Philippine Padre Pio Shrine Declared International Shrine, Pilgrims Called to Carry God’s Mercy to Others

The Padre Pio Shrine in Batangas, Philippines, was formally elevated to an international shrine on September23, with more than 40 bishops gathering for a Mass marking the new status and calling pilgrims to embrace the spirituality of the Italian Capuchin saint.

The Vatican decree elevating the sanctuary to an international shrine, dated May 25, was read during the Mass by Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), according to CBCP News.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan presided over the Mass and urged pilgrims to see the shrine not simply as a place to seek God’s mercy but as a place of transformation, where they learn to extend that mercy to others.

“May every pilgrim who comes to this place, seeking God’s mercy, return home, ready to become an instrument of that same mercy that they have received,” David said in his homily.

The cardinal, who is also vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, said the shrine’s international designation should inspire pilgrims to embrace Padre Pio’s spirituality of prayer, intercession, reconciliation and compassion for people experiencing physical, emotional and spiritual suffering.

Padre Pio, who bore the stigmata for about 50 years, understood the wounds as an expression of his union with the crucified Christ. He also spent many hours hearing confessions, helping people confront their sins while discovering that God’s mercy was greater than their failures.

“Padre Pio did not simply tell sinners that everything was alright. He also challenged them to acknowledge their sins, to repent, and to change their lives,” David said.

The cardinal stressed that mercy does not mean tolerating evil or ignoring sin. Rather, it means refusing to give up on the possibility of redemption.

He also pointed to Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, the hospital founded by Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, as an expression of the saint’s concern for people suffering from illness, emotional wounds and loneliness.

“Prayer and compassion must go together,” David said, emphasizing that the sick need medical treatment and those who are hungry need food.

The shrine, he suggested, could eventually develop pastoral programs for people facing mental health challenges, couples experiencing marital difficulties and poor people in need of medical care.

David also highlighted the experience of overseas Filipino workers, many of whom face separation, loneliness and anxiety while supporting their families from abroad.

He expressed hope that the shrine would remain a spiritual home for Filipino migrant workers, particularly those living and working in areas affected by armed conflict, where they could bring their worries and prayers for their loved ones.

The cardinal said the shrine’s international status carries a mission beyond its physical location.

“It means that those who come here as pilgrims are being invited to embrace the spirituality of Padre Pio as spirituality of prayer, intercession, reconciliation and compassion for the suffering,” he said.

The international character of the celebration was reflected in the presence of more than 40 bishops, including Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula and retired Manila Archbishop Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales.

Also present were bishops who lead episcopal conferences across Asia, including Cardinal Poola Anthony of India, highlighting the shrine’s growing significance as a pilgrimage destination beyond the Philippines.