Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tura (Fides Service) – A hospital and a home for unmarried mothers and abandoned children are the latest additions to a compound dedicated to Saint Pio da Pietrelcina in Thakmagre, in Tura diocese, north west India near the border with Bangladesh. These new buildings have been set up near the church and school opened in May this year. Work on the compound began on 16 June 2002, the day when Padre Pio was canonised in Rome by Pope John Paul II. The latest buildings costing about 30,000 Euro, were funded by the project “Padre Pio from Pietrelcina a missionary in the world”, launched by members of Padre Pio Prayer Groups which aims to spread the spirituality and work of Padre Pio all over the world. Initiatives are underway in various countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America to assist unmarried mothers and abandoned children. This is why the first elements of the compound are always a church, a dispensary and a school. In Tura Padre Pio is known and loved. “These works show that the missionary spirit of Padre Pio bears fruit all over the world” Bishop George Mamalessery of Tura told Fides Service.
Thanking all the faithful and benefactors who made this initiative possible, Bishop Mamalessery said that Padre Pio continues to evangelise among the poor through his message of humility and charity which has taken root in Tura also thanks to the work of Capuchin missionaries. (PA) (Fides Service 1/9/2003 lines 23 words 282)
