Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
By Rev. Rebecca
"Love is the first ingredient in the relief of suffering."
Saint Padre Pio, who was canonized as a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church on June 16, 2002, is one of the most phenomenal figures of the 20th century. He lived from 1887 to 1968 in Italy. He is the first priest to have miraculously recieved the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) and was a Capuchin Franciscan Friar. He became famous during his lifetime for his healing abilities, was known internationally as a confessor who could read people's souls, and as saint who knew God in a way most of us only read about. His life was filled with intense suffering and pain, yet he remained joyful and devout, taking up his cross daily with gratitude. He believed all that occured was a grace from God. His days were spent in austerity, deep prayer, performing his priestly duties, and guiding his spiritual children from all walks of life. He was known to go into mystical ecstasies during prayer on a daily basis and would often know about future events. Pilgrims flocked to his Monastery in San Giovanni Rotondo during his lifetime and still do.
There is so much one could say about this outstanding person of the Spirit. Clearly Padre Pio was in touch with the divine will in a way that reflects Christ's life and love in the rarest of ways. I believe he is our modern -day Saint Francis who has given us an example of radical holiness. The stories that have been told about the miracles and spiritual benefits people have recieved from Padre Pio are literally countless.
The historical events of his life seem rather simple. Padre Pio grew up in a large Italian family on a small farm. He wanted to become a priest and friar from a very early age. He was educated and sent to seminary and recieved numerous graces in his life even before he entered religious life. The stigmata, the five wounds of Jesus Christ's passion, appeared on Padre Pio's body when he was age 21 and his life then took off on a trajectory towards increasing holiness of abundant gifts and graces. He suffered many illnesses, which he bore with patience and endurance. He was a passionate man and devoted every moment he had to seeking God and his will.
There are countless stories that testify, not only to the Friar's holiness and miracles during his life, but since his death as well. His intercessions continue to benefit people around the world as so many have testified.