The momentous and historic four-day visit of six Capuchin friars from San Giovanni Rotondo – the home of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, lovingly known to millions as Padre Pio – concluded on Oct. 14 with a solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto.
Hundreds of pilgrims from across Pennsylvania and beyond gathered to take part in this spiritually powerful event.
In an unprecedented gesture of spiritual closeness, the friars brought with them a full-sized, authentic habit worn by Padre Pio himself – a sacred relic that has never before left Italy. Thousands of faithful stood in long lines for the rare opportunity to venerate this treasured second-class relic.
Among the pilgrims was Kimberly Gregorowicz, who traveled from Jessup, with her husband Andy and their daughter Grace, one of their five children. Parishioners of Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, Kimberly shared that she had first visited the shrine 20 years ago, and this was her first return visit. Her husband and daughter were visiting for the first time.
Kimberly spoke of her “strong devotion” to the 20th-century Capuchin friar and saint, known for his stigmata and spiritual gifts such as bilocation.
“I feel a presence when I’m at the shrine,” she said. When her pastor offered the bus trip, she eagerly joined for the opportunity to introduce her family to Padre Pio’s legacy and to venerate the life-sized relic.
Friends Linda and Diane traveled from Delaware County on a bus organized by St. Kevin Parish in Springfield. Their intention was to pray for a 30-year-old friend who has been suffering from a mysterious illness for nearly six months.
Also in attendance were Jose and Chris Vega, along with Chris’ sister Felicia, who made the journey from Northampton after reading about the Capuchins’ historic visit. It was their first time at the shrine.
Pilgrims filled the church from across Pennsylvania, with visitors also coming from New Jersey, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, and South Carolina.
Roughly half were visiting the shrine for the first time, underscoring the wide-reaching impact of the Capuchin friars’ pilgrimage with Padre Pio’s relic.
The bilingual Mass, celebrated in English and Italian, was led by Bishop Schlert with nine concelebrating priests. Reflecting on the sacred atmosphere, the Bishop remarked that “the very presence of holiness seems to linger in the air” at the shrine.
Speaking about the relic, Bishop Schlert called the habit a “precious reminder” of the humble friar who bore the wounds of Christ. “Holiness is not found in splendor or power,” he said, “but in the humble fidelity of daily life lived for God.”
He reminded the faithful that relics are not objects of superstition, but “tangible reminders” of God’s grace and His entrance into the material world – just as the bleeding woman in the Gospels was healed by touching Jesus’ garment.
“So do the bodies and belongings of the saints bear witness to His continuing presence in the world,” said Bishop Schlert. “He wore this habit as a sign of his total surrender to Christ.”
The Bishop invited the faithful to give thanks for “the gift of the saints and for the relics that make their faith visible.” He encouraged all to view the relic not as a curiosity, but as a “living witness – a sign that holiness is possible for each of us through the intercession of St. Pio.”
“May this holy habit venerated here in Barto be for all who see it a source of grace and inspiration to follow Christ more fully,” he concluded.
Music for the liturgy was provided by organist Joseph DiCindio and tenor Orin Strunk, adding to the reverent and joyful celebration.
The National Centre for Padre Pio continues the mission of its founder, Vera Calandra, as a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and devotion. It promotes the spirituality of St. Pio through education, relics, and outreach.
For more information, go to their website www.padrepio.org.
Photos by National Centre for Padre Pio.
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