National Centre For Padre Pio

My GPS quit on way up. I would also print directions off the web. And both GPS and Google maps were way off on time. Not a 3 hour trip but 4.5, with taking 2 very short pit stops for a solo traveler. Plan for more time and possible GPS issues or lack of cell coverage. But the shrine is peaceful. Twice a year they have a relics display with relics from over 100 saints. I don’t know if they only do this during relics display but you get to be touched with Padre Pio’s mitten encased in glass as a blessing. If you love Padre Pio, worth a drive!

Beautiful place! The life and legacy of Padre Pio is amazing. What a beautiful tribute. Enjoyed my time here and will return again.

My family is very devoted to Padre Pio and we have been coming here for, at least, the past 15 years. It’s a very spiritual place and I always feel very calm when visiting. The grounds are always well taken care of. The lawns are well manicured and the centre is very clean.
The centre was built and run by a family who experienced a miracle by Padre Pio. They are often on the grounds and are very friendly and loving. Every time I see them they hug and greet me like they’ve known me forever. You can hear more about their story by watching the video that is shown in the museum.
At the centre there is a church (unfortunately they no longer conduct masses) that holds rosary prayers, a smaller chapel, a museum and gift shop. The museum is free and contains items of Padre Pio’s from Italy. The side of the church is replicated to look like the church at San Giovanni Rotunda in Italy. There is a glove of Padre Pio’s that the volunteers take out when there are groups. If you would like to see the glove and it is not out just ask!
The centre is very welcoming for small and large groups. There are about 20 wooden picnic tables on the grounds. My family and I often spend some time at the church first, go to the gift shop, sometimes go to the museum (I’ve seen it so many times at this point.) and then we spend some time on the picnic tables and eat!
If you are a devotee of Padre Pio you must visit. As my mother says, «it’s healing for the soul».

Came here last Saturday. The outside view is beautiful and it’s very serene. This shrine is open to anyone, but I’m guessing that mainly Catholics would be interested in this review. Padre Pio is a saint for healing the sick. My dad had pancreatic cancer about 9 or 10 years ago but is still alive today. For what this is, I guess, there isn’t much they could improve on. Maybe more things at the gift shop.