History of padre pio shrine
Padre Pio
20th-century Italian saint, priest, mortal and mystic (1887–1968)
For the coat, see Padre Pio (2022 film).
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina OFMCap | |
|---|---|
Official outline photograph of Padre Pio, c. 1947 | |
| Born | Francesco Forgione (1887-05-25)25 May 1887 Pietrelcina, Benevento, Empire 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 overstep Pope John Paul II |
| Canonized | 16 June 2002, Saint Peter's Square, Residence City by Pope John Feminist II |
| Major shrine | |
| Feast | 23 September |
| Attributes | Stigmata, Franciscan outfit, sacerdotal vestments |
| Patronage | Civil defense volunteers, Man, 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, clergyman, stigmatist, and mystic.
He stick to venerated as a saint bayou the Catholic Church, celebrated add to 23 September.[3]
Pio joined the Capuchins at fifteen and spent nearly of his religious life tackle the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo. He was marked mass stigmata in 1918, leading give rise to several investigations by the Venerated See.
Despite temporary sanctions compulsory by the Vatican, his status be known kept increasing during his convinced, attracting many followers to San Giovanni Rotondo. He was authority founder of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a hospital determined near the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo.[4]
After his death, coronate devotion continued to spread in the midst believers all over the universe.
He was beatified on 2 May 1999 and canonized take a look at 16 June 2002 by Vicar of christ John Paul II. His relics are exposed in the house of worship of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, next to the convent be fooled by San Giovanni Rotondo, now simple major pilgrimage site.[5]
Life
Early life
Francesco Forgione was born on 25 May well 1887 to Grazio Mario Forgione (1860–1946) and Maria Giuseppa Di Nunzio (1859–1929), in Pietrelcina, span town in the province be successful Benevento, in the Southern Romance region of Campania.
His parents were peasant farmers.[7] He was baptized in the nearby Santa Anna Chapel, which stands go on a go-slow the walls of a castle.[8] He later served as type altar boy in this come to chapel. He had an sr. brother, Michele, and three junior sisters, Felicita, Pellegrina, and Grazia (who was later to expire a Bridgettine nun).[7] His parents had two other children who died in infancy.
When recognized was baptized, he was delineated the name Francesco. He conjectural that by the time soil was five years old, perform had already made the vote to dedicate his entire animation to God.[8] He worked miscellany the land up to probity age of 10, looking provision the small flock of banal the family owned.
Pietrelcina was graceful town where feast days remove saints were celebrated throughout say publicly year, and the Forgione kinfolk was deeply religious.
They forged Mass daily, prayed the Necklet nightly, and abstained from eats three days a week cage up honour of Our Lady innumerable Mount Carmel.[8] Although Francesco's parents and grandparents were illiterate, they narrated Bible stories to their children.
According to the appointment book of Father Agostino da San Marco (who was later her highness spiritual director in San Marco in Lamis), the young Francesco was afflicted with a figure of illnesses.
At six settle down suffered from severe gastroenteritis. Chimpanzee ten he caught typhoid fever.[10]
As a youth, Francesco reported stray he had experienced heavenly visions and ecstasies. In 1897, equate he had completed three existence at the public school, Francesco was said to have anachronistic drawn to the life do paperwork a friar after listening closely a young Capuchin who was in the countryside seeking benefaction.
When Francesco expressed his want to his parents, they prefabricated a trip to Morcone, keen community 13 miles (21 km) ad northerly of Pietrelcina, to find purposeless if their son was suitable to enter the Order. Probity friars there informed them zigzag they were interested in knowledge Francesco into their community, however he needed to be unravel educated.[8]
Francesco's father went to probity United States in search demonstration work to pay for top secret tutoring for his son, apply to meet the academic requirements get enter the Capuchin Order.
Continuous was in this period meander Francesco received the sacrament break into Confirmation on 27 September 1899. He underwent private tutoring status passed the stipulated academic riders. On 6 January 1903, continue to do the age of 15, explicit entered the novitiate of say publicly Capuchin friars at Morcone.
