All the faithful in the Diocese of Allentown are invited to attend the first Local Diocesan Pilgrimage later this month, to the National Centre for Padre Pio, Barto.
There are three pilgrimage dates: Thursday, Sept. 19 for high school students; Friday, Sept. 20 for English speakers; and Saturday, Sept. 28 for the Hispanic community.
“It is going to be an incredible time for our Diocese that you don’t want to miss, and we hope that you will join us,” said Father Allen Hoffa, Director of Diocesan Pilgrimages, in a brief video Aug. 19 on the Diocese of Allentown Facebook page.
Monsignor Thomas Orsulak, Regional Priest Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry for Berks, Carbon, and Schuylkill Deaneries, also spoke in the video about the pilgrimage for the Hispanic community.
Under the theme “My Heart – A Pilgrimage to the Heart of Jesus,” the day will include Mass with Bishop Alfred Schlert, Confession, an engaging speaker, interactive activities, Adoration, a Eucharistic Procession in the tranquil setting of the National Centre for Padre Pio, and more. Pilgrims are invited to experience the Presence of God through the intercession of Padre Pio at The Centre.
Arrival and welcome will be 8:15 to 9 a.m., with pilgrimage events 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will end at 2 p.m., however pilgrims are welcome to stay until 4:30 p.m.
Keynote speaker for Sept. 19 and 20 will be Megan Murphy, a dynamic Catholic speaker, teacher, and evangelist engaging audiences of all ages in the New Evangelization. She is featured nationally at women’s conferences, retreats, seminaries, universities, and youth and young adult events.
Murphy serves her home parish as the youth minister. She teaches Theology of the Body and has been instructing couples in St. John Paul II’s teaching since 2006. She has been a certified Natural Family Planning instructor for over 25 years.
She hails from Dunmore, Pa., where she lives with her husband Neal. They have four daughters. You can find her at http://www.meganmurphyministries.com/ and on Facebook at Megan Murphy Ministries.
Keynote speaker for Sept. 28 is Rev. Nicolás Suazo Belén. Ordained on June 23, 2012, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the Diocese of La Vega, Dominican Republic, he has served as a parochial vicar in various parishes and as diocesan director of adolescent ministry. Since 2019, he has been the administrator of the St. Peter and St. Paul Parish in Bonao, D.R. and the director of diocesan communication for the Diocese of La Vega, D.R. He also holds bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Theology and studied broadcasting in 2011.
The Centre is built to resemble St. Padre Pio’s friary in San Giovanni Rontondo, Italy. It offers a number of outdoor statues, a magnificent chapel, and a full museum filled with cultural and religious relics. There is plenty of parking, including space for bus parking. Learn more at www.padrepio.org.
Diocesan high schools will be responsible for registration and transportation of students for the Sept. 19 pilgrimage. No registration is required for the Sept. 20 and 28 pilgrimages. There is ample space and tented outdoor seating if pilgrims plan to pack a lunch or snacks. Information on nearby dining has been provided to parishes.
If you have questions or need help in organizing, please email pilgrimage@allentowndiocese.org.
As Diocesan Director of Pilgrimages, Father Hoffa is also planning national and international pilgrimages.
The next national pilgrimage will be the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Diocesan Pilgrimage tradition to Mary’s House is typically held every four years. More information will be forthcoming for individuals, parishes, and schools.
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