Pilgrim’s Guide: Saint Padre Pio Shrine Santo Tomas Batangas

Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer- Saint Padre Pio

For travelers seeking spiritual guidance and comfort, The National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio is one of the top destinations in the province of Batangas. Visitors, mostly pilgrims, gather here to pray for healing and miracles through the intercession of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. Here’s the link to the history of the church, The Roman Catholic Archdioceses of Manila.

I recently attended a holy mass here with my family while the province is under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ). The church follows the minimum standard health protocol set by the IATF and DOH. Aside from the face mask and face shield, body temperature checking, contact tracing form, and social distancing are required before entry.

The main church, the Jubilee of Mercy Sanctuary, is made of inexpensive natural materials particularly wood, bamboo, stone, and sawali. The church roof was shaped like a big hat or salakot, a broad-brimmed Philippine hat woven from strips of cane or from palm leaves. at the top center of the roof stands the image of the Our Lady of Mercy.

At the center of the church hangs the image of the Glorious Cross. A similar design was used for the Archdiocese of Lipa during the Jubilee Year 2000. The eco-friendly interior made the place very relaxing and serene. Visitors can enter and exit freely anywhere since the sanctuary is open as it has no doors.

OTHER STRUCTURES IN THE AREA:

The place: The place is beautiful surrounded with lush greens. It is a tranquil site, which made it a solemn place to reflect, meditate, and pray. There are rather a lot of images of saints inside the area which adds to the holiness of the place. There is budget-friendly restaurant to eat inside for a quick bite. There are souvenir shops in the area where you can bring home some medicated balm, rosary bracelets, prayer books, images, etc.

Parking space: Parking space is not a problem. There are parking attendants who will escort you for a fee.

Mass Schedule Under GCQ: (source: Saint Padre Pio FB Page)

• Monday to Friday: 7AM, 12 NN, 5 PM
• Saturday: 7 AM, 9 AM (Healing Mass), 12 NN, 3 PM, and 5 PM (Anticipated Mass)
• Sunday: 5 AM, 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM

Private Vehicle: Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) exit toward Calamba. Continue driving going to Calabarzon Expressway/STAR Tollway, take the exit toward Tanauan/Laurel/Talisay, turn left, continue driving onto J. Gonzales St. Continue driving onto Artesian street, continue onto Sampalocan Rd. turn right to Pan-Philippine Highway. Continue driving, then turn right onto Santo Tomas-Lipa Road. Continue driving, the signages will lead you to the shrine. (source: Google Maps)

Via Public transportation: If you are from Metro Manila, ride a bus bound to Lucena. Tell the bus conductor that you are going to Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Alight at Barangay San Pedro in Santo Tomas, Batangas.  Ride a tricycle near the 7-11 Store going to the shrine. Tricycle fare is 10 pesos per pax, special trip is P50.

Thank you for reading!

Keep Safe.