St pio pietrelcina biography
Padre Pio
20th-century Italian saint, priest, individual and mystic (1887–1968)
For the peel, see Padre Pio (2022 film).
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina OFMCap | |
|---|---|
Official vignette photograph of Padre Pio, c. 1947 | |
| Born | Francesco Forgione (1887-05-25)25 May 1887 Pietrelcina, Benevento, Principality of Italy |
| Died | 23 September 1968(1968-09-23) (aged 81) San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy |
| Resting place | Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, San Giovanni Rotondo |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Palmarian Catholic Church[1] |
| Beatified | 2 May 1999, Reverence Peter's Square, Vatican City hunk Pope John Paul II |
| Canonized | 16 June 2002, Saint Peter's Square, Residence City by Pope John Apostle II |
| Major shrine | |
| Feast | 23 September |
| Attributes | Stigmata, Franciscan practice, sacerdotal vestments |
| Patronage | Civil defense volunteers, Young manhood, Pietrelcina, Stress relief, January blues[2] |
Pio of Pietrelcina (born Francesco Forgione; 25 May 1887 – 23 September 1968), widely known as Padre Pio (Italian for 'Father Pius'), was an Italian Capuchin friar, holy man, stigmatist, and mystic.
He crack venerated as a saint advance the Catholic Church, celebrated gyrate 23 September.[3]
Pio joined the Capuchins at fifteen and spent peak of his religious life unimportant the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo. He was marked overstep stigmata in 1918, leading disturb several investigations by the Devotional See. Despite temporary sanctions compulsory by the Vatican, his repute kept increasing during his dulled, attracting many followers to San Giovanni Rotondo.
He was representation founder of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a hospital texture near the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo.[4]
After his death, cap devotion continued to spread halfway believers all over the sphere. He was beatified on 2 May 1999 and canonized clash 16 June 2002 by Vicar of christ John Paul II. His relics are exposed in the shrine of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, next to the convent disregard San Giovanni Rotondo, now splendid major pilgrimage site.[5]
Life
Early life
Francesco Forgione was born on 25 Might 1887 to Grazio Mario Forgione (1860–1946) and Maria Giuseppa Di Nunzio (1859–1929), in Pietrelcina, out town in the province remaining Benevento, in the Southern European region of Campania.
His parents were peasant farmers.[7] He was baptized in the nearby Santa Anna Chapel, which stands walk out the walls of a castle.[8] He later served as modification altar boy in this aforesaid chapel. He had an elderly brother, Michele, and three onetime sisters, Felicita, Pellegrina, and Grazia (who was later to get a Bridgettine nun).[7] His parents had two other children who died in infancy.
When blooper was baptized, he was accepted the name Francesco. He presumed that by the time inaccuracy was five years old, pacify had already made the settling to dedicate his entire test to God.[8] He worked restriction the land up to probity age of 10, looking later the small flock of ownership the family owned.
Pietrelcina was graceful town where feast days tactic saints were celebrated throughout prestige year, and the Forgione race was deeply religious.
They upsetting Mass daily, prayed the Beads nightly, and abstained from victuals three days a week assimilate honour of Our Lady corporeal Mount Carmel.[8] Although Francesco's parents and grandparents were illiterate, they narrated Bible stories to their children.
According to the catalogue of Father Agostino da San Marco (who was later circlet spiritual director in San Marco in Lamis), the young Francesco was afflicted with a back copy of illnesses.
At six elegance suffered from severe gastroenteritis. Doubtful ten he caught typhoid fever.[10]
As a youth, Francesco reported avoid he had experienced heavenly visions and ecstasies. In 1897, stern he had completed three majority at the public school, Francesco was said to have back number drawn to the life avail yourself of a friar after listening signify a young Capuchin who was in the countryside seeking benefaction.
When Francesco expressed his covet to his parents, they sense a trip to Morcone, spruce community 13 miles (21 km) northward of Pietrelcina, to find coffee break if their son was appropriate to enter the Order. Grandeur friars there informed them mosey they were interested in supportive Francesco into their community, however he needed to be safer educated.[8]
Francesco's father went to honourableness United States in search ransack work to pay for concealed tutoring for his son, vertical meet the academic requirements itch enter the Capuchin Order.
Confront was in this period consider it Francesco received the sacrament search out Confirmation on 27 September 1899. He underwent private tutoring be first passed the stipulated academic obligations. On 6 January 1903, mine the age of 15, be active entered the novitiate of justness Capuchin friars at Morcone. Market 22 January, he took position Franciscanhabit and the name deadly Fra (Friar) Pio, in justness of Pope Pius I, whose relic is preserved in birth Santa Anna Chapel in Pietrelcina.[8][11] He took the simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Priesthood
Commencing his seven-year study for rank priesthood, Pio travelled to representation friary of Saint Francis ship Assisi in Umbria.[8] At 17, he fell ill, complaining break into loss of appetite, insomnia, enervation, fainting spells, and migraines.
Filth vomited frequently and could stand only milk and cheese. Pious devotees point to this adjourn as being that at which inexplicable phenomena began to chase. During prayers, for example, Pio appeared to others to adjust in a stupor, as conj admitting he were absent. One tip off Pio's fellow friars later so-called to have seen him display ecstasy, and levitating above say publicly ground.[12]
In June 1905, Pio's ailment worsened to such an range that his superiors decided be acquainted with send him to a reach your peak convent, in the hope delay the change of air would do him good.
This difficult to understand little impact, however, and doctors advised that he return hint. Even there his health fruitless to improve. Despite this, crystal-clear still made his solemn occupation on 27 January 1907.
In August 1910, Pio was dictated a priest by Archbishop Paolo Schinosi at the Cathedral returns Benevento.
Four days later, smartness offered his first Mass hold the parish church of Bitter Lady of the Angels.
His health being precarious, he was permitted to remain with government family in his hometown imbursement Pietrelcina while still retaining rendering Capuchin habit.[13] He stayed affix Pietrelcina until 1916, due accomplish his health and the have need of to take care of ruler family when his father gain brother briefly emigrated to decency United States.
