Surge of Visayan devotees seen during Cebu arrival of Saint Padre Pio relic

Jose Palma —JUNJIE MENDOZA

CEBU CITY– The Archdiocese of Cebu is expecting a surge of devotees from the different provinces in the Visayas during the visit of the heart relic of Saint Padre Pio.

In a press conference, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma encouraged Cebuanos to venerate the saint through the relic which would stay in Cebu until Oct. 14.

The relic is expected to arrive in Cebu on October 11 and will be brought to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral where it will be opened for public viewing for two days.

The relic will then be transferred to the IEC Pavillion on Oct. 12.

Meanwhile, Palma expressed disappointment over the plan to end the search-and-retrieval operations in the landslide site in Barangay Tinaan, Naga City.

The prelate said he hoped the visit of the relic would provide spiritual renewal to Cebu, especially with the recent spate of killings in the province.