Tight security for visit of Padre Pio’s relic

DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will tighten security measures during the visit of the incorrupt heart of St. Padre Pio here on October 14 to 17.

DCPO spokesperson Sr. Insp. Maria Teresita Gaspan said they will implement the same measures that were observed in the different festivals in the city, like the Kadayawan.

As such, the bringing of backpacks and covered canisters will be prohibited in the areas where devotees and other local residents will be allowed to view St. Padre Pio’s relic.

In a schedule released by the Archdiocese of Davao, St. Padre Pio’s relic will be displayed starting 10 a.m. on October 14 at the Martinez Sports Complex of the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) Matina campus. A mass will also be celebrated at 11 a.m.

On the same day, the relic will be transferred to the San Pedro Cathedral, where it may be viewed starting at 8 p.m.

The relic will stay at the San Pedro Cathedral until October 17, with a mass at 6 a.m. to be celebrated prior to its 7 a.m. departure for the Davao City International Airport.

Gaspan reminded all devotees of St. Padre Pio to follow security protocols that will be implemented during the visit of the relic.

She said people should submit themselves to inspection to ensure the safety of every pilgrim inside and outside the places where the relic will be displayed for veneration.

“Kinahanglan nila nga magpainspect aron ma siguro nga walay nasagol nga basin nagpakaron-ingnon nga pilgrim pero naa diay dautang tumong (We need to inspect them to make sure that there are no other people inside because there might be a person who will pretend as a pilgrim but has criminal intention),” she said.