St. Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as Padre Pio, was born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy. He joined the Capuchin Franciscans and was ordained a priest in 1910. In 1918, Padre Pio received the stigmata, the visible signs of Christ’s suffering, which he bore for the rest of his life.
Padre Pio was renowned for his deep spirituality, devotion to the sacraments, and the ability to read souls. He spent many hours in the confessional, offering spiritual guidance and reconciliation. His life was marked by intense prayer, self-denial, and service to those in need. Despite facing skepticism and hardship, including scrutiny from church authorities and health problems, he remained steadfast in his mission.
He founded the Home for the Relief of Suffering, a hospital that provided care to the sick and poor, demonstrating his commitment to healing and charity. Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968, and was canonized a saint in 2002.
Practical Lessons:
Lesson 1: Dedicate Time for Spiritual Practices: Padre Pio’s devotion to daily prayer and frequent confession underscores the importance of setting aside regular time for spiritual activities. Incorporate daily prayer or meditation into your routine, and if possible, participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to nurture your spiritual life.Lesson 2: Serve Others with Compassion: St. Pio’s establishment of a hospital for the needy teaches us to use our resources to help those in need. Find practical ways to serve others, whether through volunteering, donating to charitable causes, or simply offering a listening ear and support to those around you.
Prayer to St. Pio of Pietrelcina:
Heavenly Father, who endowed St. Pio of Pietrelcina with the gift of suffering and the ability to heal, grant that we may follow his example of deep faith and compassionate service. Help us to dedicate ourselves to prayer and to serve those in need with love and humility. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
St. Linus (79), Pope, MartyrSt. Thecla (117). Virgin, Martyr, invoked for the dyingSt. Constantius the Sacristan (1st Century)
image:Portrait of Padre Pio by Roberto Dughetti / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
