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ST.PADRE 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. About 100,000 people attended his funeral.

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.

Right above the image on St. Padre Pio is an image of the Holy Spirit that led Padre Pio throughout his life. Above the Holy Spirit are seven winged like shapes that represent the seven spirits of God mentioned in the Apocalypse. In the outer frame of the window are twenty light blue circles that represent the twenty mysteries of the rosary that Padre Pio was especially devoted to and encouraged every one to pray. In between the mysteries of the rosary are eighteen stars that represent the angels that were allocated to St. Padre Pio’s life work. Directly below the central image is an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to which Padre Pio conformed his own heart. To the right of the Sacred Heart is an image of The Holy Eucharist, which Padre Pio celebrated and offered up every day with holy devotion. To the left of the Sacred Heart is an image of the cross of Christ, which Padre Pio took up every day with longsuffering and joy.