Under the expert guidance of liturgical consultant Rolf Rohn, thousands of pieces of white Carrara marble were transformed into elegant altars, a tabernacle throne, credence tables, a Blessed Sacrament chapel altar, ambo, and reredos for the Shrine of St. Padre Pio in San Antonio, Texas.
These altars are a treasured gift to the St. Padre Pio Parish community and their pastor, Monsignor Patrick Ragsdale, from the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. They were carefully repurposed from the original altars of the iconic Chapel of the Incarnate Word.
Reflecting on the project, Rolf said, "From the old, we were able to create new, fully functional liturgical furnishings while preserving the beauty and rich tradition of these pieces."
Sister Walter Maher shared her gratitude: "We are truly grateful that Rohn could design a new set of liturgical furniture from altars that have been with us since 1907. It is a blessing that the altar now serves the Shrine of St. Padre Pio, supporting worship for our community and all who enter this sacred space."
In addition to the altars, Rohn designed the Shrine’s sanctuary floor plan, carefully balancing tradition, functionality, and sacred symbolism.
As the newest parish in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the Shrine of St. Padre Pio continues raising funds for a permanent home. The rededication of the altars took place during a beautiful liturgy celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Jose Gomez of San Antonio.