Padre Pio shrine should send pilgrims home as ‘instruments of mercy,’ cardinal says

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan blesses a statue of St. Padre Pio with incense during Mass marking the shrine’s elevation to international status in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, on Sept. 23, 2026. ROY LAGARDE

STO. TOMAS CITY, Batangas — Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said Wednesday the newly declared international Shrine of Saint Padre Pio should inspire pilgrims not just to seek God’s mercy but also to carry it back to their communities.

Presiding at a Mass marking the shrine’s new status, the bishop of Kalookan urged pilgrims to become instruments of God’s mercy to others.

“May every pilgrim who comes to this place, seeking God’s mercy, return home, ready to become an instrument of that same mercy that they have received,” said David, who is also the vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, in his homily.