Often when we celebrate a beloved saint of our church, it is usually someone who lived centuries ago. Today, however, we remember Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, who lived in our 20th century and died on Sept. 23, 1968.
He was born in Italy in 1887 to a poor farming family and named Francesco Forgione. Even as a child, he was very devout, often speaking to Jesus, Mary, and his guardian angel. When he was 15, he joined the Capuchin Franciscan Friars and was ordained in 1915 as Padre Pio.
As a young priest, he began to experience deteriorating health, which he continued to have his whole life. On Sept. 20, 1918, while giving thanks after Mass, Padre Pio had a vision of Jesus. When the vision ended, Padre Pio had the stigmata, or wounds of Jesus, on his hands, feet and side. These remained on him for 50 years. Besides being given the wounds of Christ, Padre Pio was known for his gifts of bilocation, levitation, prophecy, and the ability to read souls. Many people experienced miraculous healings and conversions through his intercession.
He practiced an intense prayer life, often spending hours in Mass, and hearing confessions for many hours each day. Always conscious of the poor and their needs, he founded a hospital near his monastery.
Despite his humility, his reputation grew and attracted pilgrims from around the world who sought his spiritual guidance and prayers. He died in 1968, was beatified in 1999 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
In our gospel, we hear Jesus tell his followers that "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." Padre Pio was certainly one who heard God’s word and acted on it. Here are 5 of his many famous and inspiring quotes that show his wisdom, simplicity, attitude towards suffering, and love for others:
- “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
- “Faith guides even through dark moments.”
- “My past, O Lord, I entrust to Your mercy; my present, to Your love; my future, to Your providence.”
- “The Lord sometimes makes you feel the weight of the cross. Although the weight seems intolerable, you are able to carry it, because the Lord, in His love and mercy, extends a hand to help you.”
- “Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.”
St. Padre Pio, pray for us this day. Amen
