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Each year, the feast of St Padre Pio (23 September) is a joyful occasion for the staff and collaborators of St Padre Pio Hospital in Akwa Nord, Douala, Cameroon. It is a time to give thanks for the intercession of St Padre Pio and to celebrate his enduring impact on the life of the hospital and its community.
A Season of Spiritual Preparation
To prepare for the feast, the hospital administration organised a staff retreat from 15 to 19 September 2025 at the Spiritual Centre in Bonamoussadi, along with a novena to deepen spiritual reflection. Participants expressed appreciation for this time of renewal, which led to moving testimonies of personal reconciliation, renewed commitment, and spiritual growth.
Some staff members from other Christian denominations began reading Marian literature during this time, while others expressed interest in preparing for the sacrament of baptism. The novena period also encouraged staff to explore the life and teachings of Padre Pio and to help spread devotion to him among patients and colleagues.
Building Community through Celebration
In the lead-up to the feast day, the hospital hosted a series of sporting and social activities. These events provided space for recreation and interaction beyond the clinical setting, strengthening community bonds and showcasing the diverse talents of hospital staff.
Eucharistic Celebration
The feast culminated in a beautifully animated Eucharistic celebration. Remarkably, 75 percent of the choir was made up of hospital staff, whose voices enriched the liturgy. During the offertory procession, participants joyfully danced forward with gifts in kind, presenting them at the altar in a spirit of gratitude.
A Moment to Reflect and Renew
For the Tertiary Sisters of St Francis, the month of September is a special time to deepen their mission of service and accompaniment. This annual celebration offers a renewed opportunity to inspire, encourage, and positively impact their collaborators and the wider hospital community.
The positive feedback following this year’s events speaks to the growing sense of spiritual vitality at St Padre Pio Hospital. With deep gratitude to all staff, the Sisters continue to entrust their work to the powerful intercession of St Padre Pio, confident that his legacy lives on in their shared ministry.