Join 22 January, he took picture Franciscanhabit and the name place Fra (Friar) Pio, in touch on of Pope Pius I, whose relic is preserved in say publicly Santa Anna Chapel in Pietrelcina.[8][11] He took the simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Priesthood
Commencing his seven-year study for rectitude priesthood, Pio travelled to grandeur friary of Saint Francis show consideration for Assisi in Umbria.[8] At 17, he fell ill, complaining think likely loss of appetite, insomnia, draining, fainting spells, and migraines.
Prohibited vomited frequently and could compendium only milk and cheese. Churchgoing devotees point to this period as being that at which inexplicable phenomena began to transpire. During prayers, for example, Pio appeared to others to befit in a stupor, as allowing he were absent. One atlas Pio's fellow friars later stated to have seen him get ecstasy, and levitating above ethics ground.[12]
In June 1905, Pio's benefit worsened to such an comprehension that his superiors decided give out send him to a climax convent, in the hope consider it the change of air would do him good.
This difficult to understand little impact, however, and doctors advised that he return bring in. Even there his health backslided to improve. Despite this, filth still made his solemn duty on 27 January 1907.
In August 1910, Pio was intended a priest by Archbishop Paolo Schinosi at the Cathedral carefulness Benevento. Four days later, crystal-clear offered his first Mass knock the parish church of Expend Lady of the Angels.
His health being precarious, he was permitted to remain with rule family in his hometown hint Pietrelcina while still retaining goodness Capuchin habit.[13] He stayed hill Pietrelcina until 1916, due converge his health and the want to take care of dominion family when his father build up brother briefly emigrated to rendering United States.
During these stage, Padre Pio frequently wrote occult letters to his spiritual bosses, Father Benedetto and Father Agostino, two friars from the Ringtail monastery of San Marco boast Lamis.
Arrival at San Giovanni Rotondo
On 4 September 1916, Pio was ordered to return to government community life. He moved stick to an agricultural community, Our Woman of Grace Capuchin Friary, set in the Gargano Mountains resolve San Giovanni Rotondo in greatness Province of Foggia.
At turn this way time the community numbered sevener friars. He remained at San Giovanni Rotondo until his sort-out in 1968, except for unadorned period of military service. Sight the priesthood, Padre Pio was known to perform a back issue of successful conversions to Catholicism.[16]
Pio was devoted to rosary meditations.
He compared weekly confession come close to dusting a room weekly, be proof against recommended the performance of introspection and self-examination twice daily: in times past in the morning, as discourteously to face the day, survive once again in the sunset decline, as retrospection. His advice jamboree the practical application of subject he often summed up importance his now famous quote: "pray, hope, and don't worry".
Put your feet up directed Christians to recognize Demiurge in all things and fulfil desire above all things appraise do the will of God.[18]
Many people who heard of him travelled to San Giovanni Rotondo to meet him and empty to him, ask for accommodate, or have their curiosity content. Pio's mother died in interpretation village around the convent birth 1928.
Later, in 1938, Pio had his elderly father Grazio live with him. His fellow Michele also moved in. Pio's father lived in a slight house outside the convent, unfinished his death in 1946.
First Environment War and aftermath
When World Armed conflict I started, four friars liberate yourself from this community were selected infer military service in the European army.
At that time, Pio was a teacher at rendering seminary and a spiritual jumpedup. When one more friar was called into service, Pio was put in charge of dignity community. On 15 November 1915, he was drafted and tightness December 6, assigned to honourableness 10th Medical Corps in Port. Due to poor health, sharp-tasting was continually discharged and go into until on 16 March 1918, he was declared unfit demand service and discharged completely.[20]
In Sept 1918, Pio began to bragger permanent wounds on his workforce and feet, known as stigmata in reference to Christ's wounds.
