In the days leading up to St. Padre Pio’s feast day on September 23rd, the Diocese of Allentown hosted two pilgrimages to the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, PA. Highschoolers from six different diocesan schools attended on September 19th, and English speakers of all ages attended on September 20th. There will also be a pilgrimage in Spanish on September 28th.
On the 19th, busloads of close to 500 high schoolers unloaded at the beautiful Padre Pio Centre. Wandering around the museum, students spent the first hours of the pilgrimage filling out bingo cards with facts about Padre Pio for the chance to win a basket of goodies.
“The bingo card told us to say a prayer together by the replica of Padre Pio’s body,” explained one senior from Notre Dame High School. “So, we did, and it was beautiful. A real highlight.”
“I appreciate the chance to acknowledge my history as a Catholic,” commented a 10th grader from Allentown Central Catholic High School. “I want to learn more about the saints who came before me.”
In the morning, students also had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confession at five different outdoor stations.
“That was probably the most calming Confession I’ve ever had,” said one senior from Bethlehem Catholic. “Saying my penance outside was so beautiful, with the wind blowing and the flowers all around me.”
This time of learning and healing culminated in Holy Mass, celebrated by Bishop Schlert. A student from Berks Catholic High School, Reading, spoke about the worship spaces in awe: “the Church was so much bigger than I thought it was going to be, and the Chapel was so beautiful with all the statues and paintings on the walls!”
The pilgrimage also included a powerful talk from Catholic speaker Megan Murphy. She encouraged her listeners to embark on a pilgrimage to Jesus’ heart.
“He can stop tsunamis. That’s the God who wants to be in relationship with you!” Murphy insisted.
She reminded the students how essential it is to pray and bring all their frustration and suffering to the heart of Jesus. She emphasized Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist, pointing to the Tabernacle: “His heart is beating for you in that Eucharist! Now! For you, individually!”
With personal testimony from her own conversion, the speaker embodied the spirituality of Padre Pio by her vulnerability and courage.
“The stories [Murphy] told were really inspiring,” said a young man from Nativity B.V.M. High School, Pottsville.
A 12th grader from Marian High School, Tamaqua, also affirmed: “The woman who spoke today was different from anyone I have ever heard. She really reminded me that I should pray more!”
The pilgrimage concluded with a Eucharistic procession from the Chapel to an outdoor tent, where students prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy before returning home.
“I was edified by the reverence and enthusiasm of the students,” said Bishop Schlert. “I pray that St. Padre Pio continues to intercede for all of them as they return to their regular routines.”
The following day, 250 English speakers of all ages enjoyed a similar schedule of prayer and fellowship at the Padre Pio Centre.
One bus came with the 8th grade class of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Regional School, Pottsville. Another bus came from Buffalo, New York, making its last stop at the Centre in their four-day pilgrimage.
During the homily, Bishop Schlert highlighted the hope offered through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, assuring everyone present that their sins are truly forgiven.
“While life often presents us with uncertainties—whether it's a surgical procedure, applying for a job, or choosing a life partner—the Sacrament of Penance offers a clear certainty: we can be assured that our sins will be forgiven.”
“To fear this Sacrament,” he continued, “is to fear the mercy of God.”
The Mass was followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel, Confession in various areas of The Centre, and another inspiring talk by Megan Murphy.
Murphy shared her journey back to the Catholic Church, through the intercession of Padre Pio, who was introduced to her as a spiritual father by a Catholic couple she once served as a waitress.
The talk was followed by a Eucharistic Procession, where participants followed and knelt before Jesus in the Eucharist, adoring Him and presenting to Him their intentions. The procession concluded in the main church, where Bishop Schlert invited everyone to call on God’s mercy through the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
“It was a very spiritual day,” said Charlotte Kriner, a parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish, Shenandoah, who found out about the pilgrimage through The AD Times. She commented on how well the pilgrimage was planned and found it wonderful “that we could come together as a Diocese to celebrate [as one].”
