Life-Size St. Pio Statue, Relics Coming To Newark For First Time

NEWARK, NJ — Five relics and a life-sized statue of St. Pio will soon be on public display at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Archdiocese of Newark announced Tuesday.

The display is part of the Saint Pio Foundation’s ongoing “I Embrace You” Tour of the U.S., which commemorates the 20th anniversary of St. Pio’s canonization.

All are invited to pray before the relics — which include crusts of St. Pio’s wounds, gauze stained with his blood, locks of his hair, a piece of his mantle and a handkerchief drenched in his sweat — on Monday, Sept. 12 between noon and 6:30 p.m., and on Tuesday, Sept. 13 between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Visitors will also get the chance to see a replica of “I Embrace You,” a sculpture created by world-renowned artist, Timothy Schmalz.

Who was St. Pio? According to the archdiocese:

“St. Pio, also known as ‘Padre Pio,’ was born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy. After being ordained a priest in 1910, he developed the stigmata for which he is known on September 20, 1918. But his legacy extends beyond his wounds, as the saint is revered for performing healings, exhibiting supernatural phenomena, and counseling countless Catholics on spiritual matters. The Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (Home for the Relief of Suffering) hospital he established in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, in 1956 still thrives today.”

After launching in May, the Saint Pio Foundation’s tour has attracted thousands of people to displays in major cities like Washington D.C. and Louisville, Kentucky so far. Its stop at the Cathedral marks the first time that relics of St. Pio will be made available for veneration in the Archdiocese of Newark.

“We’re very excited to host this display,” said the Rev. Bismarck Chau, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Many people do not have the means to travel to Italy, so the display is a “great opportunity” for local residents, Chau said.

When the display closes on Sept. 13, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of Newark, will celebrate a special Mass to honor St. Pio’s memory at 7 p.m. Hundreds of worshippers are expected to attend, the archdiocese said.

For the Cathedral’s full schedule of events related to the relics’ veneration — which includes confessions and prayers — visit www.newarkbasilica.org/st-pio. To learn more about the Saint Pio Foundation and its “I Embrace You” Tour, visit www.saintpiofoundation.org.

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