Feel the Presence of Padre Pio
Located in beautiful Barto, Pennsylvania, the National Centre for Padre Pio is a scenic destination filled with the peace and prayerfulness of Padre Pio’s spirit. Built to resemble Padre Pio’s friary in San Giovanni Rontondo, Italy, the Centre offers a number of outdoor statues, a magnificent chapel, and a full museum filled with cultural and religious relics. Explore the gallery, and visit the center to see each location for yourself.
Historic Friary Arches
Built to honor Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, where Padre Pio spent most of his life, these iconic arches greet all visitors to the National Centre. As guests enter under through the arches, they are reminded of the path Padre Pio walked every day.
Historic Friary Arches
Built to honor Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, where Padre Pio spent most of his life, these iconic arches greet all visitors to the National Centre. As guests enter under through the arches, they are reminded of the path Padre Pio walked every day.
Our Lady of Grace Chapel
This historically-accurate Franciscan chapel creates a pious, monastic atmosphere that immediately transports visitors back in time to Padre Pio’s Italy. Featuring beautiful Catholic artwork and rich with Franciscan symbolism, Our Lady of Grace Chapel is a humble, yet inspiring sanctuary.
Padre Pio's Confessional
An authentic confessional used by Padre Pio to hear confessions, give counsel, and provide absolution during his lifetime, this sacred stall is located in Our Lady of Grace Chapel.
Replica Site of Padre Pio's Stigmata
When Padre Pio received the stigmata, or the wounds of Christ, he was praying at the foot of the crucifix in the choir loft of his friary church. This replica in our own chapel choir loft honors the place where Padre Pio was forever marked by God.
Spirituality Center
The National Centre's Spirituality Center is a peaceful, spacious chapel area for visiting groups to assemble for Mass, speeches, seminars, workshops, retreats and pilgrimages.
Votive Candle Garden
Whether visitors are on-site at the National Centre or visiting us online, they can add a votive candle to our Candle Garden and offer a special intention to Padre Pio.
Museum & Cultural Center
Padre Pio’s life, work, and mission is brought to life through the largest collection of Padre Pio relics in the United States. Visitors can view a number of first-class relics in the Museum & Cultural Center's main gallery.
Replica of Padre Pio's Birthplace
This is a detailed recreation of the room in Pietrelcina, Italy where Maria Giuseppa Di Nunzio Forgione gave birth to her son, Francesco, who would go on to leave an incredible legacy as Padre Pio.
Replica of Padre Pio's Friary Cell
Guests can also view a full-scale recreation of Padre Pio’s cell at Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary, where his bed, desk, and personal items have been carefully replicated for a glimpse into his simple, spiritual lifestyle.
Tree of Life
Located within our Museum & Cultural Center, the Tree of Life is a memorial for the living and the dead whose faith in Padre Pio brought them comfort, healing, and peace. Visitors can add names in-person or online.
Statues & Shrines
A number of beautiful statues are spread throughout the National Centre’s grounds and spiritual sites for visitors to admire. These pieces of art honor Padre Pio as well major figures in his life, such as St. Michael the Archangel, the Virgin Mary, Pope St. John Paul II, Padre Raffaele, and many others.
Founders' Memorial
A special statue honoring the work of our founders, Vera and Harry Calandra, and their daughter Vera Marie, serves as a place for visitors to thank these individuals and learn more about their powerful faith.
Peaceful Outdoor Prayer Spaces
From the courtyard of our votive candle garden to other peaceful indoor and outdoor alcoves, visitors can each find their own quiet, spiritual place at the National Centre to offer prayers to Padre Pio.
Group Pavilion
The National Centre for Padre Pio provides groups with a scenic outdoor pavilion for picnic lunches and group gatherings when the weather allows.
Gift Shop
The National Centre for Padre Pio’s Gift Shop features a wide variety of meaningful Catholic gifts, perfect for friends, family, or yourself.
Padre Pio’s Story
Padre Pio dedicated his life to loving God—on the Altar, in the Confessional, and in the community.
Donate Now
Make a real and lasting contribution to the continuation of Padre Pio’s legacy.
Meet the Staff
Our dedicated team works to make the National Centre for Padre Pio a true spiritual sanctuary.