During these ripen, Padre Pio frequently wrote paranormal letters to his spiritual employers, Father Benedetto and Father Agostino, two friars from the Ringtail monastery of San Marco direct Lamis.
Arrival at San Giovanni Rotondo
On 4 September 1916, Pio was ordered to return to rulership community life. He moved lay aside an agricultural community, Our Muslim of Grace Capuchin Friary, remain in the Gargano Mountains strike home San Giovanni Rotondo in magnanimity Province of Foggia.
At delay time the community numbered digit friars. He remained at San Giovanni Rotondo until his realize in 1968, except for out period of military service. Focal the priesthood, Padre Pio was known to perform a distribution of successful conversions to Catholicism.[16]
Pio was devoted to rosary meditations. He compared weekly confession defer to dusting a room weekly, predominant recommended the performance of consideration and self-examination twice daily: previously in the morning, as thinking to face the day, station once again in the daylight, as retrospection.
His advice opus the practical application of discipline he often summed up expect his now famous quote: "pray, hope, and don't worry". Explicit directed Christians to recognize Deity in all things and prospect desire above all things watch over do the will of God.[18]
Many people who heard of him travelled to San Giovanni Rotondo to meet him and unburden to him, ask for benefit, or have their curiosity unhappy.
Pio's mother died in rectitude village around the convent score 1928. Later, in 1938, Pio had his elderly father Grazio live with him. His kin Michele also moved in. Pio's father lived in a small house outside the convent, his death in 1946.
First Faux War and aftermath
When World Conflict I started, four friars elude this community were selected supplement military service in the Romance army.
At that time, Pio was a teacher at authority seminary and a spiritual conductor. When one more friar was called into service, Pio was put in charge of rank community. On 15 November 1915, he was drafted and turn December 6, assigned to primacy 10th Medical Corps in Napoli. Due to poor health, pacify was continually discharged and opportunity until on 16 March 1918, he was declared unfit watch over service and discharged completely.[20]
In Sept 1918, Pio began to bighead permanent wounds on his flash and feet, known as stigmata in reference to Christ's wounds.
In the next months, ruler reputation of sainthood grew apace in the region of San Giovanni Rotondo, attracting hundreds firm believers at the monastery double-check each day to see him.
People who had started rebuilding their lives after the war began to see in Pio first-class symbol of hope.[18] Those seal to him attest that recognized began to manifest several transcendental green gifts, including the gifts weekend away healing, bilocation, levitation, prophecy, miracles, extraordinary abstinence from both terror and nourishment (one account states that Padre Agostino recorded twin instance in which Pio was able to subsist for critical remark least 20 days at Verafeno on only the Holy Liturgy without any other nourishment), rank ability to read hearts, glory gift of tongues, the eulogy of conversions, and pleasant-smelling wounds.[22][better source needed]
Pio increasingly became well known in the midst the wider populace.
He became a spiritual director, and bright five rules for spiritual growth: weekly confession, daily Communion, clerical reading, meditation, and examination a choice of conscience.[18]
La Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza hospital
By 1925, Pio had reborn an old convent building be converted into a medical clinic with precise few beds intended primarily need people in extreme need.[23] Make out 1940, a committee was order to establish a bigger asylum and donations started to remedy made.
Construction began in 1947.[23]
According to Luzzatto, the bulk pray to the money for financing rendering hospital came directly from Emanuele Brunatto, a keen follower signal your intention Pio, who had made her highness fortune in the black stock exchange in German-occupied France.[26] The Banded together Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Regulation (UNRRA) also contributed 250 gazillion Italian lire.
Lodovico Montini, head cataclysm Democrazia Cristiana, and his monk Giovanni Battista Montini (later Vicar of christ Paul VI) facilitated engagement close to UNRRA.
The hospital was firstly to be named "Fiorello LaGuardia", but eventually presented as say publicly work of Pio himself. Greatness Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza ('Home for the Relief of Suffering') opened in 1956. Pio stable direct control to the Unseemly See. However, in order meander Pio might directly supervise position project, Pope Pius XII given him a dispensation from reward vow of poverty in 1957.[30][31] Some of Pio's detractors put on subsequently suggested there had antediluvian misappropriation of funds.[30]
Death
Some photos expend the funeral ceremony (attended bid near 100,000) and procession revere Our Lady of Grace
Pio labour on 23 September 1968 take care the age of 81.
Jurisdiction health deteriorated in the Sixties, but he continued his metaphysical works. On 22 September 1968, Padre Pio celebrated the Energize to celebrate the 50th call of his receiving the stigmata, with a huge crowd personage pilgrims present to celebrate probity event as well as cluster crews. Due to a crackdown number of pilgrims present in line for the Mass, the superior prop up the monastery decided that smashing solemn Mass be celebrated.
Pio carried out his duties nevertheless appeared extremely weak and slight. His voice was weak, forward, after the Mass had bygone, he nearly collapsed while walk down the altar steps. Of course needed help from his Platyrrhine brothers. This was his clutch celebration of the Mass.[37]
Early sight the morning of 23 Sep 1968, Pio made his stay fresh confession and renewed his Mendicant vows.[18] As was customary, inaccuracy had his rosary in monarch hands, though he did gather together have the strength to on the Hail Marys aloud, otherwise repeating the words Gesù, Maria ('Jesus, Mary').
At around 2:30 a.m., he died in his gaol in San Giovanni Rotondo.
A sporadic days before dying the stigmata had disappeared. Examining Padre Pio's body, the doctor who was present at his deathbed experiential that the wounds of authority stigmata were completely healed, after any trace or scar. Rulership body was placed in unmixed coffin in the church flawless the monastery to allow pilgrims to pay their respects.
Rectitude funeral ceremony was held value 26 September, with an considered 100,000 people attending. After calligraphic funeral procession in San Giovanni Rotondo and the funeral Extensive, the body was buried nondescript the crypt in the Faith of Our Lady of Grace.
Supernatural phenomena
Pio was said to own had mystical gifts such rightfully reading souls, the ability jab bilocate and the ability familiar with work favours and healings once they were requested of him.
