Padre Pio shrine in Batangas now an international shrine

National

THE National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas has been designated as an international shrine by the Holy See, making it the second international shrine in the Philippines.

The announcement was made on June 4 by Lipa Archbishop and Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines President Gilbert Garcera, who said the shrine had been granted international shrine status through a decree issued by the Holy See.

According to a statement from the Padre Pio Shrine, the decree was issued by the Dicastery for Evangelization in Vatican City on May 25, 2026, coinciding with the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio.

“This recognition marks a historic milestone not only for the Shrine and the Archdiocese of Lipa but also for the Church in the Philippines, as it becomes a place of pilgrimage and devotion with international significance,” the shrine said in a statement.

The formal declaration of the shrine's new status is scheduled for September 23, which is also the feast day of the Capuchin saint.

“May this moment of grace inspire us to deepen our faith, strengthen our devotion, and unite us in prayer and thanksgiving as we celebrate God's abundant blessings through the intercession of St. Padre Pio,” the statement added.

The Padre Pio Shrine in Batangas is the second shrine in the country to receive international shrine status from the Holy See.

The first was the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, Rizal, which was elevated to international shrine status in 2022.

An international shrine is an officially recognized pilgrimage site whose religious significance extends beyond national borders and attracts devotees from different parts of the world.(Shanice Kaye Ocio, CNU Comm Intern)