COLLEGEVILLE PA – A Roman Catholic Mass of healing, which will be celebrated by a priest who is a relative of St. Padre Pio, is scheduled for April 27 (2012; Friday) beginning at 7 p.m. in St. Eleanor’s Church, 647 Locust St., Collegeville PA, and the public is being welcomed to attend.

Celebrating the Mass will be the Rev. Pio Mandato, who is related to the saint who was known for his devotion to Mary, who Catholic doctrine says was the virgin mother of Jesus Christ, and to the rosary, a set of prayer beads Mary was said to have introduced. The Rev. Mandato will end the religious service with a blessing administered while he wears a glove that bore the stigmata of Padre Pio when he was alive.

St. Pio lived from 1887 to 1968. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in June 2002. A worship center dedicated to him is located in Barto PA.

The Mass will follow a recitation of the rosary, which begins at 6:30 p.m.