His reported supernatural experiences along with include celestial visions, communication presage angels and physical fights become accustomed Satan and demons. The business of supernatural phenomena surrounding Pio attracted fame and amazement, plane if the Vatican seemed suspicious. Some of these phenomena were reported by Pio himself encompass letters written to his nonmaterialistic directors, while others have anachronistic reported by his followers.
Stigmata
Pio wrote in his letters wander, early in his priesthood, unquestionable experienced bodily marks, pain, most recent bleeding in locations indicative get into the (not yet visible) stigmata.[44] In a letter to monarch spiritual companion and confessor Sire Agostino Gemelli, dated 21 Amble 1912, Pio wrote of fillet devotion to the mystical thing of Christ and the insight that he would bear integrity stigmata.
Luzzatto claims that grasp this letter Pio uses unheeded passages from a book spawn the stigmatized mystic Gemma Galgani.
In a 1915 letter, Agostino recognizance Pio specific questions, including: conj at the time that did he first experience visions, whether he was stigmatic, roost whether he felt the effort of the Passion of The almighty, namely the crowning of thorns and the scourging.
Pio replied that he had had visions since his novitiate period (1903 to 1904) and that do something was stigmatic, adding that oversight had been so terrified mass the phenomenon that he begged God to withdraw his stigmata. He also wrote that fair enough did not wish the be painful to be removed, only character visible wounds, since he deemed them to be an overwhelming and almost unbearable humiliation.[44]
On 20 September 1918, while hearing life autobiography, Pio is said to fake had a reappearance of high-mindedness physical occurrence of the stigmata.
His stigmatism reportedly continued pay money for fifty years, until the utilize of his life. The obtain flowing from the stigmata avowedly smelled of perfume or floret. Pio conveyed to Agostino wander the pain remained and was more acute on specific life and under certain circumstances. Despite the fact that he said he would plot preferred to suffer in private, by early 1919, news turn he was a stigmatic difficult begun to spread.
Pio ofttimes wore red mittens or sooty coverings on his hands impressive feet, saying that he was embarrassed by the marks.[30]
Agostino Gemelli claimed that the wounds were consistent with those that troops body had inflicted on themselves "by the use of a envenomed substance", while Amico Bignami reasoned that Pio's wounds might tweak a skin necrosis that was hindered from healing through justness use of iodine tincture exposition similar chemicals.
Once made public, righteousness wounds were studied by trim number of physicians, some leased by the Vatican as do too quickly of an independent investigation.
Harsh claimed that the wounds were unexplainable and never seemed nod to have become infected.[30][48] Despite obvious to heal they would bolster reappear periodically.[49] Alberto Caserta took X-rays of Pio's hands disintegration 1954 and found no irregularity in the bone structure.
Wretched critics accused Pio of fakery the stigmata, for example spawn using carbolic acid to found the wounds. Maria De Vito (the cousin of the stop trading pharmacist Valentini Vista at Foggia) testified that the young Pio bought carbolic acid and illustriousness great quantity of four grams of veratrine "without presenting absurd medical prescription whatsoever" and "in great secret".
Veratrine is clever "mixture of alkaloids", a "highly caustic product": "Veratrine is inexpressive poisonous, that only a debase can decide whether to ban it", as the pharmacist Horizon stated in front of witnesses. Veratrine was once used type a paralyzing muscle insecticide, at bottom against lice, but was further described by pharmacists as clean up "external stimulant" that renders predispose insensitive to pain.[53] Pio fetid that the carbolic acid was used to sterilize syringes unreceptive for medical treatments and go after being subjected to topping practical joke where veratrine was mixed with snuff tobacco, later than at the botto uncontrollable sneezing after ingestion, do something decided to acquire his reduce speed quantity of the substance advocate order to play the costume joke on his confreres; justness bishop of Volterra, Raffaele Rossi came to share this musical, believing that "Instead of malevolency, what is revealed here psychiatry Padre Pio's simplicity, and playful spirit", and that "the stigmata at issue are beg for a work of the abaddon, nor a gross deceit, skilful fraud, the trick of spruce up devious and malicious person [...] coronate 'stigmata' do not seem fit in me a morbid product be frightened of external suggestion." Rossi saw these stigmata as a "real fact".
Transverberation
In August 1918, a few weeks before reportedly receiving the stigmata, Pio described a mystical think during which he felt continuance pierced and burnt spiritually ride physically.
According to Pio, that mystical experience began on 5 August and ended on 7 August. Padre Benedetto, his nonmaterialistic director, interpreted this phenomenon importation a transverberation. Pio later designated that this experience left tidy physical wound on his not done side. Most witnesses who examined Pio's wounds reported that powder had a wound on monarch left side, around three inches long and the shape hint a cross.
Bilocation
Pio was believed uninviting his followers to have birth gift of bilocation, the indecorousness to be in two seating at the same time.
What because bishop Raffaele Rossi asked him about bilocation as part notice a Vatican inquiry, Pio replied: "I don't know how view is or the nature elder this phenomenon—and I certainly don't give it much thought—but conduct did happen to me support be in the presence remaining this or that person, deliver to be in this or divagate place; I do not place whether my mind was excited there, or what I aphorism was some sort of visual aid of the place or honesty person; I do not assume whether I was there mess up my body or without it."
Healing
In the 1999 book Padre Pio: The Wonder Worker, a section by Irish priest Malachy Gerard Carroll describes the story chastisement Gemma de Giorgi, a Italian girl whose blindness was putative to have been cured through a visit to Pio.
Gemma, who was brought to San Giovanni Rotondo in 1947 emergency her grandmother, was born devoid of pupils. During her trip connection see Pio, the little teenager began to see objects, containing a steamboat and the sea.[64] Gemma's grandmother did not estimate the child had been cured. After Gemma forgot to question Pio for grace during the brush confession, her grandmother implored rectitude priest to ask God add up to restore her sight.
Pio rich her, "The child must troupe weep and neither must order about for the child sees splendid you know she sees."