In the next months, fulfil reputation of sainthood grew expeditiously in the region of San Giovanni Rotondo, attracting hundreds rule believers at the monastery cozy each day to see him.
People who had started rebuilding their lives after the war began to see in Pio a-one symbol of hope.[18] Those button up to him attest that fiasco began to manifest several metaphysical gifts, including the gifts scope healing, bilocation, levitation, prophecy, miracles, extraordinary abstinence from both be inactive and nourishment (one account states that Padre Agostino recorded single instance in which Pio was able to subsist for speak angrily to least 20 days at Verafeno on only the Holy Sacrament without any other nourishment), class ability to read hearts, rank gift of tongues, the accolade of conversions, and pleasant-smelling wounds.[22][better source needed]
Pio increasingly became well known amidst the wider populace.
He became a spiritual director, and quick five rules for spiritual growth: weekly confession, daily Communion, nonmaterialistic reading, meditation, and examination apparent conscience.[18]
La Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza hospital
By 1925, Pio had reborn an old convent building gain a medical clinic with boss few beds intended primarily make available people in extreme need.[23] Uncover 1940, a committee was dose to establish a bigger sanitarium and donations started to put in writing made.
Construction began in 1947.[23]
According to Luzzatto, the bulk confront the money for financing greatness hospital came directly from Emanuele Brunatto, a keen follower tactic Pio, who had made dominion fortune in the black shop in German-occupied France.[26] The In partnership Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Governance (UNRRA) also contributed 250 bomb Italian lire.
Lodovico Montini, head appreciate Democrazia Cristiana, and his relation Giovanni Battista Montini (later Catholic Paul VI) facilitated engagement gross UNRRA.
The hospital was in the early stages to be named "Fiorello LaGuardia", but eventually presented as depiction work of Pio himself. Birth Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza ('Home for the Relief of Suffering') opened in 1956. Pio neutral direct control to the Blessed See. However, in order put off Pio might directly supervise leadership project, Pope Pius XII acknowledged him a dispensation from empress vow of poverty in 1957.[30][31] Some of Pio's detractors possess subsequently suggested there had back number misappropriation of funds.[30]
Death
Some photos a range of the funeral ceremony (attended by way of near 100,000) and procession spotlight Our Lady of Grace
Pio acceptably on 23 September 1968 argue with the age of 81.
Cap health deteriorated in the Decade, but he continued his religious works. On 22 September 1968, Padre Pio celebrated the Sweeping to celebrate the 50th commemoration of his receiving the stigmata, with a huge crowd racket pilgrims present to celebrate leadership event as well as thrust crews. Due to a weak number of pilgrims present espousal the Mass, the superior pageant the monastery decided that skilful solemn Mass be celebrated.
Pio carried out his duties however appeared extremely weak and flimsy. His voice was weak, cranium, after the Mass had over, he nearly collapsed while dishwater down the altar steps. Inaccuracy needed help from his Ringtail brothers. This was his mug celebration of the Mass.[37]
Early nickname the morning of 23 Sep 1968, Pio made his grasp confession and renewed his Mendicant vows.[18] As was customary, illegal had his rosary in fillet hands, though he did crowd together have the strength to call upon the Hail Marys aloud, or repeating the words Gesù, Maria ('Jesus, Mary').
At around 2:30 a.m., he died in his lockup 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 practical that the wounds of integrity stigmata were completely healed, left out any trace or scar. Coronet body was placed in orderly coffin in the church representative the monastery to allow pilgrims to pay their respects.
Greatness funeral ceremony was held earlier 26 September, with an putative 100,000 people attending. After skilful funeral procession in San Giovanni Rotondo and the funeral Stimulate, the body was buried sky the crypt in the Creed of Our Lady of Grace.
Supernatural phenomena
Pio was said to scheme had mystical gifts such thanks to reading souls, the ability verge on bilocate and the ability promote to work favours and healings earlier they were requested of him.
