San Antonio, Texas: Shrine of Saint Padre Pio
About the Shrine of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina:
As the population of San Antonio grew in the late 20th century (some might say it exploded) there became need for a new church in the northern part of the city. Officially established on August 15, 1981 the first Mass was held in a local school cafeteria on September 23, 2001. At first the church had not decided what saints’ name to use, and so it had no name for a while. Then when Padre Pio was canonized in 2002, it became the Church of Saint Padre Pio. In 2008, the current worship space (as well as six religious education buildings) was dedicated, and then in 2014 they added more classrooms as well as additional facilities.
Plans continue for a new worship space that will be the largest in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. It will be patterned after the Church in San Giovanni Rotondo and have seating for over 2,000 people in the main sanctuary along with a daily Mass chapel.
One of the main features is a life-size replica of the Pieta. The Vatican Observatory Foundation authorized and licensed the creation of 112 Pietà marble castings from a mold derived from the original Pietà to be distributed world-wide. It is a special privilege to have this copy here in San Antonio.
There are relics of Padre Pio underneath the main altar and in the Adoration Chapel you will find another special feature, a second class relic of Padre Pio: one of the gloves he wore to conceal the stigmata that he had throughout much of his life.
Traveling to the Shrine of St. Padre Pio in San Antonio:
Address: 3843 Bulverde Parkway, San Antonio, TX. 78259
Tel: +1 (210) 497-6101 Fax: (+1) 210-497-295
Click here for the official website of the Saint Padre Pio Shrine in San Antonio
