Rizal Park: Manila’s Historic Heart and Urban Oasis
Located along Roxas Boulevard, Manila and adjacent to the century-old walled city of Intramuros, the Luneta National Park, or “Luneta” as many refer to it,
Libis, Quezon City
Padre Pio Chapel
The Sacred Haven in Quezon City
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- Libis, Quezon City
“Every photo I take in this special place tells a story of devotion, creativity, and the lasting impact of Padre Pio. The small details, colors, and peaceful atmosphere aren’t just things I capture — they make me feel deeply respectful and calm. This chapel in Libis, Quezon City, is where faith and art meet, creating a unique ambiance.”
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Padre Pio Chapel with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Padre Pio Chapel. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
The Padre Pio Chapel, also known as the St. Pio of Pietrelcina Chapel, holds a special place in my heart as a photographer. It revealed intricate details, each honoring the life of the beloved saint. From the vibrant colors adorning the walls to the textures of the pathways, every aspect of this chapel radiates deep respect for Padre Pio‘s memory.
Situated in Libis, Quezon City, the Padre Pio Chapel serves as a guiding light for numerous devotees across the city. Its strategic location effortlessly attracts pilgrims, contributing to the increasing number of visitors seeking comfort and inspiration within its sacred grounds.
Stepping into this sanctuary feels like entering a haven of peace, where the connection between devotees and the saint becomes more intimate. Its atmosphere is embracing and warm, speaking volumes through the many mementos and artifacts adorning its sacred halls. Each item, whether his robes, rosary beads, or cherished letters, echoes the unwavering spirit and dedication of St. Pio.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
ABOVE: As you get closer, the chapel’s front stands out—it looks like Italy’s Church of Our Lady of Grace in San Giovanni Rotondo. It shows a deep effort to make visitors feel connected to Padre Pio’s spirit, creating feelings of respect and closeness. Even with the modern surroundings, this urban oasis feels special. In the busy city, the calm sounds of doves and the echoes of Mass create a peaceful and holy atmosphere.
ABOVE: As you get closer, the chapel’s front stands out—it looks like Italy’s Church of Our Lady of Grace in San Giovanni Rotondo. It shows a deep effort to make visitors feel connected to Padre Pio’s spirit, creating feelings of respect and closeness. Even with the modern surroundings, this urban oasis feels special. In the busy city, the calm sounds of doves and the echoes of Mass create a peaceful and holy atmosphere.
The Padre Pio Chapel began as a modest room within an office building that originally housed a golf pro shop. As devotion to Padre Pio gained momentum, an increasing number of visitors frequented the makeshift chapel, necessitating a move to a larger space. What once accommodated a small chapel within a limited office area, complete with an office desk serving as an altar, has now transformed into a spacious sanctuary capable of accommodating around 500 worshippers simultaneously.
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Inspired by the architectural design of the Church of Our Lady of Grace in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, the chapel’s exterior mirrors the desire to bring Padre Pio closer to the hearts, minds, and souls of the visitors. Its structure pays homage to the church where Padre Pio conducted masses, heard confessions, and gave blessings to the people. The aim is for a first-time visitor to the chapel to be captivated by the experience, marveling at its beauty and feeling the sanctified presence of Padre Pio.
ABOVE: In Padre Pio Chapel’s spacious candle room, a line of red candles glows softly. Unlike the many candle stands outside, this room feels peaceful and perfect for heartfelt prayers. It’s a bit dark, adding to the solemn atmosphere, but in the morning, sunlight streams in, creating a dramatic mood. All you hear is the gentle flicker of candles. You can light a candle here by making a donation.
ABOVE: In Padre Pio Chapel’s spacious candle room, a line of red candles glows softly. Unlike the many candle stands outside, this room feels peaceful and perfect for heartfelt prayers. It’s a bit dark, adding to the solemn atmosphere, but in the morning, sunlight streams in, creating a dramatic mood. All you hear is the gentle flicker of candles. You can light a candle here by making a donation.
The transformations extend beyond mere structural adjustments; meticulous attention has been given to details such as altar vessels, linens, candle stands, wall picture arrangements, and even the priests’ attire—each detail receiving careful consideration. Renovations within the Padre Pio Chapel remain an ongoing effort, continuously seeking ways to enhance its existing beauty.
Inside the compound, multiple chapel rooms cater to various purposes. The Calandra Room, honoring the late Mrs. Vera Calandra, a vital figure in establishing The Centre and its prayer group, stands as a small enclosed area with sliding glass doors. Positioned at the far end of the left annex of the chapel, it was purposefully constructed for families with young children and infants. The design ensures almost complete soundproofing to maintain the solemn atmosphere sought by worshippers. Equipped with built-in speakers, adults within this space can still listen to the priest’s speech while the sliding doors allow them to join in Holy Communion within the main chapel.
