Padre Pio also known as St. Pius of Pietrelcina was born in a Roman Catholic family on 25th May 1887. Born to poor peasant farmers, in Pietrelcina, southern Italy, he was given the name Francesco Forgione. Although they were poor in material goods, his parents were certainly rich in their faith life and in the love of God. Though illiterate , they narrated bible stories to their children every day. They also attended mass and recited the rosary daily.
Being born and brought up in such a spiritual family, Francesco decided to dedicate his life entirely to God at a tender age of five. As a young boy, Francesco had already shown signs of grace. He was even able to see and communicate with his guardian angel. His fellow students admired his deep spirituality, humility, kindness, obedience, modesty, simplicity, charity and piety. Read more