Prayer, the key which opens God’s heart
The Capuchin friars of Johor celebrated the Feast of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on Sunday, September 22 at the St Pio Spirituality Centre, the first centre of devotion to St Pio in Malaysia.
Oct 04, 2024
Bro Peter Langgayang, OFM Cap and Angila Yong
The Capuchin friars of Johor celebrated the Feast of St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on Sunday, September 22 at the St Pio Spirituality Centre, the first centre of devotion to St Pio in Malaysia. Although the feast is traditionally observed on September 23, this year’s celebration was moved up for logistical reasons.
The event drew a substantial gathering of devotees from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, showcasing the widespread devotion to St Padre Pio among the faithful in the region.
This year, Bishop Bernard Paul served as the principal preacher, marking a departure from the traditional choice of a Franciscan Friar. His invitation underscores his alignment with Franciscan values, represented by the Tau cross in his coat of arms. In his homilies, the bishop emphasised the significance of prayer in the context of forgiveness, nurturing relationships, and saying “Yes” to God. The Feast centred around the theme of prayer, reflecting Pope Francis’ call for a year of prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee year.
The triduum commenced on Sept 19 at the Church of the Holy Family, Ulu Tiram, themed Prayer is Forgiveness. In his homily, Bishop Bernard emphasised the transformative power of prayer in nurturing peace and forgiveness. He remarked, “When we encounter God in prayer, our anger, fear, and guilt dissipate. It is through this divine encounter that we experience true forgiveness, enabling us to extend forgiveness to others.” He encouraged the congregation to envision themselves seated beneath a waterfall, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of God’s forgiving love and mercy cascading over them.
On the second day, the theme shifted to Prayer is Relationship. Bishop Bernard urged the congregation to view prayer as a way to connect with God and build relationships with those around them. “When we pray, we create space for God to enter our hearts. In this sacred space, we are invited to live in God’s grace and reflect His love to the world,” he said. He illustrated this concept by likening prayer to roots growing in the soil of God’s love, emphasising how these roots can intertwine with one another.
The final day of the Triduum on September 21 was themed Prayer is Saying ‘Yes.’ Bishop Bernard reflected on Padre Pio’s teachings, stating that a Christian’s journey involves a continuous struggle against oneself, with the soul achieving perfection through enduring pain. “Prayer is about surrendering to God,” he emphasised, reminding the faithful that God meets us in our daily lives, calling us to serve. Using Matthew’s example, he urged the congregation to respond to God’s call, affirming their commitment to His mission.
On Sunday, Sept 22, the feast day at St Pio’s Spirituality Centre saw over 1,100 attendees. The celebration began with the Rosary, followed by testimonies from devotees who shared personal stories of St Padre Pio’s intercession. Bishop Bernard, presided over the Mass with the Capuchin Friars concelebrating and assisted by Deacon Steven Wong.
In his homily, Bishop Bernard emphasised humility and simplicity in prayer, encouraging a childlike trust in God. He quoted St Pio, “Prayer is the oxygen of the soul,” while warning against the pitfalls of selfishness.
Fr Joe Matthews, OFM, Cap, guardian of the St Pio Friary & Spirituality Centre, thanked attendees for their dedication despite challenging travel conditions. Pilgrims enjoyed a delicious lunch, with packed meals provided for those leaving early.
The next Feast of St Padre Pio will be on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with the triduum scheduled for September 18-20. Devotees are encouraged to mark their calendars, as the celebration is expected to take place at the newly constructed Church of the Holy Family.
Retreatants are also invited to the tranquil St Pio Spirituality Centre for personal and group retreats. For bookings, contact Fr Joe Matthews at 012 290 0547.
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