STO TOMAS City -- The National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, is setting its sights on achieving the esteemed status of an international shrine.
As reported by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website, the national shrine's aspirations were revealed in a book titled “Enlarging the Space of Our Tent,” published by the Archdiocese of Lipa on Jan. 13.
The designation of an international shrine by the Vatican signifies its acknowledgment as a sacred place for divine worship for the universal Church.
The Archdiocese of Lipa stated, "This dream reflects the archdiocese’s desire to extend its influence far beyond its local and immediate surroundings and welcome people of diverse cultures and nationalities to experience the spiritual richness it offers."
The shrine aims to serve as "a beacon of unity," drawing followers from various places to participate in solemn religious ceremonies of worship and healing.
Established in 2003, it was declared an archdiocesan shrine five years later. In 2015, it received recognition as a national shrine, housing several first-class relics of the revered Italian saint, Padre Pio, known for his stigmata and gift of healing, who spent the majority of his life in a monastery in southern Italy.
Padre Pio's heart relic was brought to the shrine in 2018, attracting numerous devotees who came to pay homage to the saint.
As of now, the Philippines boasts only one international shrine, dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.
The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio, located in Barangay San Pedro, Santo Tomas, Batangas, stands as a revered parish church and pilgrimage destination.
Devotees and parishioners gather at the National Shrine, drawn by the healing liturgy and the opportunity to offer prayers on special occasions dedicated to St. Padre Pio—specifically every 23rd of the month and on the Saint's birthday on the 25th of May.
Visitors also come to pay homage and venerate the first- and second-class relics of St. Padre Pio housed within the parish complex.
Commonly referred to as Padre Pio Shrine, this sacred site was originally constructed using indigenous materials like local wood, bamboo, stones, nipa leaves, and sawali (traditional woven split bamboo mats).
Beyond the altar area, the parish encompasses various structures, including the Chapel of Lights, Divine Mercy Sanctuary, Holy Water Sanctuary, Mary Mother of Mercy Belfry, Sanctuary of the Relics of St. Padre Pio, an office, and a souvenir shop.
On September 14, 2015, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, D.D., the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Lingayen-Dagupan, officially declared the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Padre Pio as a National Shrine, solidifying its status as a place of significant religious importance.
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