A quiet parish in Tyrone is about to welcome a sacred treasure that has drawn pilgrims across the world. St. Matthew Church will soon house a first class relic of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, widely known as Padre Pio.
The rare relic, stained with the saint’s blood, will be placed in a new chapel this week, marking a historic moment for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
First Class Relic of St. Pio Coming to Tyrone
St. Matthew Church will officially receive the relic on Thursday, Feb. 19, during a special Mass at 7:30 p.m.
The relic is a piece of cloth stained with the blood of Padre Pio, one of the most beloved Catholic saints of the 20th century.
The celebration will be led by Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III alongside the parish pastor, Father Valery Akoh. The Mass will also mark the Presentation of the Chapel of St. Pio inside the Fayette County church.
According to the parish and archdiocesan officials, this is part of a formal partnership between the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Saint Pio Foundation.
The foundation, based in New York, works to promote devotion to St. Pio and to educate the faithful about his life and spiritual legacy.
What Is a First Class Relic and Why It Matters
In Catholic tradition, relics are physical objects associated with a saint.
A first class relic is directly connected to the saint’s body, often a small fragment of bone, hair, or in this case, cloth stained with blood.
For many Catholics, relics serve as:
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Tangible reminders of holiness
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Tools for prayer and reflection
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Signs of the communion of saints
Church leaders say the arrival of the relic is meant to inspire hope and deeper faith within the local community.
Father Akoh said he first learned of the relic’s availability through Father Gerardo Ceballos Gonzalez, director of divine worship for the archdiocese.
He shared that Padre Pio has long been a spiritual guide in his own life.
“I looked at it from the parish context,” Father Akoh said, explaining that the decision required prayer and careful thought about the responsibility involved.
Expanding Chapels of St. Pio Across the US
The Saint Pio Foundation has partnered with several dioceses to establish dedicated chapels honoring the saint.
These include:
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Diocese of Fort Worth
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Archdiocese of Detroit
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Archdiocese of Atlanta
Luciano Lamonarca, director of the foundation, has expressed his hope to expand these partnerships into more dioceses across the country.
The foundation also offers educational resources, including letters written by Padre Pio and a docudrama produced with EWTN that explores his life.
The chapel at St. Matthew will now join a growing network of sacred spaces designed to foster devotion to the Capuchin friar known for his deep prayer life and reported mystical experiences.
Who Was St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, entered the Capuchin novitiate at age 15.
Despite fragile health, he was ordained a priest in 1910.
On Sept. 20, 1918, he reportedly received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ’s passion, becoming the first priest known to bear such marks. He carried these wounds for 50 years.
He was known for long hours in the confessional, deep prayer, and counsel to thousands who sought spiritual guidance.
Padre Pio died in 1968 and was later canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II.
Key Facts About St. Pio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth | 1887, Pietrelcina, Italy |
| Ordination | 1910 |
| Stigmata | Received in 1918 |
| Death | 1968 |
| Canonization | 2002 |
His message, according to many devotees, centers on hope, suffering united with Christ, and trust in God’s mercy.
Jubilee Year of Hope and the Parish Mission
St. Matthew Church was designated as one of Atlanta’s pilgrim churches for the Jubilee Year of Hope.
Father Akoh said the arrival of the relic aligns with that theme.
“Padre Pio’s message is all about hope,” he said.
The pastor believes that placing the relic at St. Matthew extends the spiritual focus of the Jubilee beyond a single year and offers a lasting reminder for parishioners.
Church leaders expect increased interest from Catholics across Georgia who may travel to Tyrone to pray before the relic.
For many, the event represents more than ceremony. It is a moment of renewal.
What Happens Next at St. Matthew
The Feb. 19 Mass will formally present the Chapel of St. Pio to the parish community.
After the installation, the relic will remain permanently at St. Matthew Church, accessible to the faithful during designated times.
Parish officials encourage visitors to approach with reverence and to participate in the sacramental life of the church, especially Mass and confession.
As the Archdiocese of Atlanta deepens its partnership with the Saint Pio Foundation, leaders hope the chapel becomes a regional center of prayer and devotion.
For a small town parish, the moment is historic.
St. Matthew Church now joins a select group of American parishes entrusted with a first class relic of one of the most recognized saints of the modern era.
The arrival of Padre Pio’s relic is not just about history or tradition. It is about faith lived in the present.
As Tyrone prepares for this sacred milestone, many are reflecting on hope, healing, and the quiet power of prayer. What does the message of Padre Pio mean to you today? Share your thoughts with family and friends and let the conversation continue in your community.
