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Tomorrow, 23 September, we celebrate the feast day of Padre Pio, one of the most loved saints of the modern era.
Born Francesco Forgione, he told his parents at ten that he wanted to become a Franciscan Capuchin. After extra schooling arranged by his family, he entered the order as a novice at fifteen and took the name Pio (Pius). He was ordained in 1910 and, in 1916, was sent to the small village of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he would spend the remainder of his life.
Padre Pio’s life was marked by both suffering and extraordinary pastoral care. In 1918 he received the stigmata — the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet and side — which drew intense attention and led to a period during which he was not permitted to celebrate Mass publicly or to bless people; the visible signs had to be covered. Those restrictions were lifted in 1933, after which many thousands came to San Giovanni Rotondo to hear his preaching and to seek his help in the confessional. Padre Pio was famed for spending ten to twelve hours a day hearing confessions, despite chronic ill health, and for his remarkable gift of reading the hearts of penitents. He died in 1968 aged 81 and was canonised in 2002.
Why people turn to Padre Pio
- Because of his deep devotion and extraordinary suffering (the stigmata), which many find a powerful sign of union with Christ.
- For his pastoral care — he spent long hours listening to confessions and helping people find spiritual direction.
- For his reputation as a compassionate intercessor, particularly for adolescents, those in stress, and civil defence volunteers (Padre Pio is the patron of these groups).
- For the quiet, practical faith he modelled: prayer, penance, and a steadfast trust in God’s mercy.
As we mark his feast, let us ask Padre Pio to intercede for us — for patience in suffering, courage to seek the sacrament of reconciliation, and peace in our hearts.
Padre Pio, pray for us.
If you’d like an extra touch of Padre Pio this month, we've just launched our Padre Pio Saint Boxes, available in Midi and Maxi, and carefully curated with prayers, devotional items and keepsakes to help you honour his memory. A beautiful keepsake for any Catholic home.