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St. Padre Pio

Monday September 23, 2024

Saint Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, was a Capuchin friar and priest known for his deep spirituality and the stigmata, which are the wounds of Christ, that appeared on his body. He is also known as Saint Pius of Pietrelcina

Saint Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, was a Capuchin friar and priest known for his deep spirituality and the stigmata, which are the wounds of Christ, that appeared on his body. 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 spent most of his life in the monastery at San Giovanni Rotondo, where he gained fame for his piety, charity, and the miraculous phenomena associated with him. He was an insightful spiritual counselor.

One morning after celebrating Mass, the wounds of Christ, known as stigmata, appeared in his hands and feet. It was a subject of much controversy. The Catholic Church conducted numerous investigations to verify the authenticity of these wounds. Skeptics questioned their origin, but many believers found them to be a sign of divine intervention. For fifty years, Padre Pio bore these wounds, which healed upon his death in 1968.

Padre Pio was also known for other mystical experiences, such as bilocation (being in two places at once), healing, and prophecy. However, it was his intense devotion to the sacrament of confession that drew people from all over the world. He would spend up to 18 hours a day hearing confessions, guiding his penitents towards spiritual growth.

His mystical experiences included 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. In 2002, Pope John Paul II canonized Padre Pio, declaring him a saint. Today, he is venerated by millions worldwide, and the monastery where he lived has become a major pilgrimage site. Various miracles and healings have been attributed to his intercession.

Saint Padre Pio remains a compelling figure in Catholicism, not just for the miraculous phenomena associated with him, but for his deep spirituality and commitment to the sacrament of confession. His life serves as an example of profound faith and dedication.

Patron Saint of ...

He 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 readings of the day, the Common of Pastors, or the Common of Holy Men and Women.

  • First Reading - Galatians 2:19-20: Paul says he's dead to the law but alive through Christ. He lives in the flesh by faith in the Son of God, who sacrificed himself for him.
  • Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 128: Those who fear the LORD and walk in his ways are blessed. They will enjoy the fruits of their labor, have a fruitful family life, and witness the prosperity of Jerusalem.
  • Gospel - Matthew 16:24-27: To follow me, one must deny themselves and bear their own cross. Saving one's life means losing it for my sake. Gaining worldly possessions isn't worth forfeiting one's life. Judgment comes eventually.

Homilies and Reflections

Word On Fire: The Fascinating and Frightening Padre Pio

This reflection discusses the complex character of Saint Padre Pio, describing him as both fascinating and frightening. Known for his stigmata and supernatural gifts like bilocation and healing, he was a deeply spiritual but also stern figure. While drawing attention for his miraculous phenomena, he was equally committed to the sacraments, particularly confession, where he spent many hours each day. He embodies the paradoxes of Christian life, being both a mystic and a moralist, which makes him an intriguing yet challenging saint to understand and follow.

Quotes and Social Media Graphics

pray hope and dont worry
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Pray, hope, and don't worry.

time spent
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The time spent for the glory of God and the salvation of souls is never spent badly.

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

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