St. Padre Pio Shrine in Batangas formally declared int'l shrine

The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Santo Tomas City, Batangas was formally declared an international shrine on Wednesday, September 23, coinciding with the feast day of the Italian saint.

The Vatican had elevated the shrine to international status through a decree issued by the Dicastery for Evangelization on May 25, 2026, the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio.

Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said the declaration recognizes the devotion and pastoral charity of local parishioners, who transformed the site into a sanctuary.

"Rooted in Padre Pio's profound compassion for human suffering, this sanctuary serves as a living haven of medical, physical, and spiritual healing," Garcera told reporters.

"Through its monthly healing Masses every 23rd of the month, holistic pastoral care, and accessible Sacrament of Reconciliation, the shrine offers dignity, solace, and divine mercy to those carrying heavy burdens of illness or adversity," he added.

Garcera also said the declaration amplifies St. Padre Pio's message of trust in God and radical charity, which he described as "a direct antidote to contemporary despair."

With its elevation, the parish plans to conduct Eucharistic celebrations in English and other languages.

It will also establish ministries to assist local and international pilgrims and provide the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

According to CBCP News, the shrine is the second international shrine in the Philippines. The first is the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.

The 12-hectare shrine, which houses first-class relics of St. Padre Pio, began with a small chapel in 2003.

It became an archdiocesan shrine in 2008 and was declared a national shrine in 2015.

Every 23rd of the month, the parish conducts charity work with volunteers, with dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, acupuncturists, lawyers and other professionals providing medical and social assistance.

"Meron silang matatakbuhan, meron silang pahingahan, meron silang lugar kung saan pwede nilang makatagpo ang Diyos at maramdaman ang Kanyang pagmamahal at awa," said Fr. Oca Andal, rector of the International Shrine of St. Padre Pio, during the same press conference.

(The faithful will have a place to go to, to rest, and a place where they can encounter God and feel His love and mercy.)

Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, more commonly known as Padre Pio, was an Italian priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, a stigmatist and mystic.— MCG, GMA News