The construction of the Lourdes Cave
Inauguration
2022
May 28
Cooperation between the Cittadella and the ITG-ITI High School of Vibo Valentia
Theoretical-practical lessons in agriculture, ecology, botany and environmental chemistry have begun as part of the school-work agreement with the ITG-ITI High School of Vibo Valentia. Four young people who have …
2022
May 15
Blessing of the First Marble Block for the Lourdes Grotto
On Good Friday, 15th April 2022, at 07:30 the first eight blocks that will form the base platform of the Lourdes Grotto arrived in the Citadella di Padre Pio. At …
2022
April 15
Let there be light!
The house is completed and its lights illuminate the night of Drapia! From the beginning of the new year it will be possible to welcome the first little guests.
2021
August 29
Seeding time for the Agricultural Society “I Discepoli di Padre Pio”
Thanks to a generous donation an almond grove was planted, consisting of 60 trees of the precious variety "Pizzuta di Avola".Also this year the seeding of ancient wheat varieties was …
2021
March 23
One Step at a Time: The Front Staircase of Casa Accoglienza
The construction works are rapidly moving forward in the Cittadella di Padre Pio to complete Casa Accoglienza in the shortest possible time. It is imminent the completion of the front …
2021
January 27
Establishment of the agricultural society at the service of the Citadel
At the end of the year, the limited farming company "I discepoli di Padre Pio - Società a responsabilità limitata" was established to cultivate the lands belonging to the association …
2020
December 02
Blessing of the statue of Our Lady of Tears
In the presence of several authorities in the area and of the Dean of the Church of Our Lady of Tears in Siracusa, Don Aurelio Russo, and many worshippers, with …
2020
October 17
First threshing of the ancient Scorzonera wheat variety
At the end of June, about 15 days earlier than usual, we harvested the first wheat planted in the lands of the Cittadella.About four hectares of an ancient variety of …
2020
June 01
The Cittadella must go on
The first building is up, but the participation of local organisations, mayors and entrepreneurs is necessary to complete the project. The scientific team, led by Ms Marcella Marletta, and the …
2019
October 05
Roof of the first centre
Irene Gaeta with the association I Discepoli di Padre Pio takes part in the Mass, celebrated by His Excellency Mons. Luigi Renzo, bishop of the dioceses of Mileto, Nicotera and …
2019
July 07
Preparation of the last floor
Today, construction work on “Our Lady of the Tears”, the facility for accommodating and treating child patients after hospitalisation, has reached the last floor. This means the roof can be …
2019
May 01
Creation and supply of Trani white limestone
Today, the building is being prepared for the construction of the concrete above-ground structures.The ground floor, which will house the medical reception, the entrance to the accommodation area and the …
2019
January 01
Laying the foundations of the Casa Accoglienza
On the morning of 7 November 2018, despite the disastrous national weather conditions, in Drapia, the worksite of the “Padre Pio of Pietrelcina” Cittadella for paediatric cancer treatment is currently …
2018
November 07
The worksite is up and running
Pictures of the work on the construction of the “Our Lady of the Tears” centre..After laying the first stone on 28 May 2018, work has never stopped. Thanks to the …
2018
October 01
Laying the first stone
On 28 May 2018 at 6 pm, the first stone of the “Our Lady of the Tears” centre was laid in Drapia.The event took place in a day full of emotions …
2018
May 28
Planning permission issued
On 6 February 2018 the first major milestone in the creation of the Cittadella di Padre Pio was reached. The municipality of Drapia issued to Irene Gaeta, the association chairperson, permission to build …
2018
February 26
Press conference presenting the Cittadella di Padre Pio project
On 12 December 2017, the project for the Cittadella di Padre Pio was presented to the press, media and local institutions.The conference was held in Vibo Valentia, at the “Complesso del Valentianum”, …
2017
December 12
Approval of the first building
In April 2017 the Board of Governors approved the project for the “Casa Accoglienza” drafted by architect Luciano Messina, the first building to be erected among the many planned as …
2017
April 17
Purchase of land in Drapia
The Land in Calabria indicated by Padre Pio was bought in March 2008 and settled in February e 2018, with a mortgage of approximately 2 million euro, fully paid up …
2008
March 20
Padre Pio gives his message to Irene Gaeta
Padre Pio appears to Irene and asks her, with an authoritative tone, to build a children’s hospital, a research centre and a home for the suffering.“In December 2004, as I …
2004
January 01