Mrs. Vera M. Calandra, founder of the National Centre for Padre Pio, Inc., passed away on August 19th , after a long illness. Born on December 9, 1934, to Michael Angelo and Julia Christina (Pagliaro) Morabito of Norristown, Pa. Vera Calandra was a well-known and indefatigable champion of the virtues of Saint Pio.

      Mrs. Calandra founded the National Centre for Padre Pio, Inc. After a fateful trip to Italy in 1968. She had taken her ailing infant daughter to receive the blessing of the Capuchin friar who was known for his charismatic gifts, including the gift of healing. After Mrs. Calandra returned to the United States, doctors acknowledged that her daughter was perfectly healthy. Mrs. Calandra dedicated the rest of her life to Padre Pio.

      In 1970, Mrs. Calandra established the Padre Pio Prayer Group of Holy Savior Church, Norristown. The group is still going strong. She also dedicated the first monument to Padre Pio in the United States on the grounds of Holy Savior Church in 1977, and organized the Annual Padre Pio Day of Graces at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in Doylestown, Pa.

      In 1990, the Calandra family moved to Barto, in rural Berks County, Pa. With the blessing and support of Bishop Thomas Welsh, D.D.Ret. Bishop of Allentown, Vera Calandra immediately established the Padre Pio Prayer Group that continues to meet each first Saturday of the month at the Padre Pio Spirituality Centre.

      Vera Calandra traveled throughout the world and spoke to groups about Padre Pio at over a thousand churches, monasteries, seminaries, convents, colleges, and universities. She enjoyed the help and support of her children and devoted husband, Harry E. Calandra. The couple recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and 36th years of service to Padre Pio in April of 2004.

      Vera Calandra’s efforts on behalf of Padre Pio were first recognized by the Vatican in 1987, when she was presented with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award for her outstanding work for the Church. Mr. and Mrs. Calandra were privileged to meet with His Holiness Pope John Paul II On many occasions. They attended the Holy Father’s private Mass and received his blessing for their efforts in the name of Padre Pio, "for the Church and for the people of God". As His Holiness always encouraged.

      On May 2, 1999, Vera was privileged to participate in the Beatification of Padre Pio in Rome, where she was asked to do the First Reading of the Solemn Mass. The Holy Father then presented the National Centre for Padre Pio with a rare gift: his pallium, a special vestment signifying full papal authority, which he wore during the beatification ceremony.

      Due to poor health, Vera Calandra was unable to travel to Rome to witness the Canonization of Padre Pio in June of 2002. However, Pope John Paul II Sent her and the thousands who attended the celebration in Barto his personal Apostolic Blessing. The official certificate bearing Pope John Paul II’s personal signature will be on display in the new Saint Pio Museum and Cultural Centre.

      Vera Calandra is survived by her husband, Harry E. Calandra and children Michael Angelo Calandra, Barto; Julia Christina, wife of the late John E. Ciccarone, and presently of Stanley L. Lineberg, Jr., Boyer town; Francesca Ann, wife of Stanley B. Salkowski, III, of Boyer town; Maria Regina, wife of John M. Koltonuk, Boyer town; Veramarie, of Barto; Christina Rose, wife of David M. Rocus, Barto; and eight grandchildren. Mrs. Calandra is survived by brothers Michael Morabito, Jr., Joseph Morabito, and Sebastian "Buddy" Morabito, and sisters Splendora Morabito Shaffer, Eleanor Morabito Pishock, and Elizabeth Morabito White. Mrs. Calandra was predeceased by brothers John, Anthony, and Louis Morabito, and sister Marie G. Morabito Kantanick.

      A viewing will be held Thursday, August 26th from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Spirituality Centre at the National Centre for Padre Pio, 111 Barto Road, Barto, Pa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 10:30 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 610 Pine Street, Bally, Pa. Followed by internment at Most Blessed Sacrament Cemetery. There will be a recitation of the Rosary prior to Mass at 10:00 a.m.

      Memorial contributions in the name of Mrs. Calandra may be mailed to the National Centre for Padre Pio to ensure that the good works being done in the name of Saint Pio can continue in perpetuity.

      Arrangements are by The Warker-Troutman Funeral Home, 726 High Street, Pottstown, Pa.