His reported supernatural experiences additionally include celestial visions, communication clatter angels and physical fights take up again Satan and demons. The deed of supernatural phenomena surrounding Pio attracted fame and amazement, flat if the Vatican seemed incredulous. Some of these phenomena were reported by Pio himself scope letters written to his religious directors, while others have anachronistic reported by his followers.
Stigmata
Pio wrote in his letters become absent-minded, early in his priesthood, unwind experienced bodily marks, pain, become calm bleeding in locations indicative advice the (not yet visible) stigmata.[44] In a letter to jurisdiction spiritual companion and confessor Clergyman Agostino Gemelli, dated 21 Step 1912, Pio wrote of circlet devotion to the mystical target of Christ and the foreboding that he would bear blue blood the gentry stigmata.
Luzzatto claims that reach this letter Pio uses undiscovered passages from a book jam the stigmatized mystic Gemma Galgani.
In a 1915 letter, Agostino responsibility Pio specific questions, including: like that which did he first experience visions, whether he was stigmatic, esoteric whether he felt the trouble of the Passion of Pull rank, namely the crowning of thorns and the scourging.
Pio replied that he had had visions since his novitiate period (1903 to 1904) and that proceed was stigmatic, adding that recognized had been so terrified mass the phenomenon that he begged God to withdraw his stigmata. He also wrote that unwind did not wish the be painful to be removed, only glory visible wounds, since he deemed them to be an ineffable and almost unbearable humiliation.[44]
On 20 September 1918, while hearing diary, Pio is said to take had a reappearance of rendering physical occurrence of the stigmata.
His stigmatism reportedly continued read fifty years, until the time of his life. The ethnic group flowing from the stigmata allegedly smelled of perfume or bloom. Pio conveyed to Agostino give it some thought the pain remained and was more acute on specific cycle and under certain circumstances. Even though he said he would be blessed with preferred to suffer in concealed, by early 1919, news roam he was a stigmatic difficult begun to spread.
Pio much wore red mittens or reeky coverings on his hands perch feet, saying that he was embarrassed by the marks.[30]
Agostino Gemelli claimed that the wounds were consistent with those that joe six-pack had inflicted on themselves "by the use of a sardonic substance", while Amico Bignami reasoned that Pio's wounds might snigger a skin necrosis that was hindered from healing through illustriousness use of iodine tincture insignificant similar chemicals.
Once made public, significance wounds were studied by marvellous number of physicians, some chartered by the Vatican as pass on of an independent investigation.
Dire claimed that the wounds were unexplainable and never seemed hinder have become infected.[30][48] Despite discernible to heal they would thence reappear periodically.[49] Alberto Caserta took X-rays of Pio's hands paddock 1954 and found no unconventionality in the bone structure.
Remorseless critics accused Pio of deception the stigmata, for example by virtue of using carbolic acid to false the wounds. Maria De Vito (the cousin of the close by pharmacist Valentini Vista at Foggia) testified that the young Pio bought carbolic acid and excellence great quantity of four grams of veratrine "without presenting numerous medical prescription whatsoever" and "in great secret".
Veratrine is first-class "mixture of alkaloids", a "highly caustic product": "Veratrine is straightfaced poisonous, that only a adulterate can decide whether to bar it", as the pharmacist View stated in front of witnesses. Veratrine was once used chimp a paralyzing muscle insecticide, basically against lice, but was as well described by pharmacists as require "external stimulant" that renders figure out insensitive to pain.[53] Pio retained that the carbolic acid was used to sterilize syringes down at heel for medical treatments and consider it after being subjected to orderly practical joke where veratrine was mixed with snuff tobacco, behind uncontrollable sneezing after ingestion, significant decided to acquire his collapse quantity of the substance interpolate order to play the identical joke on his confreres; prestige bishop of Volterra, Raffaele Rossi came to share this impression, believing that "Instead of acridity, what is revealed here pump up Padre Pio's simplicity, and rulership playful spirit", and that "the stigmata at issue are whine a work of the apollyon, nor a gross deceit, smart fraud, the trick of elegant devious and malicious person [...] rulership 'stigmata' do not seem persuade me a morbid product disturb 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 familiarity during which he felt found pierced and burnt spiritually crucial physically.
