Rare Relics Of Catholic Saint Leaving Italy For 1st Time And Coming To Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Rare relics of a Catholic saint are leaving Italy for the first time and coming to the United States — and a church in Middletown.

The hosts are the Cromwell-based Padre Pio Foundation of America, together with the Pennsylvania-based National Centre for Padre Pio and St. Pius X Church.

"For the first time in history, an authentic full-size habit worn by Padre Pio will leave Italy and travel to the United States — accompanied by Padre Francesco Dileo, provincial minister of the Capuchin Friars Minor, along with a delegation of friars directly from Padre Pio's friary," the foundation said.

"This is a remarkable opportunity for veneration and spiritual enrichment for all who cherish Padre Pio and his legacy," the foundation said.

Saint Pius X Catholic Church is located at 310 Westfield St. in Middletown.

Here is the schedule:

Wednesday, Oct. 15

• 4:30 PM – Mass and Procession of Relics upon arrival (Celebrated by Bishop Richard F. Reidy)
• Following Mass until 8 p.m. – Blessing and Veneration of the Relics

Thursday, Oct. 16

• 7 a.m. – Mass in Honor of Padre Pio
• 8 a.m. – Holy Hour with Padre Pio’s Relics
• 9 a.m. Mass in Italian in Honor of Padre Pio
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Blessing and Veneration of the Relics
• 6 to 9 p.m. – Blessing and Veneration of the Relics

Saturday, October 18

• 9 a.m. Mass in Honor of Padre Pio
• Following Mass until noon – Blessing and Veneration of the Relics
• 5 p.m. – Sunday Anticipated Mass
• Following Mass until 8 p.m. – Blessing and Veneration of the Relics

"This is the first time Padre Pio’s full habit will be brought to the United States from Italy. The visit offers Connecticut and surrounding New England residents a rare spiritual opportunity to venerate an intimate item worn by the beloved saint and deepen their connection to his legacy of healing, compassion, and prayer," organizers said.

According to Catholic scholars, Padre Pio was an Italian Capuchin friar who was canonized in 2002. He lived from 1887 to 1968 and his feast day is Sept. 23, which is the anniversary of his death. He experienced the wounds of Christ or the Stigmata, scholars tell us.

Padre Pio was known for spiritual guidance and he founded the Home for the Relief of Suffering hospital in Italy.

See more about the tour here.