Mystical
Roses Mystical
Roses
Stigmatist Priest
Born to a southern Italian farm family. Child shepherd. At age 15 he entered the noviciate of the Capuchin Friars in Morcone, and entered the order at age 19. Suffered several health problems, and at one point his family thought he had tuberculosis. Ordained at age 22.
While praying before a cross, he received the stigmata on 20 September 1918, the first priest ever to be so blessed. As word spread, especially after American soldiers brought home stories of Padre Pio following WWII, the priest himself became a point of pilgrimage for both the pious and the curious.
He would hear confessions by the hour, reportedly able to read the consciences of those who held back.
Able to bi-locate, levitate, and heal by touch. Padre Pio is one of the greatest saints of all times. A humble man yet profoundly saintly. He was not one to suffer fools lightly and could silence people with a gaze from him. He heard confessions of many people during his life of suffering.
When saying the Mass, St Padre Pio would actively participate in Christ's passion. He was often seen in ecstasy during the offering of the mass and Eucharist.
He was said to those prior to his death : "I will not enter the gates of heaven until all my spiritual children have come home".
Born
Died
25 May 1887 @ Pietrelcina, Benevento,
23 September 1968
Italy as Francesco Forgione
Venerable
Beatified
Canonized
18 December 1997 by Pope John Paul II
2 May 1999 by Pope John Paul II
June
16,2002
Information: www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintsp27.htm