TORONTO, Ontario, Canada – First agenda of my long-overdue vacation was to look for a St. Padre Pio Church or Shrine not far from here, needless to mention that I am a devotee.
So there, on my second day here, in Kleinburg, Vaughan, imposingly stood this church dedicated to the revered saint of modern times known for his stigmata and countless of spectacular healing miracles. Even with the about 75-minutes' drive, my heart was overjoyed to be welcomed by this visit as a continuity of my religious zeal. Way back in the Philippines, I see to it that I visit either the National Shrine in Santo Tomas, Batangas or the Center in Libis, Quezon City at least twice every month.
The church is right at the heart of a tranquil, upscale community that is very telling of the status of families residing there. The private houses -- rather, estates -- are an exquisite grandeur to notice, not to mention each perfectly-detailed landscaping as if its upkeep is a constant challenge among neighbors.
Entering the church on a hill via the Major MacKenzie Dr. is an immense Holy Water fountain. Of course, we were ready with six bottles to fill. The outside temperature being about 3 degrees Centigrade at noontime, I hesitated to dip a finger into the flowing fountain. It turned out the small pool was considerably made comfortably warm.
At the right side of the church, near the main altar, was the saint's impressive image with full-wall stained glass on both sides. The image was so strategically positioned where natural light from the outside made the six-foot statue appear "alive".
As typical features of all St. Pio shrines I have visited, there was a big chest to drop intentions and requests, paper and pens beside it, kneelers for devotees and several stands for candles in 8-inch red glass holders signifying lighted offerings. Outside the church is Padre Pio's Meditation Garden which atmosphere was of sanctity and serenity.
Significantly, St. Francis of Assisi's Prayer for Peace is all over, even etched in the church's stained glass. We are familiar with St. Francis' prayer that are always mentioned in Padre Pio's devotional invocations. This time, the visit also reminded me to say a special plea for an end to the conflict in Israel.
As it was my first time to ever set foot in this church, I uttered three wishes. Elders say that the out of the Lord's generosity and greatness, He will grant these special favors when visiting a Church for the first time. One of these is for the intention of all relatives and friends.
ooOoo
DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A FALL FOLIAGE MAP IN ONTARIO,
CANADA? This map shows the time of year when the leaves change to what colors. It is really a sight to behold that tourists come to Ontario to observe!
Oh boy! Did I land just in time to witness the spectacular viewing peak — dominant colors transitioning from green to yellow to orange to red to brown.
Being here for just a few days, I haven’t been around much but I witnessed this annual phenomenon in the neighborhood.
Before November is over, trees will totally be bereft of its leaves with bare trunks and skeletal branches.
Brrrr … Winter is just around the corner and last night, it was 0 degrees cold!!!
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