Good morning.

It’s early morning here in Rome, but, first-thing today, I wanted to share with you even more photos from yesterday’s joyous and holy celebration and Mass. I hope you enjoy them.

Have a wonderful remainder of the weekend.

God Bless,

Cardinal Seán

The procession prior to the Mass….the cover that you see in the Deacon’s hands was quit beautiful.

Preparing to enter the new Padre Pio Church, where the Mass was held.

The long line of concelebrants as we begin to enter the Church.

About to enter the Church.

More of the procession.

I had just entered the Church and I’m starting to approach the altar in this picture.

There were over 10,000 faithful gathered for the Mass.

In front of the altar.

Again, in front of the altar.

The mass has begun. You can see a life-size statue of Padre Pio to my left in this picture.

Here’s a better look at the Padre Pio Statue on the altar.

The altar area with the concelebrants seated in front.

Another view of the Padre Pio statue and the altar area.

Embracing the local Archbishop.

View from the side and back of the altar where I was seated.

Another shot of the Padre Pio statue and the crowd.

Closer look at the altar from the other side.

Early during the Mass.

Concelebrants seated in front of the altar.

This picture gives you a good idea of the size of the crowd. This is only one part of the worship space. This shows only a little area on the left side.

Here’s the view from the back of the Church on the left side, facing the altar.

During the Mass.

This was the view from where Fr. Brian was sitting in the front row.

Picture as I begin my Homily.

During my Homily.

Other views during my Homily.

A close-up of the Padre Pio statue.

Presentation of the gifts.

Celebrating the Mass.

View from behind the altar.

Brother Capuchin receiving Communion.

Padre Pio statue in the background…during Communion.

I was pleased to see so many youngsters and families at the Mass.

More pictures during Communion.

At the conclusion of Mass.

Blessing the faithful after Mass.

I was honored by the ovation I received from my fellow concelebrants and brother Capuchins after the Mass.

I met this very cute little girl and her mother after Mass.

We took several Capuchin “team pictures” after the Mass. The Friars are always warm and fraternal…they always make us feel at home.

I was interviewed by the local media after the Mass.

Our gracious hosts provided a hearty lunch for us right after the Mass.

One last photo with the Friars before I left the Padre Pio Shrine.