For more information on St. Pio, visit this website; www.padrepiodevotions.org
Q. What is a Triduum?
A time frequently chosen for prayer or for other devout practices, whether by individuals in private, or in public by congregations or special organizations in parishes, in religious communities, seminaries, or schools. The form of prayer or devotion depends upon the occasion or purpose of the triduum. The three days usually precede some feast, and the feast then determines the choice of the pious execises. (Courtesy of www.newadvent.org ).
Q. What are the dates and Times for Masses in this Triduum in Holy Redeemer?
Monday 20th May, Opening Mass at 7.30pm
Tuesday 21st May, Mass & Anointing of the Sick at 7.30pm
Wednesday 22nd May, Closing Mass & Benediction at 7.30pm
Rosary each evening at 7.10pm, and Blessing with Relic, after Mass each evening.
Q. Who was St. Pio?
Feastday: September 23 (b.1887 d.1968) 
Francesco, named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, was born to Giuseppa and Grazio Forgione, peasant farmers, in the small Italian village of Pietrelcina on May 25, 1887. From his childhood, it was evident that he was a special child of God. Francesco was very devout even as a child, and at an early age felt drawn to the priesthood. He became a Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and received the habit in 1902. Francesco was ordained to the priesthood in 1910 after seven years of study and became known as Padre Pio.
On September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of Church. The doctor who examined Padre Pio could not find any natural cause for the wounds. Upon his death in 1968, the wounds were no longer visible. In fact, there was no scaring and the skin was completely renewed. He had predicted 50 years prior that upon his death the wounds would heal. The wounds of the stigmata were not the only mystical phenomenon experienced by Padre Pio.
The blood from the stigmata had an odor described by many as similar to that of perfume or flowers, and the gift of bilocation was attributed to him. Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of the penitents who flocked to him for confession which he heard for ten or twelve hours per day. Padre Pio used the confessional to bring both sinners and devout souls closer to God; he would know just the right word of counsel or encouragement that was needed. Even before his death, people spoke to Padre Pio about his possible canonization. He died on September 23, 1968 at the age of eighty-one. His funeral was attended by about 100,000 people.
On June 16, 2002, over 500,000 Padre Pio devotees gathered in Rome to witness Pope John Paul II proclaim Padre Pio, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. The Padre Pio Foundation and many benefactors traveled to Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Pietrelcina, Piana Romana and many other holy places to celebrate Padre Pio's Canonization.
Q. What are the Prayers to St. Pio?
Beloved Padre Pio, Saint of Petrelcina, today I come to add my prayer to the thousands of prayers offered to you everyday by those who love and venerate you. They ask for cures and healings, earthly and spiritual blessings, and peace for body and mind. Because of your friendship with the Lord, he heals those you ask to be healed, and forgives those you forgive.
Through your visible wounds of the Cross, which you bore for 50 years, you were chosen in our time to glorify the crucified Jesus. Because the Cross has been replaced by other symbols, please help us to bring it back in our midst, for we acknowledge it is the only true sign of salvation.
As we lovingly recall the wounds that pierced your hands, feet and side, we not only remember the blood you shed in pain, but your smile and the invisible halo of sweet smelling flowers that surrounded your presence, the perfume of sanctity.
Saint Pio, the healings of the sick have become the testimony that the Lord has invited you to join the holy company of saints. In your kindness, please help me with my own special request: (mention here your petition, and make the sign of the Cross.)
Bless me and my loved ones. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
