St. Pio

1887-1968

On September 23, we celebrate the feast day of St. Pio—for so many years known, simply, as “Padre Pio”. Born in the small, picturesque town of Pietrelcina, in south central Italy, he entered the Franciscan Capuchin monastery of San Giovanni Rotundo. He spent over 65 years as a friar-priest.

It has been noted that his character and virtue were much more a sign of a vibrant Christian life than his more visible and publicly acclaimed signs and charisms for which he was well known. The stories abound regarding his devotion to the love of God, love of his fellow friars, and his vows of obedience, poverty and chastity.

Simply described, he was a man of prayer and suffering. He believed enormously in intense prayer, and knew the necessity of radical suffering for souls. Padre Pio was well aware that our eternal lives had been bought at the high price of Jesus’ blood and suffering. Saints Peter and Paul refer to partaking in the sufferings of Christ in the books of 

Romans, 2Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, Hebrews, and 1Peter. St. Pio knew his dedicated intercessory prayers and excruciating suffering contributed to many people coming to know his Lord. Later in his life, he started prayer groups to help others learn deeper prayer for souls. Shortly before his death, he celebrated the 50^th anniversary of his stigmata with an international meeting of his prayer groups.