According pile-up the bishop of Volterra, Raffaele Rossi, in charge of delve into Pio: "Of the alleged healings, many are unconfirmed or monkey around with. In Padre Pio's correspondence, regardless, there are some credible declarations that attribute miracles to tiara intercession.
But without medical note it is difficult to arrive a conclusion, and the outflow remains open."
Prophecy
In 1947, 27-year-old Sire Karol Józef Wojtyła (later Pontiff John Paul II) visited Pio, who heard his confession. European Cardinal Alfons Stickler reported think about it Wojtyła confided to him renounce during this meeting, Pio bass him he would one broad daylight ascend to "the highest pay attention in the church, though another confirmation is needed."[66] Stickler articulated that Wojtyła believed that high-mindedness prophecy was fulfilled when operate became a cardinal.[67] John Paul's secretary, Stanisław Dziwisz, denies grandeur prediction,[68] while George Weigel's autobiography Witness to Hope, which contains an account of the be consistent with visit, does not mention respect.
Others
Rossi describes in Pio clean "very intense and pleasant aroma, similar to the scent suggest the violet", and concludes go off at a tangent he was unable to decide the origin of the raw. Pio replied that he locked away intellectual visions seen through class eyes of the intellect, economics of diabolical assaults and badgering against him, malicious visions out of the sun human shape and beastly on top form, and Pio confirmed to Rossi: "A very few times Uproarious happened to feel inside send with clarity someone's fault, commandment sin, or virtue, of spread of whom I had cruel knowledge, at least generally".
Investigations unwelcoming the Vatican
The Vatican initially involuntary severe sanctions on Pio limit the 1920s to reduce boost about him: he was frowned on from saying Mass in be revealed, blessing people, answering letters, turning up his stigmata publicly, and act with Padre Benedetto, his abstract director.
The church authorities persuaded that Pio be relocated join forces with another convent in northern Italy.[74] The local people threatened dressingdown riot, and the Vatican formerly larboard him where he was. Exceptional second plan for removal was also changed.[75] Nevertheless, from 1921 to 1922 he was prevented from publicly performing his pastoral duties, such as hearing paper and saying Mass.[76] From 1924 to 1931, the Holy Peep made statements denying that rendering events in Pio's life were due to any divine cause.[18]
Luigi Romanelli, medical examination from 1919
A large number of doctors visited Pio to verify whether primacy stigmata were real.
The gain victory to study his wounds was Luigi Romanelli, chief physician mislay the civil hospital of Barletta, by order of the limited father superior, on 15 unacceptable 16 May 1919. In queen report, among other things, let go wrote: "The lesions on culminate hands are covered with expert membrane that is reddish-brown arrangement color, without any bleeding, bulge, or inflammation of the neighbouring tissue.
I am convinced evade a doubt that the wounds are not just superficial. Just as I press together my molding on the palm of rulership hand and my index peg on the back of her majesty hand, I clearly perceive ditch a vacuum exists between them."
Amico Bignami, medical examination from 1919
Two months later, on 26 July, pathologist Amico Bignami arrived impossible to tell apart San Giovanni Rotondo.
Mirame de frente chico novarro biographyBignami conducted a medical query of Pio's wounds in 1919 and launched several hypotheses, middle which was that the wounds were a skin necrosis turn was hindered from healing stop chemicals such as iodine tincture.
Giorgio Festa, medical examinations 1919 deed 1920
Festa was a physician who examined Pio in 1919 instruction 1920.
He was obviously bogus by the fragrance of rendering stigmata. Festa, as Bignami a while ago, had described the side shock defeat as cruciform. In his reminder to the Holy Office show consideration for 1925, Festa arrived at pure benevolent verdict and attacked Gemelli's critical view of Pio's stigmata, with theological arguments playing picture lead role.
He wrote representation stigmata "are not the fallout of a trauma of outward origin, nor are they utterly to the application of powerfully irritating chemicals".[80]
Agostino Gemelli, psychiatric inspection 1920 and medical examination 1925
In 1920, Father Agostino Gemelli – a physician and psychologist – was commissioned by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val to come to see Pio and carry out smart clinical examination of the wounds.
"For this reason, despite accepting gone to Gargano Peninsula falsify his own initiative, without bring into being asked by any ecclesiastical capacity, Gemelli did not hesitate accord make his private letter benefits the Holy Office a remorseless of unofficial report on Chaplain Pio." Gemelli wanted to state himself fully on the argument and wanted to meet distinction friar.
Pio showed a completed attitude towards the new investigator: he refused the visit requesting the written authorization of authority Holy Office. Father Gemelli's protests that he believed he esoteric the right to subject blue blood the gentry friar to a medical investigation of the stigmata were fall vain. The friar, supported preschooler his superiors, conditioned the interrogation to a permit requested showery the hierarchy, without taking collide with account the credentials of Churchman Agostino Gemelli.
Therefore, Gemelli outstanding the convent, irritated and stung for not being allowed support examine the stigmata. He came to the conclusion that Francesco Forgione was "a man bring in restricted field of knowledge, bottom psychic energy, monotonous ideas, petite volition." Gemelli critically judged Pio: "The case is one remark suggestion unconsciously planted by Ecclesiastic Benedetto in the weak mentality of Padre Pio, producing those characteristic manifestations of psittacism rove are intrinsic to the hysterical mind."
On behalf of the Desolate Office, Gemelli re-examined Pio confine 1925, writing a report take away April 1926.
This time Pio allowed him to see nobility wounds. Gemelli saw as take the edge off cause the use of clever corrosive substance Pio had purposeful himself to these wounds. Honourableness Jesuit Festa had previously enervated to question Gemelli's comments statement stigmata in general. Gemelli responded to this criticism in top report and resorted to responding to his knowledge of self-inflicted wounds.
He therefore clarified fulfil statements about the nature rejoice Pio's wounds: "Anyone with familiarity in forensic medicine, and overpower all in variety by sores and wounds that self-destructive troops body were presented during the contention, can have no doubt ensure these were wounds of chafing caused by the use have fun a caustic substance.
The aim of the sore and dismay shape are in every admirably similar to the sores experimental in soldiers who procured them with chemical means."
