People are driving hours to visit Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Jacksonville and it’s not because of its architecture or history.
It’s because of a relic that belongs to one of the Catholic Church’s most well-known saints.
For Julie Nowak, the drive from Vero Beach to Jacksonville was worth it.
“It was heart moving something that I'll be eternally grateful for,” said Nowak.
People lined up for a chance to touch and pray before relics of Saint Padre Pio, including a piece of his hair and a gauze with blood stains.
“When you touch it, it's something really special,” said Daniela Duran.
Luciano LaMonarca, founder and president of the Saint Pio Foundation, brought the relics to Jacksonville as part of their first U.S. tour.
“What he was really known for was that he confesses people up to 14 hours per day and he created a famous hospital,” said LaMonarca.
A hospital for the poor and sick that is still standing in Italy today. But Saint Padre Pio gained even more popularity during World War I when he experienced an unexplained stigmata.
“Those attracted millions of followers around the globe,” said LaMonarca.
Nowak credits the canonized priest with several miracles, including the gift of life for the daughter of a friend.
“A friend of mine's daughter had a couple of miscarriages and she wanted to get pregnant,” said Nowak.
About a month later, she learned her friend’s daughter was pregnant with twins. She’s convinced it was because of Saint Padre Pio.
“You can see Padre Pio in the ultrasound on top of that one baby,” said Nowak.
She showed Action News Jax a photo of the ultrasound that she carries with her to show anyone and everyone. She said people need to know miracles do exist.
“Especially the way things are in our world right now, to strengthen our faith,” said Nowak. “He's touched my heart and strengthened my faith.”
The Saint Pio Foundation said about 200,000 people have shown up so far during their U.S. tour. LaMonarca said they’ll be back next year to tour other churches that have requested a visit.