Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
(priest, Confessor & stigmatist, 1887-1968; Feast Day: 23rd September)
Francesco Forgione (known affectionately as Padre Pio) was born at Pietrelcina, a little town a few kilometres from Benevento, Italy, on the 25th May 1887. On the 22nd January 1903 he joined the Capuchin Order and was vested with the habit of St. Francis, taking the name of Brother Pio. On the 10th August 1910, he was ordained in the cathedral of Benevento.
In the summer of 1918, he was sent to San Giovanni Rotondo where he remained until his death on the 23rd September 1968 at the age of 81. On Friday morning, 20th September 1918, while praying before the crucifix in the little church, he received on his body the gift of the stigmata, the Five Wounds of Christ. Miraculous happenings and healings were associated with him throughout his whole life and after his death.
On the 18th of December 1997, in the presence of Pope John Paul II, the Decree of Heroic Virtues was promulgated and he was declared Venerable. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on the 2nd May 1999 in St. Peter’s, Rome. He was canonised by the same Pope in St. Peter’s Square on the 16th June 2002 before an estimated 250,000 devotees and declared a Saint. His feast day is September 23, the day of his entry into eternal life.
The Prayer Groups are the fruit of Saint Pio’s ministry. He exhorted the faithful who came to him to pray. Prayer constituted the texture of his teaching along the course of every day, in the confessional and through his example. He prayed the Rosary every day as requested by Our Lady.