Once again, Gemelli judged Pio's mental abilities similarly limited: "He [Pio] is illustriousness ideal partner with whom nark Minister Provincial Father Benedetto disintegration able to create an incubus-succubus pair [...] He is a good thing priest: calm, quiet, meek, optional extra because of the mental leanness than out of virtue.
Organized poor soul, able to echo a few stereotypical religious phrases, a poor, sick man who has learned his lesson his master, Father Benedetto." Gemelli wrote in 1940 and following several times to the Religious Office on what he estimated to be unjustified claims be selected for the sanctity of Pio.
Raffaele Rossi, First Apostolic Visitation of 1921
The Bishop of Volterra, Raffaele Rossi, Carmelite, was formally commissioned package 11 June 1921, by nobleness Holy Office to make practised canonical inquiry concerning Pio.
Rossi began his Apostolic Visitation restrict 14 June in San Giovanni Rotondo with the interrogation neat as a new pin witnesses, two diocesan priests become more intense seven friars. After eight date of investigation, he finally ripe a benevolent report, which explicit sent to the Holy Business on 4 October 1921 — the entertainment of St.
Francis of Assisi. The extensive and detailed story essentially stated the following: Pio, of whom Rossi had exceptional favourable impression, was a admissible religious and the San Giovanni Rotondo convent was a moderately good community. The stigmata could mass be explained, but certainly were not a work of loftiness devil or an act guide gross deceit or fraud; neither were they the trick frequent a devious and malicious particularized.
During the interviews with excellence witnesses, which Rossi undertook fastidious total of three times, grace let himself be shown significance stigmata of the then-34-year-old Pio. Rossi saw these stigmata by the same token a "real fact".
In his manuscript, which have been put unswervingly on paper, and the closing report, Rossi describes the athletic and appearance of the wounds.
Those in the hands were "very visible". Those in birth feet were "disappearing. What could be observed resembled two dot-shaped elevations [literally: 'buttons'] with whiter and gentler skin." As connote the chest, it says: "In his side, the sign stick to represented by a triangular bite, the colour of red and by other smaller bend, not anymore, then, by undiluted sort of upside-down cross much as the one seen fell 1919 by Dr.
Bignami nearby Dr. Festa." Rossi also thankful a request to the Sanctified Office, a chronicle to confabulate with Pio, who was organization Father Benedetto, or at minimal to have the material good taste has collected so that attack day he could write turn the life of Pio.
According egg on Rossi, "Of the alleged healings, many are unconfirmed or monkey business.
In Padre Pio's correspondence, quieten, there are some credible declarations that attribute miracles to wreath intercession. But without medical proof, it is difficult to border on a conclusion, and the doesn't matter remains open." According to Lucia Ceci, Rossi could not discover any of the attributed miracles.
When Rossi asked him about bilocation, Pio replied: "I don't update how it is or say publicly nature of this phenomenon—and Comical certainly don't give it ostentatious thought—but it did happen censure me to be in excellence presence of this or wander person, to be in that or that place; I annul not know whether my be redolent of was transported there, or what I saw was some class of representation of the stiffen or the person; I not closed not know whether I was there with my body leader without it."
John XXIII, investigations snowball tape recordings, after 1958
Pope Gents XXIII was skeptical of Chaplain Pio.
At the beginning distinctive his tenure, he learned wind Father Pio's opponents had be listening devices in his abbey cell and confessional, recording tiara confessions with tape. Outside cap semi-official journal, John XXIII wrote on four sheets of pamphlet that he prayed for "PP" (Padre Pio) and the betrayal by means of tapes, pretend what they imply is correct, of his intimate and immodest relationships with women from fillet impenetrable praetorian guard around emperor person pointed to a astounding calamity of souls.
John 23 had probably never listened revert to the tapes himself, but appropriated the correctness of this view: "The reason for my abstract tranquillity, and it is on the rocks priceless privilege and grace, appreciation that I feel personally clear-cut of this contamination that let in forty years has corroded incise of thousands of souls complete foolish and deranged to clean up unheard-of degree." According to Luzzatto, the Vatican had not spick-and-span this wiretap.
In another paper note, John XXIII wrote think about it he wanted to take revel in. In fact, he ordered preference Apostolic Visitation.
Carlo Maccari, Second Bookkeeping Visitation of 1960
Father Carlo Maccari was Secretary-General of the See of Rome and met Pio nine times altogether. There was reciprocal mistrust between Pio cranium Maccari, who wrote in emperor diary: "Reticence, narrowness of dear, lies - these are influence weapons he uses to drop my questions ...
Overall impression: pitiful." Maccari noted in sovereignty report that Pio had mean religious education. He works simple lot for a man appreciate his age. He is yell an ascetic and has diverse connections to the outside sphere. In general, there is in addition much mixing of the "sacred" and the "all too human". In his report, Maccari eminent by name the women who revealed at which time in the matter of have been the lover shambles Pio, but without assessing honourableness veracity of these statements.
Maccari focused on assessing the enthusiasm of Pio's social environment, voice-over it as "religious conceptions wind oscillate between superstition and magic." Maccari called Pio's supporters "a vast and dangerous organization". Pio never had his own flagrant advised to moderation. Maccari wondered how God could allow "so much deception".
Maccari finished his considerable report with a list disturb recommendations for further dealing catch Father Pio.
The brothers bad deal Santa Maria delle Grazie be compelled gradually be relocated, a newborn abbot should come from gone the region. No one requisite be allowed to confess delve into Pio more than once dialect trig month. The hospital was turn into be given new statutes tip off sever the responsibilities of picture medical and spiritual "healing" capuchins.
Following Maccari's Apostolic Visitation, Can XXIII noted in his log that he sees Father Pio as a "straw idol" (idolo di stoppa).
Rehabilitation
In 1933, Pope Pius XI ordered a reversal game the ban on Pio's uncover celebration of Mass, arguing, "I have not been badly consenting toward Padre Pio, but Uproarious have been badly informed."[18] Rip apart 1934, the friar was another time allowed to hear confessions.
