A special ceremony was recently held at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania, marking the enthronement of the Holy Face of Manoppello (Abruzzo). This sacred image will now be on permanent display in the American church. The Mass, celebrated on July 15, was led by Bishop Alfred Schlert of the Diocese of Allentown and Father Antonio Gentili, rector of the Basilica in Manoppello.

Father Gentili traveled to the U.S. following a significant event in Italy: the replica of the Holy Face had been touched to the original Veil of Manoppello—the ancient relic believed to bear the miraculous image of Christ’s face—and blessed before being brought overseas.

The news was shared by the Diocese of Allentown and also appeared on the official website of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The statement described the Holy Face as “one of the most revered relics in all of Christianity.” According to tradition, the veil captured the very first breath of the risen Christ, leaving behind a vivid and mysterious imprint of His resurrected face. Scholars today have noted that the features of the Holy Face perfectly match those seen on the Shroud of Turin, adding further credibility to its authenticity and sacred origin.

The enthronement of the Holy Face is part of a growing global movement, especially after the historic visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the shrine in Manoppello. However, this is the first time such an event has been directly linked to Padre Pio. The connection recalls an extraordinary testimony from Father Domenico da Cese, who reported witnessing a bilocation of Padre Pio before the Holy Face on the morning of the last day of his life.

In recent years, pilgrimages to both Manoppello and San Giovanni Rotondo have increased, with many Americans among the faithful making the spiritual journey.
“I was deeply honored to accept the invitation from the U.S.,” said Father Gentili. “In Barto, I found a vibrant, welcoming faith community, ready to receive this contact relic of the Holy Face with great devotion. I’m truly grateful to Bishop Alfred Schlert for his warm friendship and for helping make this enthronement possible. It strengthens the spiritual connection between Manoppello and the American faithful.”

Mayor Giorgio De Luca of Manoppello also expressed his joy: “With the enthronement of the Holy Face, Manoppello and Barto are now sister communities, united by a deep spiritual and cultural bond. I’ve asked Father Antonio to extend our heartfelt greetings to all Italian Americans and especially to those from Abruzzo living in Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area. We await their visit with open arms—our basilica and our town remain a home for them.”