St. Padre Pio
Feast Day: September 23
St. Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, was a 20th century Capuchin friar and priest. He is known for his piety and charity.
He was born in Italy on May 25, 1887. He was the fourth of eight children. From a very early age he felt called to the religious life. He joined the Capuchin Franciscan Friars when he was only 15 years old. He was ordained at age 23 and became known as Padre Pio. He was an insightful spiritual counselor.
One morning after celebrating Mass, the wounds of Christ appeared in his hands and feet. These are called stigmata.
He also had many mystical experiences, including frequently seeing guardian angels and predicting that Karol Wojtyła, a priest, would ascend to “the highest post in the church” Karol Wojtyła later became Pope John Paul II.
Despite his extraordinary life, Padre Pio was known for his humility. He often lost himself in prayer and encouraged others to spend more time in prayer also. He felt that this deep connection to our Lord and the Blessed Mother helped him understand and follow God’s will, even when it was difficult.
St. Padre Pio died on Sept 23, 1968. He was 81 years old. He was canonized in 2002 by Pope St. John Paul II.
Patron Saint of …
St. Padre Pio is the patron saint of adolescents, civil defense volunteers, stress relief, and January blues.
Daily Mass Readings for the Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
Readings for the Memorial may also be taken from may also be taken from the Common of Pastors or the Common of Holy Men and Women.
- First Reading – Galatians 2:19-20: “I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: “Blessed are those who fear the Lord.”
- Gospel – Matthew 16:24-27: “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”
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Quotes from St. Padre Pio
Pray, hope, and don’t worry.
The time spent for the glory of God and the salvation of souls is never spent badly.
Quote about St. Pius of Pietrelcina
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina devoted his whole life to prayer and patient listening to his brothers, on whose suffering he poured out the love of Christ as a balm. Imitating his heroic example, may we also become instruments of God’s love for the weakest.
Pope Francis
Why Imitate this Saint?
Pope Francis reminds us that we should imitate this saint by focusing on the marginalized, weak, and forgotten.
St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Read even more about this saint in this article from Catholic News Service.
Read about the Saints
Why do Catholics pay so much attention to the saints? They serve as examples for us. For youth, we can explain that they are our superheroes. Like the figures in Marvel comics, they are not perfect, but through the power of the Holy Spirit they were able to do amazing things.
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