Traveling Places: The National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio, Sto.Tomas Batangas

'The solemn place of The National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio, San Pedro, Sto Tomas, Batangas'

Whenever we feel worried or have a lot of worries especially when we feel thankful for all the wonderful things happening in our lives we go to a place where we can give thanks for all our blessings that we received from God. Going here makes me feel at ease and calm, it's as if Padre Pio is really there welcoming everyone.

Thankfully, I finally got the chance to visit the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio located at San Pedro, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Special credit to my Tita Merly for making this happen. It was my first time here at the shrine and it really gives a comforting feeling. It was something that you can't explain a very calm and solemn place for everyone, especially for the family.

We boarded the rented van at around 6AM and we arrive at the shrine at 8:00 AM. The second mass started at around 8:30 AM so we got an extra 30 minutes to roam around and take pictures on the very clean and orderly park around the place.

The homily of the mass was easy to understand and it's all about "Thanking God every day for all the blessings and guidance that we received big or small." Most especially in my case, I was a heart surgery survivor. This is my second life so that I'm very thankful to God for this wonderful grace and healing including Saint Padre Pio who was known for the miracles of healing heart diseases. Padre Pio actually died of a heart attack in his cell in San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy in the early morning of September 23, 1968.

Saint Padre Pio is revered as a man of charity and piety. Also known as the patron saint of civil defense volunteers, adolescents, and stress-relief. He is also known as the patron saint of the millennials. Saint Padre Pio's life and works have inspired several devotees in the Roman Catholic Church from all over the world.

Padre Pio is understood above all else as a man of prayer. He prayed almost continuously. His prayers were usually very simple. He loved to pray the Rosary and recommended it to others.

From a small chapel before, Padre Pio has grown into the shrine and many devotees and even tourists go here especially during Holy Week and every September 23 about 10,000 faithful and devotees flocked in the Parish and Shrine in San Pedro, Sto.Tomas Batangas for the feast of the Franciscan stigmatist, Padre Pio.

You will see this phrase, "Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" of Saint Padre Pio everywhere at the National Shrine which will give you hope and faith even more.

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This is the top view side of the Church it looks like a dome-type roof, a big hat or salakot. In appearance, the church is one big salakot. Even the other structures around the church bear salakot in their roofs. Salakot is used by farmers and fishermen around the Philippines. It symbolizes God's protection of His children.

These are the extended seats outside the church which can accommodate more people come Holy Week.

Inside this Holy Tower are Saint Padre Pio's portraits from his childhood and the map of the whole shrine.

Demon Hunter - 'Im a Stone'

There are envelopes in the area where you can write your wish/es and slip in a donation to go with your petition.

Pots that are made of clay are also filled with Holy Water, it can be found in every corner of the chapel which allows everyone to bring their own holy water with them, some even drink it as well.

Let's make our visit at the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio a serene one, if  you're going to bring your whole family, make sure to tell your kids not to run around and make noises as well. Wear a suitable clothes since you're going to a sacred place.