On Sunday, May 17 over one thousand people were on hand to witness the unveiling of the replica of the exhumed remains of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, here at the National Centre for Padre Pio, to the deafening cheers of the people: "Evviva San Pio"!.

After the unveiling the crowds escorted Saint Pio in a beautiful procession in which the various societies were able to carry and display their proud banners! Represented were the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society of Brooklyn, New York, the Saint Anthony Society; the San Cono Society of Teggiano; St. Michael Society of Sturno, Avellino; the Societies of the Parishes of Santa Rosalia and Regina Pacis. On hand to walk in the procession were the President of the Society of Padre Raffaele of Sant'Elia a Pianisi and even the descendents of the Servant of God Padre Raffaele. Many more too numerous to be mentioned were led through the grounds of the Centre by the Giglio Band of Brooklyn as Saint Pio and La Madonna della Libera were escorted on their personal float.

The Founder of the Societa Mutuo Soccorso di San Padre Pio, of Brooklyn, Joseph Santoro, whose Society is responsible for having commissioned the beautiful replica, helped to organize the event and he and the members of his society were present for the day. Mr. Santoro, during a discussion with Mr. Calandra, the Centre's President and Co- Founder, remarked at the overwhelming outpouring of love and devotion demonstrated that day for Saint Pio; the emotions were high. Tears in many eyes, smiles on many faces and prayers on every lip! Every one, giving thanks to Almighty God for this great gift of Padre Pio in their lives! Every one thanking Padre Pio for leading them always to Jesus through Mary!

The replica of the remains of Saint Pio is currently on display in the Saint Pio Museum and Cultural Centre here on the grounds of the National Centre and all are invited to visit and spend the day with us. You will be sure to enjoy the many other beautiful exhibits in the Museum and all that the Centre has to offer.

LATEST UPDATE REGARDING THE ANGEL OF THE ROSES SCULPTURE

• The sentencing hearing took place today, Tuesday, March 17, in the case of the "Angel of the Roses" sculpture, stolen from the grounds of the National Centre for Padre Pio, here in Barto, Pennsylvania.
• Both John E. Hammond, Jr. and Jamie Lee Custer, Jr. have been sentenced to serve time in a Pennsylvania State Prison from 6 months and up to 6 years. In addition, both perpetrators will serve special parole to upon release to bring their total sentence to 8 years and have been charged to make financial restitution.
• The staff, volunteers and the pilgrims to the Centre feel a sense of closure upon the announcement of the sentencing. However, the two men responsible will remain upon the Centre's prayer list as we pray for God's grace through the powerful intercession of Saint Pio that this will mark an end to these young men's criminal pursuits.
• Thank you one and all for your prayers and support over these many months we are deeply grateful. Be assured that you will be updated when it has been decided about what will occupy the space where once stood the Angel of the Roses.

• In the early morning hours of September 24, 2008, between 1:00 AM and 4:00 AM, the accused John Edward Hammond, Jr. and Jamie Lee Custer, Jr. arrived at the Padre Pio Centre located at 111 Barto Road, in Washington Township, Berks county, PA, in a green 1996 Dodge Dakota pickup.
• Once on the grounds of the Centre the accused backed the truck up to the base of the brass statue known at "Angel of the Roses". The accused removed four nuts from bolts securing the statue to its base. The accused then toppled the statue from its base into the rear bed of the truck.
• The accused then drove to Pottstown Montgomery County, PA and cut the statue into manageable pieces using a saw that was rented from a local rental store.
• The accused transported the pieces to a scrap metal business in Conshohocken Montgomery county, PA and were paid $952.00 (nine hundred fifty-two dollars) for the scrap value of the metal.
• The antique value of the statue which was sculpted in 1930 ranges from $60,000.00 to $100,000.00.
• Charges were filed this morning (December 15, 2008) at District Court 23-3-02 in Boyertown.

The Centre is embarking upon plans are to develop a portion of the land surrounding the Spirituality Centre and Museum. The preliminary plan is to create an Italian style village atmosphere. The plans include residences and a retail center with a hotel and dining facilities to serve the visitors to the Centre as well as the local community. We need your help, please take our Land Development Survey and tell us what you would like to see in this 'new' Italian village.

     Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Berks County, the National Centre for Padre Pio is located at 111 Barto Road, Barto, PA. Situated at the high point of 106 acres, it features the Our Lady of Grace Chapel, The Padre Pio Spirituality Centre and the Museum and Cultural Centre in a setting reminiscent of the mountainous terrain of San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. For over thirty years the Centre has labored unceasingly in spreading and promoting the life, virtues and teachings of Padrte Pio.

     The Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Museum will transport visitors to an inside glimpse of the life of Padre Pio, the Italian friar who was canonized a saint in June, 2002. The 21,000 square foot facility contains replicas of seven different buildings in Italy representing significant phases in the life of Saint Pio. The museum contains the greatest display of personal belongings of Saint Pio outside of Italy. Visitors will be able to view the replica rooms through a protective glass wall. In addition, a replica of Saint Pio's crypt is crafted from marble and features an altar area.

     The Our Lady of Grace Chapel is a replica of the 16th Century Capuchin Franciscan Friary Chapel, this was the first replication completed on the site in 1999.

     All visitors, pilgrims and groups, both large and small, seeking a bit of spiritual refuge are welcome here. Bring your families, church, school and rosary groups and spend the day with us!