Prayer Shawl Ministry

Padre Pio’s Shawl: All of our completed shawls receive a final blessing by the touch of a shawl that was worn by Padre Pio. Rocky Falatico received the shawl and has continued with his ministry to share the shawl and his story.

Rocky’s father, Rocco J. Falatico, has been a member of San Antonio parish since 1977. Long ago, when Rocco was a young father, he had a life event that challenged him in a way no parent ever wants to experience. In 1963, Rocco first noticed something was amiss with his son when he was 2 years old and Rocky began having difficulty walking. After extensive tests, the doctors revealed that Rocky had an inoperable malignant brain tumor. The first doctor estimated Rocky had one chance in a 100,000 of recovery while the radiologist estimated one chance in 10,000 of recovery. In 1964, Rocco travelled with Rocky to visit Padre Pio in Italy. Upon their return to the U.S., the doctors were very surprised that although he was not expected to live, Rocky made a full and complete recovery. Today he continues to share the shawl and his story. (”True Stories of Padre Pio Book I” by Diane Allen)

See attached link for a 20-minute interview with Rocco and Rocky where they share their story and experience at meeting Padre Pio in Italy. (Video provided by Joel Oakford, parishioner of San Antonio.)

The picture below is dated as of October 20, 1964, and depicts Padre Pio with his hand on Rocky who is being held by his father.

Rocky with Padre Pio’s shawl blessing Prayer Shawl Ministry’s completed shawls.

Anointing of the Sick - First Tuesday of each month, after the 8:30 am mass, there will be an anointing of the sick.

Eucharistic Adoration - First Friday of each month. Msgr. Tuan has asked all Ministries to participate in the adoration between 9:00 am - 8:00 pm (11 hours). Sign-up sheets can be found inside the church.

- Do I have to be Catholic or a parishioner of San Antonio Church to become a member? No, all are welcome in our Ministry.

- Do I have to be Catholic or a parishioner of San Antonio Church to receive a prayer shawl? No, you just have to be in need of prayer and comfort.

- Do I have to attend every meeting? No, you are welcome to work at home.

- Do the shawls have to be crocheted or knitted? Either one is acceptable.

- Is there a required specific pattern? No, we gladly accept all sizes, shapes and colors. We collect shawls for men, women and children. Some are triangular and others are rectangular while others provide square lap blankets.

- How many skeins are needed to complete one shawl? Depends on the yarn thickness. For crocheting, an average of 3 to 4 skeins (5 oz or 7 oz)

- How long does it take to complete one shawl? An estimated average of 20 to 30 hours.

- Where can I find easy patterns? There are some patterns and how-to tutorials on YouTube and the internet. We have some patterns that we have used and can share to get you started. Here are some links for beginner shawls:

Rectangle - crochet: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-comfort-prayer-shawl

Triangle - crochet: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-comfort-prayer-shawl

Rectangle Corner-to-Corner (“C2C”) crochet: https://sarahmaker.com/c2c-crochet/

Triangle – Knitted: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cozy-comfort-prayer-shawl

- What is the average size of a shawl? The estimated average size for a rectangle shawl is approximately 20” wide x 60” length. A triangle shaped shawl is estimated at 52” across the top and 31” from top to tip.

- What is the best yarn to use? It depends on your preference. Keep in mind that the thicker the yarn, the faster you will finish. However, the thicker the yarn, the more skeins you will need to finish the shawl.

- Where can I make a donation online? Please see the “Donation” button on this site.

This video was provided by the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palm Desert, CA. Rocky Falatico shared his story of Padre Pio and his shawl on January 10, 2023 at 7:40 am mass.

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