I had just entered the Church and I’m starting to approach the altar in this picture.

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There were over 10,000 faithful gathered for the Mass.

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In front of the altar.

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Again, in front of the altar.

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The mass has begun. You can see a life-size statue of Padre Pio to my left in this picture.
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Here’s a better look at the Padre Pio Statue on the altar.

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The altar area with the concelebrants seated in front.

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Another view of the Padre Pio statue and the altar area.

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Embracing the local Archbishop.

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View from the side and back of the altar where I was seated.

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Another shot of the Padre Pio statue and the crowd.

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Closer look at the altar from the other side.

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Early during the Mass.

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Concelebrants seated in front of the altar.

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This picture gives you a good idea of the size of the crowd. This is only one part of the worship space. This shows only a little area on the left side.

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Here’s the view from the back of the Church on the left side, facing the altar.

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During the Mass.

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This was the view from where Fr. Brian was sitting in the front row.

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Picture as I begin my Homily.

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During my Homily.

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Other views during my Homily.

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A close-up of the Padre Pio statue.

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Presentation of the gifts.

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Celebrating the Mass.
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View from behind the altar.

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Brother Capuchin receiving Communion.

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Padre Pio statue in the background…during Communion.

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I was pleased to see so many youngsters and families at the Mass.

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More pictures during Communion.

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At the conclusion of Mass.

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Blessing the faithful after Mass.

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I was honored by the ovation I received from my fellow concelebrants and brother Capuchins after the Mass.

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I met this very cute little girl and her mother after Mass.

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We took several Capuchin “team pictures” after the Mass. The Friars are always warm and fraternal…they always make us feel at home.

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I was interviewed by the local media after the Mass.

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Our gracious hosts provided a hearty lunch for us right after the Mass.

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One last photo with the Friars before I left the Padre Pio Shrine.