You Are Invited To Encounter St. Padre Pio At This Pennsylvania Shrine
It is safe to say that every saint lived a selfless life to follow the Lord, but one modern saint arguably stands out even more in this category than others: St. Padre Pio.
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, Padre Pio became known for his deep faith, his stigmata—wounds resembling those of Christ—and his incredible dedication to the sacrament of confession. He would spend hours each day hearing confessions, guiding thousands with his counsel.
As a member of the Capuchin Franciscan order, Padre Pio founded a hospital, the Home for the Relief of Suffering, demonstrating his commitment to spiritual and physical healing. His legacy as a mystic, marked by reports of bilocation and prophetic insights, continues to inspire devotion and pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo, where he lived much of his religious life.
Celebrated on September 23rd, his feast day commemorates a life marked by miraculous occurrences and profound spiritual depth.
Speaking of feast days (you know we couldn't let one pass without a memorable trip!), there is one place that everyone should visit in honor of St. Padre Pio, which is his namesake National Centre:
Located in Barto, Pennsylvania, the National Center for Padre Pio is a "scenic spiritual destination honoring one of the most beloved Saints of our time."
There is no shortage of things to see and do at the National Center, beginning with a Museum and Cultural Center chock-full of relics, collectibles, and informational displays.
Upon walking the grounds, you will discover several one-of-a-kind sites, like the historic friary arches, Padre Pio's confessional, a votive candle garden, and a replica site of St. Padre Pio's stigmata.
What is a pilgrimage without mass and/or reconciliation? The National Center offers both!
Mass occurs the first Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m., the second Wednesday at noon, and the third Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Billed as the "Home of Padre Pio in the U.S.A.," the National Center for Padre Pio offers customizable pilgrimages for small and big groups alike and can include priest or deacon accompaniment, a showing of a short film about St. Padre Pio, a 3 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet, and more.
No time for a full-day experience? No problem, as guests are invited to visit the museum and sites on their own time and at their own pace.
To learn more about the National Center for Padre Pio, please visit their website.