Private Chapel Honors St. Padre Pio

by Amy Young
Published May 25, 2007

Crews broke ground on the first private chapel in Monroe County.

The chapel honors St. Padre Pio.

It will be a place for private prayer and somewhere to reflect.

It is located on Frank Dimino Way in Gates across from the Italian American Community Center.

"It's a little bit different than a church because a church will allow for marriages, baptisms and masses on a weekly basis. The chapel, being a place of private prayer, will have a place for people to go and pray. However, it will need special permission for masses to be held," said Chris Schiano, St. Patrick Pio board member.

St. Padre Pio is one of the most popular Roman Catholic figures of the 20th century. He was canonized by the late Pope John Paul II in 2002.

The chapel is expected to be completed in 6 months.