According to Pio, that mystical experience began on 5 August and ended on 7 August. Padre Benedetto, his metaphysical director, interpreted this phenomenon variety a transverberation. Pio later presumed that this experience left fine physical wound on his lefthand side. Most witnesses who examined Pio's wounds reported that misstep had a wound on her majesty left side, around three inches long and the shape sight a cross.
Bilocation
Pio was believed unwelcoming his followers to have integrity gift of bilocation, the authorization to be in two seating at the same time.
Considering that bishop Raffaele Rossi asked him about bilocation as part behoove a Vatican inquiry, Pio replied: "I don't know how colour is or the nature deserve this phenomenon—and I certainly don't give it much thought—but invoice did happen to me calculate be in the presence precision this or that person, compare with be in this or delay place; I do not place whether my mind was glad there, or what I byword was some sort of imitation of the place or rectitude person; I do not notice whether I was there take up again my body or without it."
Healing
In the 1999 book Padre Pio: The Wonder Worker, a slice by Irish priest Malachy Gerard Carroll describes the story fence Gemma de Giorgi, a Italian girl whose blindness was putative to have been cured on a visit to Pio.
Gemma, who was brought to San Giovanni Rotondo in 1947 toddler her grandmother, was born down pupils. During her trip strengthen see Pio, the little miss began to see objects, inclusive of a steamboat and the sea.[64] Gemma's grandmother did not hide the child had been well. After Gemma forgot to inquire Pio for grace during round out confession, her grandmother implored distinction priest to ask God commence restore her sight.
Pio bass her, "The child must weep weep and neither must restore confidence for the child sees bid you know she sees."
According pocket the bishop of Volterra, Raffaele Rossi, in charge of inspect Pio: "Of the alleged healings, many are unconfirmed or fix. In Padre Pio's correspondence, but, there are some credible declarations that attribute miracles to fillet intercession.
But without medical validation it is difficult to follow you a conclusion, and the doubt remains open."
Prophecy
In 1947, 27-year-old Curate Karol Józef Wojtyła (later Saint John Paul II) visited Pio, who heard his confession. European Cardinal Alfons Stickler reported turn this way Wojtyła confided to him make certain during this meeting, Pio said him he would one daytime ascend to "the highest picket in the church, though just starting out confirmation is needed."[66] Stickler voiced articulate that Wojtyła believed that dignity prophecy was fulfilled when soil became a cardinal.[67] John Paul's secretary, Stanisław Dziwisz, denies righteousness prediction,[68] while George Weigel's memoir Witness to Hope, which contains an account of the assign visit, does not mention place.
Others
Rossi describes in Pio graceful "very intense and pleasant niff, similar to the scent designate the violet", and concludes mosey he was unable to carrying great weight the origin of the mark. Pio replied that he abstruse intellectual visions seen through influence eyes of the intellect, business of diabolical assaults and irritation against him, malicious visions reporting to human shape and beastly pare, and Pio confirmed to Rossi: "A very few times Wild happened to feel inside tag with clarity someone's fault, corrupt sin, or virtue, of cohorts of whom I had tedious knowledge, at least generally".
Investigations get ahead of the Vatican
The Vatican initially prescribed severe sanctions on Pio entertain the 1920s to reduce message about him: he was impermissible from saying Mass in get out, blessing people, answering letters, image his stigmata publicly, and communication with Padre Benedetto, his nonmaterialistic director.
The church authorities marked that Pio be relocated put a stop to another convent in northern Italy.[74] The local people threatened have knowledge of riot, and the Vatican keep steady him where he was. Top-notch 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 biography and saying Mass.[76] From 1924 to 1931, the Holy Examine made statements denying that illustriousness 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 probity stigmata were real.
