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Worn out by half a century of intense suffering and constant apostolic activity in San Giovanni Rotondo, Padre Pio
was called to his heavenly reward on September 23, 1968. He was canonized a Saint by Pope John Paul II on June 16,
2002. Today his tomb is the most visited shrine in Europe, surpassing even Fatima and Lourdes - a place of
extraordinary holiness for those in search of inspiration.
was called to his heavenly reward on September 23, 1968. He was canonized a Saint by Pope John Paul II on June 16,
2002. Today his tomb is the most visited shrine in Europe, surpassing even Fatima and Lourdes - a place of
extraordinary holiness for those in search of inspiration.
| Saint Pio of Pietrelcina |
Padre Pio was born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy, into a simple family. At the age of
15 he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, and was ordained a priest in 1910. In September, 1916 he was
assigned to the Friary in San Giovanni Rotondo in central Italy where he lived for the rest of his life.
After celebrating morning Mass on September 20, 1918, during his prayers of thanksgiving before the Crucifix,
Padre Pio received the "Stigmata". His hands, feet and side were pierced with the nail marks and the lance
wound of Crucified Christ. Doctors estimated that for the next 50 years he lost a cup of blood every day. His five
wounds were deep, bleeding and painful, but completely free of inflammation and swelling.
15 he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, and was ordained a priest in 1910. In September, 1916 he was
assigned to the Friary in San Giovanni Rotondo in central Italy where he lived for the rest of his life.
After celebrating morning Mass on September 20, 1918, during his prayers of thanksgiving before the Crucifix,
Padre Pio received the "Stigmata". His hands, feet and side were pierced with the nail marks and the lance
wound of Crucified Christ. Doctors estimated that for the next 50 years he lost a cup of blood every day. His five
wounds were deep, bleeding and painful, but completely free of inflammation and swelling.
News of his holiness spread rapidly.
Millions of people attended his Masses.
He received letters from believers all over
the world who asked for his saintly
counsel in their time of distress and
misfortune. Countless
were attracted to his confessional,
where he celebrated the Sacrament of
Reconciliation for as many as 16 hours
a day. People waited as much as two
weeks to have him hear their
confession, for they perceived in
Padre Pio the true heart and soul of
the Gospels, expressed in a simple
and uncomplicated manner. His whole
life was marked by long hours of
prayer, continual sacrifice, and strict
austerity. He had a very deep union
with God, a burning love for the Holy
Eucharist, and a fervent devotion to
Our Blessed Mother.
Millions of people attended his Masses.
He received letters from believers all over
the world who asked for his saintly
counsel in their time of distress and
misfortune. Countless
were attracted to his confessional,
where he celebrated the Sacrament of
Reconciliation for as many as 16 hours
a day. People waited as much as two
weeks to have him hear their
confession, for they perceived in
Padre Pio the true heart and soul of
the Gospels, expressed in a simple
and uncomplicated manner. His whole
life was marked by long hours of
prayer, continual sacrifice, and strict
austerity. He had a very deep union
with God, a burning love for the Holy
Eucharist, and a fervent devotion to
Our Blessed Mother.