The National Shrine Of Padre Pio In Sto Tomas Batangas

P7260770tOne of the main reasons why we have chosen Batangas as our destination for this year’s Pilgrimage Tour is because we’ve been wanting to visit the miraculous shrine of Padre Pio which is also situated in Sto Tomas Batangas. Right after visiting the St Thomas Aquinas Parish, we headed to the miraculous shrine right away. P7260756I am not good in giving directions but I can tell you that reaching the shrine was not that easy. It is not a kind of place that you can easily access. Aside from the the very narrow roads, you will be welcomed by an overwhelming amount of crowds and devotees. Even though we are just few kilometers away from the Shrine, it took us almost an hour of waiting because of the traffic. Looking for a space to park your car is also a challenge but the moment you reached the place, everything is worth it! P7260759e A view of the dome-like shrine from the entrance. This newly built church has an eco-friendly and tropical-inspired structure as it is made from wood, stone, bamboo and sasa (bamboo plant) that provide a relaxing atmosphere inside.  P7260763t [ The Statue of Saint Padre Pio beside the Souvenir Shop]Padre Pio became famous for bearing the stigmata for most of his life. This condition generated much interest and controversy around him. On September 20, 1918, while hearing confessions, Padre Pio had his first occurrence of the stigmata: bodily marks, pain, and bleeding in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ. This phenomenon continued for fifty years, until the end of his life. The blood flowing from the stigmata smelled of perfume or flowers, a phenomenon mentioned in stories of the lives of several saints and often referred to as the odour of sanctity.
P7260771tAnother life sized image of Padre Pio P7260772tThe Welcome arch of the Shrine. “Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry”. This is the phrase that you will encounter almost everywhere even before reaching the actual shrine. An overwhelming phrase that will surely set your mood.
P7260773etThe roof of the church is shaped like a giant salakot to remind the faithful of how God protects us from all evil and harm just as how the salakot protects farmers and firsherman from the rains and from the heat of the sun. P7260774t
P7260775tA closer image of Mary situated on top of the dome. P7260765eThe Mother of Mercy Belfry. The Belfry is one of the Church’s structures many pilgrims and parishioners love to visit, where they express their devotion and faith. Its construction, including the three beautifully crafted bells from Holland, was made possible through the generosity of Dr. Mercedes Oliver. (source: http://dambanapadrepio.org/)
P7260789tUnderneath the Belfry lies the Chapel of the Living Water. The devotees come here to be blessed by the holy water. This water is said to be miraculous based on many reports that they are being blessed by it in different ways. P7260779tP7260784tA relic of Padre Pio P7260785tClaypots filled with Holy Water can be found in every corner of the chapel allowing the devotees to get as many water as they want.
P7260787eP7260786tThe chapel is also filled with different images of Mary for whom Padre Pio had a deep and special devotion. Here’s an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
P7260788tOur Lady of Assumption P7260790tOur Lady of the Rosary
P7260792tOur Lady of Fatima P7260793tOur Lady of Caysasay
P7260777tBeside the Chapel of Living Water is the Wood of the Most Sacred Cross Of Our Lord Jesus Christ Sactuary where another relic can be found. P7260795tA Relic inside the golden cross.
P7260818tA closer look to the belfry 11822272_937083299689748_1017580140408159936_ntA View inside the church. They also have life size images depicting the stations of the cross much like what we have seen from Via Dolorosa and I am going to share them in a separate entry.

14 thoughts on “The National Shrine Of Padre Pio In Sto Tomas Batangas

    • August 18, 2015 at 12:00 pm
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      thanks Christopher

      Reply
  • August 18, 2015 at 7:10 am
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    i would think your pilgrimage trip was a very exciting one, i have seen all the beautiful photos you have taken and i am very impressed..

    hmmm, so this National Shrine Of Padre Pio In Sto Tomas Batangas is a place visited by many?? i would guess not only local but also devotees from overseas?? can’t imagine you were caught up in the traffic for an hour!! OMG, that could be very frustrating huh?? or is this quite normal in Philippines?? hehe..

    very beautiful Shrine and also life size images, i realised there are always life size images and statues in all the shrines and churches and chapels etc you have visited, they do tell the story.. and the photos with the clear blue sky at backdrops are all so beautifully taken, kudos!!!

    this shrine looks very special and is this the reason it is the national shrine?? and how many bottles of the holy water you have taken home with you?? haha.. :p

    Reply
    • August 18, 2015 at 12:00 pm
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      Good day SK… it is a nice place indeed and yep, I took home bottles of water.. I think I took three hehe

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    • August 18, 2015 at 12:01 pm
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      Thanks TM, so true, i love all the life size images from this shrine

      Reply
  • August 19, 2015 at 6:25 am
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    Padre Pio is where Kim Chiu and Xian Lim pray together in Batangas. I heard about it last time in Kris TV. This indeed is a great tourist place not only for devotees. The view inside the church looked grandiose!

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    • August 19, 2015 at 11:38 am
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      yes this is indeed a great tourist place Roch

      Reply
    • August 20, 2015 at 9:19 pm
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      thanks Franc

      Reply
  • October 5, 2016 at 6:00 pm
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    hi! how to get there po thru public transpo from manila.
    thanks in advance

    Reply
    • October 5, 2016 at 6:40 pm
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      Ride Ka ng bus pa Lipa then baba Ka sa Sto. Tomas , may jeepney dun going there

      Reply
      • October 27, 2016 at 4:22 pm
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        It’s much better if you just ride a bus going to Lucena. Then baba ka na mismo sa Brgy. San Pedro.

        Reply
  • January 17, 2023 at 4:28 am
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    Hi! How Can I order st Padre Pio miracle rub? Please help. Thanks

    Reply

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