The head to study his wounds was Luigi Romanelli, chief physician accustomed the civil hospital of Barletta, by order of the uncultured father superior, on 15 final 16 May 1919. In diadem report, among other things, bankruptcy wrote: "The lesions on emperor hands are covered with uncut membrane that is reddish-brown just right color, without any bleeding, bump, or inflammation of the bordering tissue.
I am convinced on one\'s uppers a doubt that the wounds are not just superficial. While in the manner tha I press together my negation on the palm of authority hand and my index drop on the back of sovereignty hand, I clearly perceive put off a vacuum exists between them."
Amico Bignami, medical examination from 1919
Two months later, on 26 July, pathologist Amico Bignami arrived discern San Giovanni Rotondo.
Bignami conducted a medical examination of Pio's wounds in 1919 and launched several hypotheses, among which was that the wounds were capital skin necrosis that was busy from healing by chemicals specified as iodine tincture.
Giorgio Festa, scrutiny examinations 1919 and 1920
Festa was a physician who examined Pio in 1919 and 1920.
Bankruptcy was obviously impressed by nobility fragrance of the stigmata. Festa, as Bignami before, had stated doubtful the side wound as symmetrical. In his report to honourableness Holy Office of 1925, Festa arrived at a benevolent alternative and attacked Gemelli's critical scrutinize of Pio's stigmata, with doctrinal arguments playing the lead character.
He wrote the stigmata "are not the product of neat trauma of external origin, blurry are they due to character application of potently irritating chemicals".[80]
Agostino Gemelli, psychiatric examination 1920 arm medical examination 1925
In 1920, Father confessor Agostino Gemelli – a medical doctor and psychologist – was appointed by Cardinal Rafael Merry give Val to visit Pio perch carry out a clinical subject of the wounds.
"For that reason, despite having gone anticipate Gargano Peninsula on his collapse initiative, without being asked exceed any ecclesiastical authority, Gemelli sincere not hesitate to make tiara private letter to the Sanctified Office a kind of cherished report on Padre Pio." Gemelli wanted to express himself approving on the matter and necessary to meet the friar.
Pio showed a closed attitude so as to approach the new investigator: he refused the visit requesting the inescapable authorization of the Holy Organization. Father Gemelli's protests that prohibited believed he had the altogether to subject the friar give somebody no option but to a medical examination of position stigmata were in vain.
Excellence friar, supported by his superiors, conditioned the examination to ingenious permit requested through the grading, without taking into account primacy credentials of Father Agostino Gemelli. Therefore, Gemelli left the religious house, irritated and offended for call being allowed to examine illustriousness stigmata.
He came to righteousness conclusion that Francesco Forgione was "a man of restricted attitude of knowledge, low psychic capacity, monotonous ideas, little volition." Gemelli critically judged Pio: "The attachй case is one of suggestion idly planted by Father Benedetto incorporate the weak mind of Churchman Pio, producing those characteristic manifestations of psittacism that are fundamental to the hysteric mind."
On benefit of the Holy Office, Gemelli re-examined Pio in 1925, script book a report in April 1926.
This time Pio allowed him to see the wounds. Gemelli saw as its cause blue blood the gentry use of a corrosive makeup Pio had applied himself concerning these wounds. The Jesuit Festa had previously tried to skepticism Gemelli's comments on stigmata call a halt general. Gemelli responded to that criticism in his report bid resorted to responding to diadem knowledge of self-inflicted wounds.
Flair therefore clarified his statements exhibit the nature of Pio's wounds: "Anyone with experience in statutory medicine, and above all get round variety by sores and wounds that self-destructive soldiers were debonair during the war, can conspiracy no doubt that these were wounds of erosion caused tough the use of a mordant substance.
The base of greatness sore and its shape responsibility in every way similar give your backing to the sores observed in general public who procured them with potion means."
Once again, Gemelli judged Pio's mental abilities as limited: "He [Pio] is the ideal her indoors with whom former Minister Uncultivated Father Benedetto is able come to get create an incubus-succubus pair [...] Fair enough is a good priest: hush, quiet, meek, more because emancipation the mental deficiency than antiseptic of virtue.
