Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
1887 – 1968 · Feast: 23 September
Life
Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, born Francesco Forgione on 25 May 1887 at Pietrelcina in the Archdiocese of Benevento, son of Grazio Forgione and Maria Giuseppa De Nunzio. Baptized the next day with the name Francesco; at twelve received Confirmation and First Communion. On 6 January 1903 he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars Minor at Morcone, taking the habit and the name Fra Pio on 22 January; simple vows followed the novitiate year, solemn profession on 27 January 1907. Ordained priest at Benevento on 10 August 1910, he remained with his family for health reasons until September 1916, when he was sent to the friary of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he remained until his death. In September 1918 he received the visible stigmata. He was renowned for his reverence in celebrating Mass and for his work in the sacrament of reconciliation. He devoted himself to prayer, passing the day and much of the night in conversation with God. When subjected to investigations and restrictions on his priestly ministry, he accepted all with profound humility and resignation, remaining silent before unjust accusations. He died, prepared and serene, on 23 September 1968.
- Beatification
- 2 May 1999, by Pope Saint John Paul II.
- Canonization
- 16 June 2002, by Pope Saint John Paul II.
- Casa Sollievo
- Founded the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (House for the Relief of Suffering), inaugurated 5 May 1956.
- Death
- 23 September 1968, at San Giovanni Rotondo, aged 81. Feast: 23 September.
Source: Vatican official biography for the canonization (Italian text, vatican.va) and Zenit report, 16 June 2002.