Originally Published: 2007-07-01

The groundbreaking ap-proaches — devotees of St. Pio have begun their countdown. For them, September 23 will not be just another day. It will be the anniversary of the death of the friar from Pietrelcina, and the day when construction will finally begin on a shrine that will become a pilgrimage destination for them.
The final announcement of the construction of the first church in Canada to be named after this saint was made by Father Gregory Ace last Sunday, at the end of a weekend of prayer. In fact, the faithful celebrated the anniversary of canonization for St. Pio.
On June 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II addressed pilgrims from all over the world: “The life and mission of Father Pio are a testimony that hardships and sorrows, if accepted out of love, turn into a privileged way to sainthood, open to greater good, known only to the Lord.”
An intense path faced the parishioners of Toronto’s St. Padre Pio Parish, which was founded on that very day. On June 16, Cardinal Ambrozic announced the establishment of the parish and the construction of a church.
Initially, the community numbered 200 families. Nowadays there are 3,000. This long path is nearing its destination to the joy of those who followed it with such devotion. That path leads to Kleinburg, at Major Mackenzie and Islington Avenue. That’s where the church will rise.
In February 2004 a fundraising committee was formed, and in May of the following year the leadership campaign (a fundraising event) was held. On that occasion, donations reached $2.2 million.
To date, the committee has raised $6 million.
“The fundraising and building committee,” declared Father Ace, “designed and signed the three-phase plan of the Archdiocese of Toronto authorizing construction of the first church dedicated to St. Pio in North America. It will be built in Kleinburg, Ontario.”
“Over a few years, our parish,” explained Ben Virgilio, chair of the fundraising committee, “has managed to raise $6 million in cash, offers and pledges. The Archdiocese has authorized the parish to proceed with phase one. This is a historic moment for St. Padre Pio Church. We invite all Catholics, particularly all devotees of this saint, to participate to the September 23 event and to contribute to phase two with a donation. The church of St. Padre Pio will be more than a church, thanks to our devotion.”

Page 1/...Page 2

Printable Version Email to a Friend Share

Voice Your Opinion Letter to the Editor