First St. Padre Pio Shrine in Zambia’s Ndola Archdiocese a “beacon of hope”: Apostolic Nuncio

The Catholic Archdiocese of Ndola began construction on its first St. Padre Pio shrine on Wednesday, September 23, in Ganerton, Kitwe. Members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin are establishing the shrine to serve as a place for prayer, mercy, and healing for those facing suffering and uncertainty.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Gian Luca Perici presided over the groundbreaking ceremony and the Eucharistic celebration. Archbishop Benjamin Phiri welcomed the Nuncio at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola before the event.

During his homily, Archbishop Perici described the site as holy ground intended for people to meet God and find peace. He noted that the shrine will serve as a beacon of hope for those carrying heavy hearts, sickness, or worries. The Nuncio also reflected on the life of St. Padre Pio, specifically the saint's prayer life and his experience of bearing the stigmata for approximately 50 years.