A potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

[Dawn Marie]

A potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a holy and beautiful exposition of very special and extremely rare relics.

On display that day will be relics from the crib and swaddling cloth of our Lord, stone from the spot of Jesus’ birth, veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary, cloak of Saint Joseph, bones of the three kings, relic of the tomb of the holy innocents, bones of Saints Ann and Joachim, bones of Saints Elizabeth and Zachariah, and the bone of Saint John the Baptist!

Participants will also be offered the rare opportunity to venerate a statue of the infant Jesus that belonged to Padre Pio and was kissed by him.

See the event details below.

Sunday, January 4, 2026
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Relic Exposition & Veneration
11:30 AM to 12:15 PM - Confessions
12:30 PM - Mass
Presentation on the relics immediately follows Mass
Presenter: Joseph Santoro, Centre External Program Coordinator

Where:

National Centre for Padre Pio
111 Barto Road
P.O. Box 206
Barto PA, 19504

 
We can think of no better way to begin the New Year than to be here for this beautiful, spiritual event. Mark your calendars and plan to join us!
 
In the Catholic tradition, the Solemnity of the Epiphany is also known as Three Kings Day. Epiphany commemorates the first pilgrimage in the Christian tradition: the journey of the Magi (Wise Men) to worship the infant Jesus and God’s revelation in Jesus Christ to all nations of the world. While the traditional date for Epiphany is January 6th, the Sunday observance on the first Sunday following January 1st is common in the United States.

Epiphany Sunday also marks the time-honored Christian tradition of “chalking the doors.”  The formula for the ritual is simple. Take chalk of any color and write the following above the entrance of your home: 20 + C + M + B + 26.  The letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar who came to visit Jesus in the stable in Bethlehem.  They also abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless the house.” The + signs represent the cross, and the “20” at the beginning and “26” at the end mark the year.  Taken together, this inscription is performed as a request for Christ to bless those homes so marked and that He stay with those who dwell therein throughout the entire year.

[Dawn Marie]

We will be going!

[David]

While I really wish we could go unfortunately I already scheduling a surprise birthday party for my dad. Do they have another stop somewhere after this?

[Michael]

BTTT

[Margie]

What a Heavenly opportunity to see these precious treasures.   Wish California wasn't so far away to travel.  Our prayers will be with all who are fortunate to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event.

[Dawn Marie]

Good question! It hadn't occurred to me this might be going around the country. Maybe call the Padre Pio Center to find out.

David said:

While I really wish we could go unfortunately I already scheduling a surprise birthday party for my dad. Do they have another stop somewhere after this?