Feast Day: September 23
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” – St. Pio
Early Life:
Saint Pio was born on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina, southern Italy. Born into a poor Italian farm family, from a young age Francesco Forgione ( St. Pio) desired to be a friar. When he was sixteen, he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Order, and took the name Brother Pius (Fra Pio). He was ordained to the priesthood in 1910.
A Life Marked by the Stigmata:
On September 20, 1918, while praying before a crucifix, Padre Pio received the stigmata—the visible wounds of Christ’s Passion—on his hands, feet, and side. This miraculous sign remained with him for 50 years, drawing both admiration and skepticism. Despite the physical pain, Padre Pio bore these wounds with humility, considering them a share in Christ’s suffering for the salvation of souls.
The Power of the Confessional:
Padre Pio had an extraordinary gift for guiding souls through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He could read hearts and often reminded penitents of sins they had forgotten to confess. People from across the globe travelled to the small town of San Giovanni Rotondo to confess to him, sometimes waiting days for their turn. In 1948, Padre Pio heard the Confession of a young Polish priest, Father Karol Wojtyła, who thirty years later would ascend the throne of Peter, taking the name John Paul II. It was during John Paul’s pontificate that Padre Pio was declared blessed. During the rite of beatification, the Pope said that in the humble friar, we see the image of Christ suffering and risen. “His body,” he said, “marked by the ‘stigmata,’ showed the intimate connection between death and resurrection…
A Man of Prayer and Charity:
Padre Pio’s life revolved around the Holy Mass, the Rosary, and Eucharistic Adoration. He often said, “The world could exist without the sun, but not without the Holy Mass.” His love for the suffering led him to establish the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (Home for the Relief of the Suffering), a large hospital that continues to serve the sick and poor to this day.
His Passing and Canonization:
Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968, whispering the names of Jesus and Mary. Thousands attended his funeral, and the impact of his life continues to grow. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002, and is now venerated as St. Pius of Pietrelcina.
A Message for Us Today:
St. Pio teaches us that holiness is not about perfection, but about faithfulness to God in every moment. His famous motto—“Pray, hope, and don’t worry”—is especially relevant in our anxious times. He reminds us that prayer is our strongest weapon, confession is a path to healing, and suffering can be transformed into love when united with Christ. He is our model especially in this Jubilee year of Hope. May St. Pius of Pietrelcina intercede for us, that we may live with greater faith, deeper trust, and generous hearts.
Compiled by
Adlete Mascarenhas