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ABOVE: In the Padre Pio Chapel compound, the abundance of hanging rosaries adorning trees and fences serves as a symbolic tribute. Padre Pio found solace in the rosary, seeing it as a form of lasting meditation that represented deep contemplation and emphasized the importance of the Virgin Mary in his prayers.
ABOVE: In the Padre Pio Chapel compound, the abundance of hanging rosaries adorning trees and fences serves as a symbolic tribute. Padre Pio found solace in the rosary, seeing it as a form of lasting meditation that represented deep contemplation and emphasized the importance of the Virgin Mary in his prayers.
Accessible through the stairs within the Calandra Room, the Bishop Jesus Sison Memorial Hall functions as an audio-visual space. This hall regularly presents slideshows and videos pertaining to Padre Pio. Its namesake, Bishop Jesus Sison, facilitated the Capuchins’ introduction to the Philippine Centre and generously donated Padre Pio’s initial relic glove.
The Rev. Fr. Alessio Parente Patio, an outdoor area behind the chapel, shelters the statue of Padre Pio and candle-lighting stands for prayer offerings. The life-sized statue replicates a photo taken shortly after Padre Pio received visible wounds, emphasizing the detailed injuries on both hands. Additionally, a statue of the crucified and scourged Jesus Christ stands in this peaceful space.
ABOVE: In the calm spaces of the Padre Pio Chapel, gently lit candles create a peaceful and respectful environment. As the morning sunlight enters, it softly illuminates these flickering flames, enhancing the scene’s emotional depth. People come together here to offer prayers and light candles, expressing their deep devotion.
ABOVE: In the calm spaces of the Padre Pio Chapel, gently lit candles create a peaceful and respectful environment. As the morning sunlight enters, it softly illuminates these flickering flames, enhancing the scene’s emotional depth. People come together here to offer prayers and light candles, expressing their deep devotion.
Adjacent to the Saint Francis Chapel stands a meditation space called Il Luogo Sacro, known as the Sacred Place, which was completed in 2012. Inside this space rests a replica of Padre Pio‘s body, mirroring its presentation at the Saint Pio Shrine in Italy. Alongside the depiction of Padre Pio, there’s an image illustrating the Virgin Mary praying beside the body of Jesus Christ, positioned on a replica of the Shroud of Turin. This portrayal emphasizes the connection between Christ’s wounds and the marks on the Shroud of Turin, relating them to Padre Pio‘s stigmata, encapsulating a significant narrative of faith and symbolism.
ABOVE: The St. Francis Chapel, completed in 2013, mirrors the stacked stone style of the simple Porziuncola Chapel that St. Francis reconstructed after fasting on Mount La Verna in 1224. Inside, the chapel features many symbols of the Franciscan order, including a significant image of Christ Triumphant seated with Saint Francis and Saint Pio. Above the entrance, there’s a special Franciscan cross showing Jesus’ and Saint Francis’ hands crossing, displaying the wounds of Christ and St. Francis’ stigmata. Next to the image of St. Michael, there’s a copy of the San Damiano Cross in a Romanesque style. St. Francis was praying before this cross when he received a vision to rebuild the Church, adding deep spiritual significance to the chapel’s design and elements.
ABOVE: The St. Francis Chapel, completed in 2013, mirrors the stacked stone style of the simple Porziuncola Chapel that St. Francis reconstructed after fasting on Mount La Verna in 1224. Inside, the chapel features many symbols of the Franciscan order, including a significant image of Christ Triumphant seated with Saint Francis and Saint Pio. Above the entrance, there’s a special Franciscan cross showing Jesus’ and Saint Francis’ hands crossing, displaying the wounds of Christ and St. Francis’ stigmata. Next to the image of St. Michael, there’s a copy of the San Damiano Cross in a Romanesque style. St. Francis was praying before this cross when he received a vision to rebuild the Church, adding deep spiritual significance to the chapel’s design and elements.
For devotees seeking St. Pio-related items, the gift shop offers a diverse range, including prayers, rosaries, medallions, statues, reading materials, and other religious articles.
Adjacent to the main chapel’s right annex (facing the altar), the Garden Angel Aviary is a small outdoor area housing a collection of Guardian Angel figurines alongside live birds.
ABOVE: Beside the main chapel’s right annex is the Garden Angel Aviary, a small outdoor area displaying a collection of Guardian Angel figurines. Visitors often see doves gracefully interacting with them, creating a serene scene as the birds drink and play in the fountain water, adding to the peaceful ambiance of this tranquil sanctuary.
ABOVE: Beside the main chapel’s right annex is the Garden Angel Aviary, a small outdoor area displaying a collection of Guardian Angel figurines. Visitors often see doves gracefully interacting with them, creating a serene scene as the birds drink and play in the fountain water, adding to the peaceful ambiance of this tranquil sanctuary.
