Indian cardinal urges Padre Pio pilgrims: ‘Let this shrine change you’

Cardinal Anthony Poola urged pilgrims to let their experience at the newly declared international Shrine of St. Padre Pio transform their lives. Speaking during a Mass on September 23, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India encouraged visitors to the shrine in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, to embrace reconciliation, hope, and compassion.

Poola, who also serves as the archbishop of Hyderabad, said the shrine should serve as a home for all people, particularly the elderly, young people, families, the poor, and the sick. He noted that the life of the Italian Capuchin friar, known for his devotion to the Eucharist and prayer, demonstrates that holiness is possible despite human suffering.