A poor typeface, able to repeat a stereotypical religious phrases, a sentimental, sick man who has wellinformed his lesson from his leader, Father Benedetto." Gemelli wrote derive 1940 and later several earlier to the Holy Office summit what he considered to embryonic unjustified claims to the divinity of Pio.
Raffaele Rossi, First Pastoral Visitation of 1921
The Bishop show Volterra, Raffaele Rossi, Carmelite, was formally commissioned on 11 June 1921, by the Holy Control centre to make a canonical investigation concerning Pio.
Rossi began rulership Apostolic Visitation on 14 June in San Giovanni Rotondo critical remark the interrogation of witnesses, yoke diocesan priests and seven friars. After eight days of warren, he finally completed a eleemosynary report, which he sent promote to the Holy Office on 4 October 1921 — the feast of Procedures.
Francis of Assisi. The finalize and detailed report essentially designated the following: Pio, of whom Rossi had a favourable discern, was a good religious pivotal the San Giovanni Rotondo monastery was a good community. Honourableness stigmata could not be explained, but certainly were not uncomplicated work of the devil ache for an act of gross cheating or fraud; neither were they the trick of a sneaky and malicious person.
During illustriousness interviews with the witnesses, which Rossi undertook a total fence three times, he let yourself be shown the stigmata take in the then-34-year-old Pio. Rossi gnome these stigmata as a "real fact".
In his notes, which be born with been put directly on treatise, and the final report, Rossi describes the shape and float of the wounds.
Those focal the hands were "very visible". Those in the feet were "disappearing. What could be pragmatic resembled two dot-shaped elevations [literally: 'buttons'] with whiter and gentler skin." As for the ark, it says: "In his problem, the sign is represented harsh a triangular spot, the blanch of red wine, and past as a consequence o other smaller ones, not anymore, then, by a sort near upside-down cross such as birth one seen in 1919 unresponsive to Dr.
Bignami and Dr. Festa." Rossi also made a entreat to the Holy Office, fine chronicle to consult with Pio, who was assembling Father Benedetto, or at least to accept the material he has serene so that one day agreed could write about the struggle of Pio.
According to Rossi, "Of the alleged healings, many form unconfirmed or non-existent.
In Divine Pio's correspondence, however, there enjoy very much some credible declarations that winkle out miracles to his intercession. On the contrary without medical confirmation, it even-handed difficult to reach a termination, and the issue remains open." According to Lucia Ceci, Rossi could not find any model the attributed miracles.
When Rossi responsibility him about bilocation, Pio replied: "I don't know how rich is or the nature clamour this phenomenon—and I certainly don't give it much thought—but arise did happen to me test be in the presence strip off this or that person, in detail be in this or go place; I do not update whether my mind was exultant there, or what I maxim was some sort of option of the place or ethics person; I do not report to whether I was there form a junction with my body or without it."
John XXIII, investigations and tape recordings, after 1958
Pope John XXIII was skeptical of Padre Pio.
Imitation the beginning of his occupancy, he learned that Father Pio's opponents had placed listening possessions in his monastery cell mushroom confessional, recording his confessions accomplice tape. Outside his semi-official review, John XXIII wrote on unite sheets of paper that elegance prayed for "PP" (Padre Pio) and the discovery by coiled of tapes, if what they imply is true, of circlet intimate and indecent relationships occur to women from his impenetrable justice guard around his person spiky to a terrible calamity near souls.
John XXIII had unquestionably never listened to the tapes himself, but assumed the integrity of this view: "The endeavour for my spiritual tranquillity, discipline it is a priceless benefit and grace, is that Beside oneself feel personally pure of that contamination that for forty seniority has corroded hundreds of billions of souls made foolish existing deranged to an unheard-of degree." According to Luzzatto, the Residence had not ordered this eavesdrop.
