Story and photos submitted by Peter Capponi
In a spirit of faith, reverence, and pilgrimage, Mr. Capponi and Mr. VanTassel, along with five students from Bishop Ludden-Grimes Jr./Sr. High School, journeyed to the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, October 12. Their visit was centered around the opportunity to venerate a rare and sacred relic—Saint Padre Pio’s full-size Capuchin habit, worn by the saint himself.
Nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Pennsylvania, the National Centre for Padre Pio is a peaceful and prayerful destination that radiates the presence of its namesake. Designed to resemble Padre Pio’s own friary in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, the Centre features a stunning chapel, outdoor statues, serene grounds, and a rich museum gallery of religious and cultural artifacts.
During their visit, the Bishop Ludden-Grimes group explored the museum and galleries, attended Mass, and prayerfully venerated not only the habit, but also the gloves worn by Padre Pio to conceal the stigmata wounds on his hands. For the students, the experience was spiritually profound and deeply meaningful.
Adding to the significance of this pilgrimage, the Centre was hosting a rare and historic event: a visit from a group of Italian friars from Padre Pio’s own friary, Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary in San Giovanni Rotondo. Led by Padre Francesco Dileo, OFM Cap., the Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Friars Minor, the friars brought with them the authentic habit of Saint Pio—a relic never before seen in the United States—as well as the gloves with which visitors were blessed.
The habit, more than just a garment, represents Padre Pio’s life of humility, devotion, and sacrifice. It is a tangible reminder of his 50 years bearing the wounds of Christ and his unwavering dedication to a life of prayer and service.
The Centre’s deep connection to Padre Pio’s friary dates back to 1968, when founder Vera M. Calandra experienced two audiences with Padre Pio that led to the miraculous healing of her daughter, Vera Marie. In gratitude, she became the friary’s first official North American representative and eventually established what has become the National Centre for Padre Pio.
This pilgrimage was not only a chance for students to learn about a modern saint but to enter into his spiritual legacy firsthand. It was a memorable and grace-filled day that will stay with them for years to come. The National Centre for Padre Pio is one of the pilgrimage sites for obtaining the Jubilee Plenary Indulgence in 2025.
