The Diocese of Salina in Beloit, Kansas, has received the first-class relic of Saint Pio, also known as Padre Pio. The relic was officially consigned and placed in the newly established Saint Pio Chapel at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Sunday, Feb. 11. The Saint Pio Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and devotion to Saint Pio, is working with five dioceses across the United States to establish five chapels with first-class relics of the beloved saint.

The Diocese of Salina expressed its excitement and honor to be part of this initiative. Bishop Gerald Vincke said, "We look forward to offering this veneration opportunity to the faithful to experience a prayerful, spiritual encounter and to ask for Saint Pio’s intercession." The chapel, located in Beloit, is particularly significant as it is situated near the geographical center of the United States.

Luciano Lamonarca, founder and CEO of the Saint Pio Foundation, highlighted the importance of placing the first Saint Pio Chapel in Beloit. He stated, "Our goal is to replicate five Saint Pio Chapels within the United States so that the many faithful around the country could conveniently access the chapel closer to their home, and thus facilitate their pilgrimage and spiritual encounter with Saint Pio."

The relic housed in the chapel is a certified first-class relic, a fragment of gauze stained with blood from Saint Pio's side. Saint Pio, who suffered from the stigmata, wounds that mirrored those of Jesus Christ, holds a special place in the hearts of many Catholics. The presence of this relic in Beloit is expected to draw attention to the life and legacy of Saint Pio and deepen the faith of those who visit St. John the Baptist Church.

The establishment of these chapels and the placement of the relics are part of the Saint Pio Foundation's plans to commemorate the 10th anniversary of its founding and the 25th anniversary of the beatification of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. The foundation aims to spread devotion to Saint Pio and promote his teachings and spiritual guidance.

For more information about the Saint Pio Foundation, please visit saintpiofoundation.org. To learn more about the Saint Pio Chapel in Beloit, visit stjohnsbeloit.org/saint-pio-chapel.