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SPIRITUALITY
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
Prayer Group
Biography of St. Pio
 Francesco, named
in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, was born to Giuseppa and Grazio
Forgione, peasant farmers, in the small Italian village of
Pietrelcina on May 25, 1887. From his childhood, it was evident that
he was a special child of God. Francesco was very devout even as a
child, and at an early age felt drawn to the priesthood. He became a
Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and received the habit in
1902. Francesco was ordained to the priesthood in 1910 after seven
years of study and became known as Padre Pio.
On September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large
crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion,
making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of Church.
The doctor who examined Padre Pio could not find any natural cause
for the wounds. Upon his death in 1968, the wounds were no longer
visible. In fact, there was no scaring and the skin was completely
renewed. He had predicted 50 years prior that upon his death the
wounds would heal. The wounds of the stigmata were not the only
mystical phenomenon experienced by Padre Pio.
The blood from the stigmata had an odor described by many as similar
to that of perfume or flowers, and the gift of bilocation was
attributed to him. Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of
the penitents who flocked to him for confession which he heard for
ten or twelve hours per day. Padre Pio used the confessional to
bring both sinners and devout souls closer to God; he would know
just the right word of counsel or encouragement that was needed.
Even before his death, people spoke to Padre Pio about his possible
canonization. He died on September 23, 1968 at the age of
eighty-one. His funeral was attended by about 100,000 people.
On June 16, 2002, over 500,000 Padre
Pio devotees gathered in Rome to witness Pope John Paul II proclaim
Padre Pio, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. The Padre Pio Foundation and
many benefactors traveled to Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Pietrelcina,
Piana Romana and many other holy places to celebrate Padre Pio's
Canonization.
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