“A first-of-its-kind in Cebu,” announced Msgr. Roger Fuentes, spiritual director of the St. Padre Pio Contemplative Community of Cebu.
Very soon, a Sanctuary of Hope in honor of St. Padre Pio de Pietrelcina will rise in a 1.5-hectare property in Upper Tanay Road, Pulangbato, Cebu City. What makes it a “first in Cebu” is the construction of a 100-foot statue in cement and steel, of the saint, which will lord over its vast sanctuary complex.
Born in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, Padre Pio de Pietrelcina was a simple Capuchin priest who dedicated his entire existence to prayer, sacrifice and praise to God. We were ourselves at San Giovanni Rotondo, some years ago, and swear that once inside the cathedral, we were immersed in a heavenly aura that was absolutely ethereal!
Truly, one of the most iconic figures in modern Christianity is Fr. Pio, whose figure inspired a remarkable religious boost. While still living, devotion grew to astounding proportions, and more so when he died in 1968.
His exemplary love included the Blessed Mother and the Holy Souls. Known and loved worldwide is Padre Pio’s influence, including in our own country’s. This is evidenced by the thousands of delegates and pilgrims across the Visayas that swarmed the IEC Pavilion in Cebu to pay homage to the St. Padre Pio’s “incorrupt” heart that was there for all to witness in October 2018.
The visit also sparked spiritual renewal and encouraged the Padre Pio Contemplative Community in Cebu. This lay Catholic consecrated group is a member of the International Prayer Group based in San Giovanni Rotondo, the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, to finally actualize its 10-year plan to build a sanctuary for the beloved saint.
As mentioned by Bro. Richard Saing, servant group leader of the community, they have been in existence for more than 30 years, but still had no permanent place of worship and monthly recollections. It was high time for a bigger space to gather devotees to a house of prayer, a symbol of hope and a lighthouse of faith.
Various lots were offered, but the group decided on Upper Tanay Road, Pulangbato, where a chapel was built to venerate the saint. They continued to dream and pray for a sanctuary, a pilgrim center, not only for Cebu, but the country, and even the world, to pay homage to the first degree relic of St. Padre Pio.
Well, lo and behold! Dreams through prayer, do come true! On Sept. 17, 2022, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma presided over the sanctuary’s groundbreaking rites with members of the Contemplative Community.
The majestic sanctuary, dedicated to St. Pio de Pietrelcina, can accommodate his ever-increasing pilgrims. Aside from the 100-foot statue atop the structure, is the oratory for the saint that will remind devotees of the incorrupt heart of St. Padre Pio.
The three-story building will also house the chapel, conference rooms and ceremonial halls. A future plan is an open space, similar to the Basilica del Santo Niño, for more than 3,000 pilgrims. Retreat houses are also in the pipeline, as well as a shrine for St. Padre Pio’s first-class relics.
No less than architect/sculptor Vic Gulane and architect Omar Maxwell Espina have been commissioned to do this great job!
The group is now busy raising funds with dinners and pledges. For those super-generous souls and devotees of St. Padre Pio, please contact the following: Msgr. Roger Fuentes, spiritual director (0933-823-8533) or Maximiano Fulache, foundation president (0917-539-9996).
See you at the sanctuary soon!