SAC's CELEBRATION of SAINT PADRE PIO
Last Wednesday, September 23, 2026
On September 23, SAC celebrated the Feast of Saint Padre Pio with a Triduum, Holy Mass, Anointing of the Sick, and blessing of the Shrine of Padre Pio. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Ludovico Tacdoro, SSP, a visiting Filipino priest from the the Society of Saint Paul in the Philippines.
SAC Parish Celebrated the Feast of Saint Padre Pio
On September 23, SAC Parish celebrated the Feast of Saint Padre Pio with a novena, Holy Mass, anointing, and blessing of the congregation. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Ludovico Tacdoro, a visiting Filipino priest from the Society of St. Paul.
At the beginning of his homily, Fr. Ludovico reminded the congregation that it is God who heals,
while the saints are powerful intercessors for God’s healing grace. Among these saints, Saint Padre Pio is a powerful intercessor, having been a staunch disciple and devoted follower of Jesus. What led Padre Pio to become such a powerful intercessor? It was his constant desire for holiness and his deep trust in God.
Throughout his lifetime, Padre Pio experienced tremendous suffering. He received the stigmata—
the wounds of Christ in his own body. Although this was an extremely painful experience, he accepted his suffering with humility, faith, and grace.
What made Padre Pio a saint was not simply the pain he endured, but the way he embraced his suffering and allowed it to draw him closer to the Lord. His humility and unwavering trust in God enabled him to believe that God had a purpose and plan for his life. Despite the tremendous pain he experienced, Padre Pio never stopped celebrating Mass or hearing confessions. He continued to serve God and His people with faith and dedication.
During the Mass, Fr. Ludovico invited the congregation to receive the sacrament of anointing and to seek healing through the intercession of Saint Padre Pio. He reminded everyone that we all carry hurts, wounds, and brokenness in our hearts and in our lives. Hundreds of parishioners responded to his invitation, coming forward to receive anointing and pray for healing.
At the conclusion of his homily, Fr. Ludovico reminded the congregation that we are all vessels and carriers of God’s mercy and compassion, and that we are called to share that mercy and compassion with others. In a written statement, Fr. Ray Reyes, who was away attending a convocation with all the priests serving in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, thanked Fr. Ludovico, the Knights of Columbus Color Guards, the Legion of Mary Choir, the Reader, the Hospitality Ministers, the Eucharistic Ministers, ATV and all those who assisted in the celebration. “Stampitas”
or prayer cards of St. Padre Pio were distributed to the attendees after the Mass.
Following the Mass, the congregation joined a procession to the new statue of Saint Padre Pio at the back of the church. Fr. Ludovico blessed the statue and recited intercessory prayers along with the congregation. Afterward, everyone was invited to a reception in front of the church. Coffee, empanadas and Spanish bread were served. Visitors from other parishes joined in the festivities.
It was beautiful celebration of faith, healing, fellowship, and community—a meaningful reminder of
Saint Padre Pio’s example of humility, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God.
