HUNDREDS of people poured into St Peter's Cathedral to venerate the relics of Padre Pio, on a tour of Northern Ireland to mark the 20th anniversary of his elevation to sainthood.
They waited in line to see the relics displayed on the altar of the Belfast cathedral from 5pm on Sunday and all through yesterday.
The relics will be displayed for veneration until early tomorrow in St Peter’s before moving on to Ballymena and Downpatrick.
The saint’s relics - a glove, crusts of his wounds, a blood-stained cotton gauze, a mantle and a handkerchief soaked with the sweat he poured hours before dying - are on a world tour organised by the Saint Pio Foundation.
It marks 20 years since the Pope John Paul II declared him a saint.
St Peter’s opened on Sunday evening for people to view the relics and take part in evening prayer.
Down and Connor Bishop Noel Treanor said the diocese was "very excited" to host the relic pilgrimage.
"St Padre Pio is recognised by the Church as a model of faith and inspiration," he said.
"He has helped so many people, and there is a profound devotion to St Padre Pio across the diocese and Ireland, with many seeking his intercession in time of need. It will be wonderful that so many people will get the chance to spend time in prayer before his relics."
