St. Bede Church to host second annual Padre Pio Festival June 23–25
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Last year, more than 1,500 people came together in Bucks County for a weekend of entertainment and inspiration. Some were locals, and a few were visitors from other countries. No celebrities or political figures were in town, but rather one driven parish looking to honor the life of an individual who promoted charity and kindness. This was the first Padre Pio Festival at St. Bede Church in Holland, and because of the great success, they’re doing it all again this year from June 23–25.
As a long-standing tradition, the Catholic Church has a devotion to saints, who they believe serve as intermediaries to help connect them closer with God. According to St. Bede Pastor Monsignor John C. Marine, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, better known as Padre Pio, was a saint of our time. Pio was a priest and Franciscan monk from Italy who died in 1968, a time much more recent than many saints from centuries ago.
“He was very much in touch with the world of today,” Marine said.
Pio’s life was marked by his piety and charity. Known for the trademark phrase “Pray, hope and don’t worry,” he brought so many people closer to God through counseling and miracles that his fame spread to the United States. As a parish, St. Bede wanted to increase the devotional life of its parishioners, and Marine quickly discovered how many people were already devoted to Padre Pio. Hosting the festival seemed only natural. Pio was canonized as a saint by St. Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002, so Marine believed June was the perfect month for the celebration.
St. Bede’s Padre Pio Festival was held for the first time last year, and had an unprecedented turnout of more than 1,500 guests. Many were in attendance from Bucks County and the Archdioceses of Philadelphia, Camden, Trenton and Allentown, but a select few traveled a great distance to attend. Marine reflected on one attendee who made the long journey from Canada to experience the festival. They weren’t familiar with the area and ended up booking a hotel in King of Prussia, but drove to Holland each day for all of the events.
Padre Pio is known as the patron saint of young people. Despite this, not many young people were in attendance last year. But Marine is looking to change this. With the festival expanded to three nights this year, Friday, June 23, will be dedicated to teens and young adults. The evening will begin with a Holy Hour and speech from Dan Finocchio, a young teacher from Landsdale Catholic High School. Afterward, a social will be held with entertainment from CoverBandBand.
“We’re trying to integrate them (young people) with this special outreach,” Marine said.
The festivities begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, with a craft show featuring 45 crafters, food vendors and musical entertainment, as well as a 5:30 p.m. Mass. Sunday, June 25, kicks off at 11 a.m. with a special Mass held at 12:30 p.m. followed by a procession. After the procession, guests can participate in a special healing service. According to Marine, St. Bede had one guest come out on a stretcher last year, wires still attached.
“It’s a pretty touching service. People are seeking God’s help through the intervention of Padre Pio,” he said.
The craft vendors, food vendors and entertainment will continue throughout the day. For the second year, the festival will present classics/disco/dance singer Jessica DiDonato and Sinatra tribute singer Stephen Ritrovato. New this year, guitarists Bob & Rob Tomlinson will perform hits from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Activities for kids include the children’s pavilion and inflatable amusements. The cafeteria will have speciality coffee and baked goods compliments of the Pio Cafe. A gift basket raffle will also be taking place. The festival will conclude on Sunday, June 25, at 7 p.m.
The weekend’s events are open to anyone wishing to attend for the spiritual ceremonies, social activities, or both.
“You don’t have to be devoted to Padre Pio to come,” Marine said. ••
If you go…
Plenty of free parking is available on the grounds and tour buses are welcome. For information on the Padre Pio Festival, call the St. Bede Parish Office at 215–357–5720 or visit padrepiofestivalhollandpa.com. St. Bede Church is at 1071 Holland Road in Holland. (Holland is not recognized by GPS systems. When setting your GPS, use the city/town “Southampton, PA.”)