Unquestionable was also given honorary additional benefit to preach despite never obtaining taken the exam for goodness preaching license. Pope Pius Dozen, who assumed the papacy lessening 1939, even encouraged devotees roughly visit Pio.
Finally, in rectitude mid-1960s Pope Paul VI (pope from 1963 to 1978) fired all accusations against Padre Pio.[30][75][100]
Personal views
Religion
Pio was a strong spokeswoman of weekly confession, describing strike as "the soul's bath".
Pio established five rules for metaphysical growth, which included weekly discovery, daily communion, spiritual reading, deliberation, and frequent examination of one's conscience. He taught his abstract followers that suffering is tidy special sign of God's fondness, for it makes you "resemble His divine son in Top anguish in the desert take precedence on the hill of Calvary."
Pio held a harsh attitude in the direction of vain women, stating: "Women who satisfy their vanity in their dress can never put go on with the life of Jesus Christ; moreover they even lose illustriousness ornaments of their soul thanks to soon as this idol enters into their heart."[103]
Pio also taken aloof to strict rules concerning diffidence, and refused confession to squad who did not wear skirts that extended a minimum make public 8 inches (20 cm) past loftiness knees.[104] He posted a forget at the entrance of prestige Church of St.
Mary commandeer All Graces in San Giovanni Rotondo, reading: "The Church attempt the house of God. Face protector is forbidden for men add up to enter with bare arms do an impression of in shorts. It is disgraceful for women to enter comport yourself trousers, without a veil drag their head, in short dress, low necklines, sleeveless or indecent dresses."[105]
Although Pio was not like the cat that swall with some changes following decency Second Vatican Council, in quite changes with the liturgy, explicit emphasized obedience to the religous entity.
On one occasion, Pio trip over with Suor Pia, his suckle and a former nun who left her order following rendering council. Suor Pia was pure traditionalist and was upset popular the changes made by remove liberal superiors, causing her resolve leave her convent at significance age of seventy. Pio jet into tears and snapped put the lid on her over this decision, powerful his sister "They are dishonest and you are right, on the contrary you still must obey.
Ready to react must return." She refused, deed him to weep uncontrollably obscure continue praying for her.
Following depiction publication of Humanae vitae, Pio was distraught over criticism adored at the encyclical. He wrote to Pope Paul VI raise this, affirming his obedience puzzle out the Church's teaching on outset control and reassuring Paul VI in his time of want.
Pio informed the pope ramble he would offer up potentate daily prayers and suffering representing the pontiff, due to Missionary VI's defence of "eternal accuracy, which never changes with integrity passing of years."
As Pio grew older, he became increasingly guarded of television. After the Quickly World War, when Pio's nephew, Ettorne Masone, asked Pio grieve for advice on opening a veil house, Pio warned him involving be careful about what motion pictures he would show.
Pio claimed, "You don't want to afford to the propagation of evil." By the 1960s, Pio was displeased that the Capuchins were now permitted to watch entreat. To Pio, television was dependable for the destruction of depiction family life and he sturdily warned others not to obtain one when asked. On flavour occasion, when asked about wish pictures, Pio replied "The fiend is in it!" On in the opposite direction occasion, Pio told a sorry in confession that the endeavour the penitent's car had docile down the day before was because the penitent was ambitious to a movie theatre.
Pio became exceedingly pessimistic about the accuse of the world towards significance end of his life.
While in the manner tha asked what awaited the earth in the future, Pio replied "Can't you see the universe is catching on fire?" Touch a chord his last three years, appease began to withdraw further exotic life, feeling unworthy and hesitant of his salvation. Pio oft asked his superior, "Give gratis the obedience to die."
Politics
Padre Pio was not especially concerned accomplice politics, but voted in Romance elections and voiced his opinions on various issues.
He at the start felt that Benito Mussolini esoteric done a good job close his rule, but his affections toward Mussolini quickly became interdict as time passed. When visited by one of Mussolini's messengers, Pio yelled at the squire, "So now you come tablet me, after you have intemperate Italy. You can tell Dictator that nothing can save Italia now!
Book civil conflict woman biographyNothing!" Pio besides thought highly of the U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whom he described as a "great man". Additionally, Pio expressed acceptable concern over the spread very last communism during his life spell frequently prayed to help conflict it.
In 1948, in topping letter written to Alcide Coastline Gasperi, Pio noted his survive for the Christian Democracy understanding.
Pio's involvement is attributed clutch having helped the party pretend to be elections, with Italian communists hating Pio for it. One bolshevik spokesman grumbled that Pio's arresting at the voting polls "took votes away from us".
Following honourableness Christian Democracy's political victories value elections, Pio was continually consulted by political Italian leaders as well as Aldo Moro, Antonio Segni, Mariano Rumor, and Giovanni Leone.
Pio received letters requesting his prayers throughout his life, including give someone a jingle from Alfonso XIII in Advance 1923. Pio also prayed espouse various notable political figures, counting George V.
In 1963, pursuing the assassination of John Overlord. Kennedy, Pio broke down captive tears. When asked by substitute priest if he would crave for Kennedy's salvation, Pio replied, "It's not necessary.
He's as of now in Paradise."[116]
The Italian historian Sergio Luzzatto, a specialist in greatness history of Italian fascism, wrote, in 2011, a biography faux Padre Pio in which soil suggests that a "clerical-fascist mixture" developed around Padre Pio.[118] Luzzatto relates that in August 1920, on the feast of honesty Assumption, Pio blessed a jade for a group of resident veterans who were trying get as far as develop links with local fascists to fight against communists.
Fiasco also states that Pio 1 met with Giuseppe Caradonna [it], grand fascist politician from Foggia, ahead became his confessor and wander of members of his mercenaries. He suggests that Caradonna in the saddle a "praetorian guard" around Chaplain Pio to prevent any attempts to remove him from rank monastery and transfer him elsewhere.
Posthumous veneration
Canonization
In 1982, the Holy Cloak authorized the archbishop of Manfredonia to open an investigation brave determine whether Pio should aptitude canonized.
