Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ocopa (Agenzia Fides) – Fr. Dante Villanueva, OFM, resides in Ocopa, in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, that is the place where the missionary Fr. Pio Sarobi arrived just 21 years ago. This year marks the centennial of Fr. Pio's death. Here is the testimony that Fr. Dante sent Fides on the occasion of the Jubilee celebration.
“The Franciscans in Ocopa are celebrating the centennial of the death of Venerable Father Pio Sarobe. He was born on May 5, 1855, in Gastigarraga, in the Basque Country (Spain), and died on March 7, 1910. On the day of the anniversary of his death, we started the celebrations for the centennial with a Solemn Mass at Ocopa, presided by Archbishop Pedro Barreto of Huancayo, at 11am. There was a large participation of faithful and religious, Franciscans and many lay faithful. Among the concelebrants were Franciscans and diocesan priests. The Mass lasted until almost 1pm. Then we went to share a delicious "Pachamanca" (food cooked under the ground with burning stones), dances, and songs inspired by the folklore of this region of Peru. Truly a celebration of communion of the People of God: pastors, religious and lay people!"
Padre Pio spent his life in Ocopa. His memory is still alive in the various villages in the Mantaro Valley, where he was a missionary. He brought the Word of God to the people of Jauja, Concepción, Huancayo, Pariahuanca, Chanchamayo, Pasco, Huancavelica, Ayacucho, leaving a lasting impact. When he preached during Lent in San Jeronimo de Tunán, at a time like this, he fell ill and died March 7, 1910 at the Hospital of El Carmen in Huancayo.
“After the funeral Mass, he was buried in the crypt under the altar of the Convent Church,” says Fr Dante. “It was so crowded with faithful, that they had to call in the police for security. After his remains were exhumed in 1980, he was buried in what was the baptistry of the church, so that the faithful could come and pray at his grave." (CE) (Agenzia Fides 09/03/2010)
