On Sept. 23, the Catholic Church remembers the Italian Franciscan priest St. Pio of Petrelcina, better known as “Padre Pio” and known for his suffering, humility and miracles.
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in southern Italy, he served as an altar boy and, at age twelve, received the call to serve God. He entered the Capuchin Order as a teenager and was ordained a priest in 1910.
During his life, Padre Pio had many mystical experiences, including receiving the stigmata in 1918. These wounds, which resemble those of Jesus’ Crucifixion, remained with him for 50 years. Seeking to avoid attention to himself, he often wore gloves to cover them.
He was able to “read souls” and often gave favors or healings before they were asked of him. He spent long hours each day hearing confessions, offering counsel, and guiding penitents with clarity and compassion. The saint was also reported to levitate, bilocate, receive heavenly visions, and communicate with angels.
Padre Pio was often misunderstood. Church authorities carefully examined his life, his mystical experiences, and his activities. Throughout these trials, he remained obedient and faithful, accepting whatever was asked of him without complaint. As public attention surrounding him grew, his priestly duties were restricted.
St. Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968, and was canonized in 2002. He is remembered as a holy priest who, in humble obedience, surrendered his sufferings to Christ. Today, many pilgrims visit his shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Many miracles have been attributed to his intercession.
