On Saturday, June 20, 2026, St. Paul’s Church in Scranton, Pennsylvania, provided a beautiful setting for the Order of Malta’s Annual Day of Healing, sponsored by the Scranton Area. The day began with the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 1 p.m. However, many penitents began lining up before noon at the confessional of Father Pio Mandato, the principal celebrant for the Healing Mass.

Fortunately, perhaps through a quiet act of grace, Father Pio arrived at St. Paul’s around noon. Seeing the line of penitents, he immediately began hearing confessions. Although three additional confessors joined him, including our Area Chaplain, Monsignor Neil van Loon, all were kept busy throughout the afternoon. Confessions continued until Father Pio and Monsignor van Loon had to prepare for the Healing Mass at 2 p.m.

Father Pio Mandato, FMJH, is a Franciscan priest living as a missionary hermit in the Diocese of Scranton and is a relative of Saint Padre Pio. Born in Italy, Father Pio and his brother Vincenzo received their First Holy Communion directly from Saint Padre Pio before immigrating to the United States. He grew up in New Jersey, entered the Capuchin Franciscans at age 17, and was ordained in 1985. In 1998, he was accepted into the Diocese of Scranton and now lives a life devoted to prayer, solitude, and intercession. He also serves as chaplain to the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth and is engaged in the preaching apostolate. The Scranton Area has hosted the Day of Healing for approximately eight years, with Father Pio serving as principal celebrant for the past four.

Our Knights and Dames personally welcomed attendees and assisted wherever needed, whether helping someone up the church steps, crossing the street, or simply offering guidance and support. Upon entering the church, guests received an informational card about the Order of Malta and the day’s events, along with a prayer card supporting the beatification cause of Venerable Patrick Peyton, CSC. Rosaries were also available for those who needed one.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees generously shared their personal stories of illness, hardship, and faith, explaining why the Day of Healing held such significance for them. One couple traveled more than two hours from the Reading and Lancaster area because they felt called to attend the Healing Mass.

The day’s program also included the recitation of the Rosary, led by Scranton Area Co-Chair Dennis Dawgert at 1:30 p.m., with a special intention for the advancement of Venerable Father Patrick Peyton’s cause for sainthood. In 1928, at age 19, Patrick Peyton immigrated from Ireland to Scranton, where he worked as a sexton at the Cathedral of St. Peter. Ordained in 1941, he later became known around the world as “The Rosary Priest.” The Scranton Area has partnered with Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM), the organization Father Peyton founded to promote family prayer.

The Healing Mass began at 2 p.m. and was concelebrated by Father Pio Mandato and Monsignor Neil van Loon, chaplain of the Scranton Area. Following the homily, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was administered to the congregation. At the conclusion of Mass, Father Pio offered individual blessings with a relic of Saint Padre Pio: a glove worn over the saint’s stigmata. More than 275 people are estimated to have received this special blessing.

Next year’s Day of Healing is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2027. We are delighted that Father Pio is expected to return as principal celebrant. The Scranton Area warmly invites anyone interested in joining us for this special day of prayer and healing. Attendees have the opportunity to receive three sacraments: Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist, along with a special blessing with the relic of Saint Padre Pio.

Until then, God bless you.