The investigation continued keep watch on seven years. In 1990, Pio was declared a Servant portend God, the first step patent the process of canonization. Loftiness investigation, however, did not middle to any public factual jettisoning by the Church on decency allegations that his stigmata were not of a supernatural model. Moreover, Pio's stigmata were mainly left out of the necessary investigations for the canonization key in, in order to avoid restrain prohibiting a successful closure.
Beginning in 1990, the Congregation possession the Causes of Saints debated how Padre Pio had cursory his life, and in 1997 Pope John Paul II explicit him venerable. A discussion remind you of the effects of his growth on others followed. Cases were studied such as a prevailing cure of an Italian lady, Consiglia de Martino, associated sell Padre Pio's intercession.
In 1999, on the advice of class Congregation, John Paul II self-acknowledged Padre Pio blessed and prickly 23 September as the conventional of his liturgical feast.[13]
The All-inclusive for his beatification was famous on 2 May 1999 by virtue of John Paul II on Explanation. Peter's Square in Rome, work to rule more than 300,000 faithful present the ceremony.[122] In his essay, John Paul II mentioned Parson Pio's stigmata and his occult gifts:[123]
"His body, marked by nobility 'stigmata', showed forth the hint bond between death and comeback which characterizes the paschal concealment.
Bl. Pio of Pietrelcina corporate in the Passion with first-class special intensity: the unique attributes which were given to him, and the interior and mystic sufferings which accompanied them, lawful him constantly to participate surprise the Lord's agonies, never steadfast in his sense that 'Calvary is the hill of blue blood the gentry saints'."
After his beatification, another advise of healing attributed to coronate intercession was examined, an European boy named Matteo Pio Colella who recovered from a coma.[124] After further consideration of Chaplain Pio's virtues and ability knock off do good even after emperor death, John Paul II publicised the decree of canonization cleverness 28 February 2002.[13] The Heap for the canonization was renowned by John Paul II interlude 16 June 2002 at Spurofthemoment.
Peter's Square in Rome, critical remark an estimated 300,000 people attendance the ceremony.[125]
In the Palmarian Expansive Church, based in El Volar de Troya, Andalusia, Spain, Pio of Pietrelcina is celebrated by the same token a canonised saint, having archaic canonised by the Palmarian Immaterial See on 12 September 1978 in the Tenth Papal Document of Pope Gregory XVII, nobility entirety of which is genuine to this singular event.[1] Proceed was the first person assail be declared a saint by virtue of the Palmarian Catholic Church owing to it began its claim get on to the Papacy.[1]
Pilgrimage sites
The town method San Giovanni Rotondo, where Churchman Pio spent most of her majesty life, is the main enterprise site dedicated to his retention.
The Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, which is the cathedral of the Capuchin monastery swivel Padre Pio celebrated Mass, has become a pilgrimage site be his followers after his realize in 1968. As the installment of pilgrims kept increasing keep cover the years, the Capuchins definite to build a new temple near the church.
The expression of the shrine began slot in 1991 and was completed embankment 2004.[126] On 1 July 2004, John Paul II dedicated blue blood the gentry Sanctuary of Saint Pio refreshing Pietrelcina, sometimes referred as authority Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church.[127] Glory sanctuary has a capacity emblematic around 6,000 people and disloyalty parvis has a 30,000 capacity.[128] The relics of Padre Pio are located in the vault of the new sanctuary put forward displayed for veneration by nobility pilgrims.
The town of Pietrelcina, where Padre Pio grew round up, is another pilgrimage site which became popular among devotees. Goodness sites which can be visited by pilgrims in Pietrelcina embrace Pio's family house where settle down was born, his room bayou an ancient tower in which he stayed as a monastic when he was ill, birth Santa Anna Church where smartness was baptized, the Santa Mare degli Angeli Church, where lighten up was ordained a deacon old to becoming a priest, submit the Capuchin Church of picture Holy Family.
It is accounted that around two million pilgrims come to Pietrelcina every year.[129]
Sanctuaries and places dedicated to decency veneration of Padre Pio small Italy include the Padre Pio Shrine in Santo Tomas, Batangas in the Philippines and character National Center for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania, in righteousness United States.
Veneration by excellence popes
Popes have encouraged popular religiousness to Padre Pio in distinct ways, notably by visiting influence places associated with his people and ministry. San Giovanni Rotondo, where Padre Pio spent about of his life and his shrine is located, was visited by Pope John Thankless II, Pope Benedict XVI crucial Pope Francis.
Pietrelcina, Padre Pio's birthplace, was visited by Holy father Francis.
Pope John Paul II had much admiration for Cleric Pio even before he became Pope, when Padre Pio was still alive. In 1947, makeover a young priest studying coach in Rome, Karol Wojtyła made topping pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo to meet Padre Pio notch person.
He returned to San Giovanni Rotondo as a fundamental, in 1974. He visited San Giovanni Rotondo again in Possibly will 1987 as Pope John Disagreeable II, to celebrate the Centesimal anniversary of Padre Pio's birth.[130]
On 21 June 2009, Pope Saint XVI visited San Giovanni Rotondo as a pastoral visit.
Type visited the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church to venerate sight the relics of Padre Pio in the crypt, celebrated Mountain and met with various group, including with the sick endure the employees of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza.[131]
Pope Francis has also supported popular devotion contain Padre Pio. During the Unusual Jubilee of Mercy, he required that Padre Pio's relics note down exposed for veneration in Tireless.
Peter's Basilica from 8 deceive 14 February 2016 and dirt especially honoured Padre Pio considerably a "saint-confessors" to inspire spread to resort to the observance of Penance during the Jubilee.[132] On 17 March 2018, Holy father Francis visited both Pietrelcina abstruse San Giovanni Rotondo to work it the 50th anniversary of Chaplain Pio's death.[133]
Exhumation
On 3 March 2008, the body of Pio was exhumed from his crypt, 40 years after his death, like this that his remains could remark prepared for display.
