1,200 Capuchins gather to celebrate Mass with Our Holy Father Pope Francis

Byabvadmin

On the occasion of the presence at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome of the relics of our holy brothers St.’s Padre Pio and Leopold Mandic over 1,000 friars gathered with the Holy Father and at his invitation to venerate the relics and celebrate Holy Mass together. The two saints were chosen to come to Rome in the Jubilee Year of Mercy because of their great holiness and their extraordinary dedication to the ministry of mercy in the Confessional…

Chatting together before the procession to the Holy Door.
Chatting together before the procession to the Holy Door.
The brothers await the opening of the gates in the chilly early morning air
The brothers await the opening of the gates in the chilly early morning air
The Holy Relics of our saintly brothers Padre Pio & Leopold Mandic before the High Altar of St. Peter's Basilica
The Holy Relics of our saintly brothers Padre Pio & Leopold Mandic before the High Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica

On the occasion of the largest gathering of the brothers in modern times Pope Francis spoke on the ministry of mercy in the confessional and the example of the life of the two saints, saying to the Capuchins: “Your Capuchin tradition is a tradition of pardon, of granting forgiveness. Amongst you there are many great confessors. And it’s because they feel themselves sinners. They know they’re great sinners and before the greatness of God they continually pray “Hear, Lord, and forgive”. And because they know to pray like this, they know how to forgive… But you Capuchins have this special gift of the Lord – to forgive… You are men of forgiveness, of reconciliation, of peace.”

A sea of Capuchin Franciscan Brown in the Basilca today
A sea of Capuchin Franciscan Brown in the Basilca today
The friars approach the Holy Door of the Jubilee Year
The friars approach the Holy Door of the Jubilee Year
Pope Francis preaching to the friars.
Pope Francis preaching to the friars.
Brother Mark, one of the members of the General Council proclaims the Word of God.
Brother Mark, one of the members of the General Council proclaims the Word of God.
The concelebrant friars before the Altar of the Chair of Peter
The concelebrant friars before the Altar of the Chair of Peter
The delegates of the Irish Province, Brothers Michael, Terence and Pius
The delegates of the Irish Province, Brothers Michael, Terence and Pius
The Holy Father, Pope Francis preaching to the brothers.
The Holy Father, Pope Francis preaching to the brothers.