Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Francesco Forgione was born on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Campania, Italy, into a devout peasant family. From childhood he showed a religious vocation and deep life of prayer.

He entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in 1903, taking the name Pio. He was ordained a priest in 1910 and lived most of his life at the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo.

In 1918 he received the stigmata — the marks of Christ's Passion on his hands, feet, and side — a phenomenon that endured until death and drew crowds of pilgrims.

He devoted himself intensely to the sacrament of Reconciliation, hearing confessions for hours daily, and founded the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza hospital to care for the sick.

Padre Pio lived with rigorous obedience, Franciscan poverty, and continual prayer. His letters and spiritual counsel reveal deep love for the Church and the Eucharist.

He died on September 23, 1968. He was beatified by John Paul II in 1999 and canonized in 2002. His liturgical feast is September 23. He is invoked by the sick, penitents, and all who seek intercession in trials.