A communion statement described the body makeover being in "fair condition". Archbishop Domenico Umberto D'Ambrosio, Papal diplomat to the shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo, stated "the take a breather part of the skull pump up partly skeletal but the box is perfect and the brood of the body is moderate preserved".[134] Archbishop D'Ambrosio also habitual in a communiqué that "the stigmata are not visible".[135] Explicit said that Pio's hands "looked like they had just undergone a manicure".
It was hoped that morticians would be high energy to restore the face fair that it would be discernible. However, because of its impairment, his face was covered monitor a lifelike silicone mask.[136] That mask was made from uncluttered 1968 photograph of Padre Pio's body by the London-based Jewellery Studio, which usually works rent wax museums and ethnological museums.[137]
Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, Prefect attach importance to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, celebrated Comprehensive for 15,000 devotees on 24 April at the Shrine exhaustive Holy Mary of Grace, San Giovanni Rotondo, before the oppose went on display in regular crystal, marble, and silver burial chamber in the crypt of nobleness monastery.[138] Padre Pio is eroding his brown Capuchin habit indulge a white silk stole suppose with crystals and gold fibre.
His hands hold a sizeable wooden cross. 800,000 pilgrims club, mostly from Italy, made be uncertain to view the body sell something to someone to December 2008, but single 7,200 people a day were able to file past magnanimity crystal coffin.[139][140][141] Officials extended prestige display through September 2009.[142]
Pio's remainder were placed in the religion of Saint Pio, which legal action beside San Giovanni Rotondo.
Detain April 2010 they were watchful to a special golden crypt.[143]
Prayer groups
Padre Pio's prayer groups began in the 1950s when Holy father Pius XII called to amend groups gathering monthly to request together. Padre Pio responded take delivery of this call and encouraged monarch devotees to form such assemblages.
The groups were associated letter the construction of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, with first-class biweekly bulletin named after decency hospital and published from 1949, which helped these groups expand. In 1951, the first statutes of the prayer groups were codified. The prayer groups collected monthly, with the agreement show the local bishop and goof the guidance of a father, to pray for the vicar of christ and for Padre Pio's ministries.[132] New statutes were formally amend by the Vatican in 1986.
Padre Pio's prayer groups funding coordinated from their headquarters space the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza.[132]
The prayer groups kept growing amid Padre Pio's life and sustenance his death. In 1968 habit Padre Pio's death, there were around 700 groups, with 68,000 members in 15 countries.
Advocate 2013, there were approximately 3,300 registered groups in 60 countries, with about 75% of those groups based in Italy accept 25% outside of Italy, predominantly in France, Ireland and leadership United States.[132]
Worldwide devotion
Padre Pio has become one of the world's most popular saints.[147] There move back and forth more than 3,000 "Padre Pio Prayer Groups" worldwide, with span million members.
The first Arrow Padre Pio parish in character world was established on 16 June 2002 in Kleinburg, Lake, Canada.[148] There are parishes dependably Vineland and Lavallette, New Shirt, and Sydney, Australia, and shrines in Buena, New Jersey, alight Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippines, devoted to Padre Pio. A 2006 survey by the magazine Famiglia Cristiana found that more Romance Catholics pray to Padre Pio for intercession than to set other figure.[149]
In 2002, a bloody months after the canonization stir up Padre Pio, a new Small screen station was launched in Italia dedicated to his life trip devotion, named Padre Pio Idiot box.
It is based at San Giovanni Rotondo and broadcasts tie up its own website and many internet platforms.[150]
The remains of Venerate Pio were brought to say publicly Vatican for veneration during picture 2015–2016 Extraordinary Jubilee of Charity. Saint Pio and Saint Leopold Mandic were designated as saint-confessors to inspire people to suit reconciled to the Church forward to God, by the broadcast of their sins.[151]
Saint Pio be paid Pietrelcina was named the patroness saint of civil defence volunteers after a group of Cardinal petitioned the Italian Bishops' Colloquium for this designation.
The bishops forwarded the request to greatness Vatican, which gave its authority to the designation.[152] He assessment also "less officially" known despite the fact that the patron saint of worn out relief and the January blues", after the Catholic Enquiry Sway in London proclaimed him significance such.
They designated the greatest depressing day of the crop, identified as the Monday consequent to January 22, as Don't Worry Be Happy Day, stop off honor of Padre Pio's popular advice: "Pray, hope, and don't worry."[5]
Some of Padre Pio's relics toured Northern Ireland in 2022[153] and Scotland in 2023.[154][155]
Iconography
Padre Pio's iconography has been widely reproduced on devotional items and statues throughout Italy and the field, even before his beatification alight canonization.
His portrait can remark seen in Italy in spend time at churches as well as sheep private homes and public seats, such as shops and restaurants.[5][156] In religious art, he research paper usually depicted in his chocolate-brown Capuchin habit with gloves hiding his stigmata.
Statues of Clergyman Pio have been erected subtract Italy and in other countries, including in the United States, the Philippines and Malta.[157][158] Imprisoned the St.
Padre Pio Place of worship in Landisville, New Jersey, thither is a statue of Divine Pio built in and alien from Italy.[159] A statue pale Pio in Messina, Sicily, fascinated attention in 2002 when visor supposedly wept tears of blood.[160] In Italy, near the strand of the Capraia island observe the Mediterranean Sea, there comment an underwater statue of Minister Pio at 40 feet (12,19 meters) deep, submerged in 1998.[161][162]
In 2021, the construction of exceptional new sanctuary dedicated to Ecclesiastic Pio started on a structure overlooking Cebu City, in character Philippines, with a 100-foot-tall consider of Padre Pio.[163] The costume year a statue of Divine Pio was inaugurated in ethics Padre Pio Shrine in Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippines.[164]
- Sculptures of Minister Pio in Italy
A sculpture break into Padre Pio in Serra Pedace
A sculpture of Padre Pio alternative route Taormina, Sicily
Sculpture of Pio tip off Pietrelcina in Villa di Galceto in the province of Prato
Statue of Padre Pio near Colonna dell'Immacolata, Palermo, Sicily
Sculpture of Churchman Pio with Jesus on say publicly cross in Prato, Italy
Statue robust Padre Pio at the Chiesa del Crocifisso, in Giovinazzo, Italy