A little background about Padre Pio: Francesco Forgione, widely known as Padre Pio, was born on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Campania, Italy. Baptized the day after his birth, he was named Francesco due to his mother’s reverence for St. Francis of Assisi. Despite fragile health, he joined the Capuchin Friars Minor at 15 and became a priest in 1910. On September 20, 1918, visible wounds appeared on his body, making him the first priest in Church history to have them. Despite imposed restrictions, Padre Pio continued his devoted ministry, drawing crowds for Mass and confessions while grappling with declining health. He passed away on September 23, 1968, after receiving sacraments and amidst a life of profound spiritual dedication. The Diocesan process for his canonization started in 1983 and ended in 1990. Beatified in 1999 and canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, Padre Pio’s life was marked by miracles, unwavering service, and a steadfast commitment to his spiritual calling, solidifying his revered status as a saint in the Catholic Church.
BELOW: In a sacred meditation room, a replica of Padre Pio’s body rests, mirroring its display at the shrine in Italy. This visual connection to Padre Pio’s stigmata highlights the profound significance of his spiritual legacy.
BELOW: In a sacred meditation room, a replica of Padre Pio’s body rests, mirroring its display at the shrine in Italy. This visual connection to Padre Pio’s stigmata highlights the profound significance of his spiritual legacy.
The compound, located at 188 E. Rodriguez, Jr. Avenue in Bagumbayan, Quezon City, Metro Manila 1110 Philippines, hosts a schedule of religious services throughout the week. On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, starting at 2:00 pm, there is a session for prayers and Padre Pio’s novena, followed by a Holy Mass at 3:00 pm, concluding with the anointing of holy oil and respect for Padre Pio’s relics. Wednesdays have a different schedule, starting with prayers and novenas to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Padre Pio at 1:30 pm, leading to a Holy Mass at 3:00 pm, also involving the anointing of holy oil and respect for Padre Pio’s relics. Sundays feature several Holy Masses at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:15 pm (including an anointing of holy oil), 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm, all followed by the veneration for Padre Pio’s relics. Notably, the Padre Pio Chapel is accessible daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm for visitors seeking spiritual contemplation and prayer.
ABOVE: Adjacent in the meditation room, a tableau presents the Virgin Mary praying over Jesus Christ’s body on a replica of the Shroud of Turin. Engage with the visual narrative depicting Christ’s wounds and the deep symbolism of the Shroud, set in a tranquil atmosphere that fosters a contemplative experience.
ABOVE: Adjacent in the meditation room, a tableau presents the Virgin Mary praying over Jesus Christ’s body on a replica of the Shroud of Turin. Engage with the visual narrative depicting Christ’s wounds and the deep symbolism of the Shroud, set in a tranquil atmosphere that fosters a contemplative experience.
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ABOVE: After the Holy Mass, visitors have the opportunity to approach and touch Padre Pio’s hands, believed to hold profound significance. This moment allows for a connection with the revered spirituality he embodies, often leading to long queues to reach the statue resembling Padre Pio. Accompanying photos beautifully illustrate the depth of Filipino faith, capturing diverse expressions of devout belief and dedication.
ABOVE: After the Holy Mass, visitors have the opportunity to approach and touch Padre Pio’s hands, believed to hold profound significance. This moment allows for a connection with the revered spirituality he embodies, often leading to long queues to reach the statue resembling Padre Pio. Accompanying photos beautifully illustrate the depth of Filipino faith, capturing diverse expressions of devout belief and dedication.
The Saint Pio de Pietrelcina Chapel reflects the enduring fascination surrounding Padre Pio from his ascent to fame to his passing. Following his canonization in 2002, numerous communities across the Philippines paid homage to the saint by constructing chapels or renaming parishes in his honor. These include the Padre Pio Parish in Parañaque City and the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Santo Tomas City, among many others spanning various provinces such as Batangas, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Benguet, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao del Sur, and Surigao del Sur. Each of these locations stands as a testament to the widespread reverence and devotion inspired by Padre Pio‘s legacy.
ABOVE: Every detail in the Padre Pio Chapel reflects his spirit, from the beautiful wall decorations to the meaningful symbols. It’s a space that truly embodies devoted spirituality.
ABOVE: Every detail in the Padre Pio Chapel reflects his spirit, from the beautiful wall decorations to the meaningful symbols. It’s a space that truly embodies devoted spirituality.
ABOVE: Inside the candle-lit chamber of the Padre Pio Chapel, find peace by lighting a candle and whispering prayers in the tranquil darkness. Rows of candles along the walls create a solemn ambiance, perfect for moments of contemplation and reflection.
ABOVE: Inside the candle-lit chamber of the Padre Pio Chapel, find peace by lighting a candle and whispering prayers in the tranquil darkness. Rows of candles along the walls create a solemn ambiance, perfect for moments of contemplation and reflection.
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