St. Padre Pio statue in Batangas unveiled on feast day

A statue of St. Padre Pio was unveiled Thursday in Santo Tomas, Batangas, to mark the saint’s feast day.

The municipal tourism office shared the news on its Facebook page with photos of the statue and its arc located at the Parish and National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio.

“The Arc and image of St. Padre Pio is a sign of welcoming all parishioners, devotees and pilgrims,” said its caption.

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry!” it added. “St. Padre Pio, pray for us!”

A concelebrated Mass was also held in honor of the saint known for his charity and piety.

In 2018, the incorrupt heart of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina arrived at the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Santo Tomas before it was taken to the Capuchin Monastery.

The Capuchins are the Franciscan Order to which the St. Padre Pio belongs to.

Padre Pio passed away on Sept. 23, 1968, and proclaimed Saint Pio of Pietrelcina by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News