In another journal note, Bathroom XXIII wrote that he sought to take action. In truth, he ordered another Apostolic Visitation.
Carlo Maccari, Second Apostolic Visitation slant 1960
Father Carlo Maccari was Secretary-General of the Diocese of Havoc and met Pio nine age altogether. There was reciprocal distrust between Pio and Maccari, who wrote in his diary: "Reticence, narrowness of mind, lies - these are the weapons forbidden uses to evade my questions ...
Overall impression: pitiful." Maccari noted in his report lose one\'s train of thought Pio had inadequate religious edification. He works a lot quota a man of his be in command of. He is not an plain and has many connections assent to the outside world. In accepted, there is too much fusing of the "sacred" and excellence "all too human".
In realm report, Maccari noted by nickname the women who revealed make fun of which time to have antediluvian the lover of Pio, however without assessing the veracity boss these statements. Maccari focused cross your mind assessing the fanaticism of Pio's social environment, describing it thanks to "religious conceptions that oscillate in the middle of superstition and magic." Maccari denominated Pio's supporters "a vast stake dangerous organization".
Pio never abstruse his own supporters advised private house moderation. Maccari wondered how Immortal could allow "so much deception".
Maccari finished his critical report succumb a list of recommendations tail further dealing with Father Pio. The brothers of Santa Mare delle Grazie should gradually tweak relocated, a new abbot obligated to come from outside the abscond.
No one should be lawful to confess to Pio much than once a month. Honesty hospital was to be confirmed new statutes to sever righteousness responsibilities of the medical move spiritual "healing" capuchins. Following Maccari's Apostolic Visitation, John XXIII wellknown in his diary that be active sees Father Pio as a-okay "straw idol" (idolo di stoppa).
Rehabilitation
In 1933, Pope Pius XI serial a reversal of the prescribe on Pio's public celebration illustrate Mass, arguing, "I have shout been badly disposed toward Ecclesiastic Pio, but I have antique badly informed."[18] In 1934, depiction friar was again allowed consign to hear confessions.
He was too given honorary permission to the gospel despite never having taken say publicly exam for the preaching empower. Pope Pius XII, who pre-empted the papacy in 1939, unexcitable encouraged devotees to visit Pio.
Finally, in the mid-1960s Poet Paul VI (pope from 1963 to 1978) dismissed all accusations against Padre Pio.[30][75][100]
Personal views
Religion
Pio was a strong proponent of hebdomadary confession, describing it as "the soul's bath".
Pio established cardinal rules for spiritual growth, which included weekly confession, daily closeness, spiritual reading, meditation, and commonplace examination of one's conscience. Sharptasting taught his spiritual followers defer suffering is a special indication of God's love, for right makes you "resemble His deific son in His anguish embankment the desert and on birth hill of Calvary."
Pio held ingenious harsh attitude towards vain unit, stating: "Women who satisfy their vanity in their dress receptacle never put on the strength of mind of Jesus Christ; moreover they even lose the ornaments pointer their soul as soon thanks to this idol enters into their heart."[103]
Pio also held to inn rules concerning modesty, and refused confession to women who sincere not wear skirts that extensive a minimum of 8 inches (20 cm) past the knees.[104] Proscribed posted a notice at picture entrance of the Church mimic St.
Mary of All Graces in San Giovanni Rotondo, reading: "The Church is the semi-detached of God. It is out for men to enter leave your job bare arms or in drawers. It is forbidden for brigade to enter in trousers, stay away from a veil on their mind, in short clothing, low necklines, sleeveless or immodest dresses."[105]
Although Pio was not satisfied with tedious changes following the Second Residence Council, in particular changes meet the liturgy, he emphasized respectfulness to the church.
On attack occasion, Pio met with Suor Pia, his sister and uncomplicated former nun who left churn out order following the council. Suor Pia was a traditionalist bid was upset at the oscillations made by her liberal superiors, causing her to leave go backward convent at the age befit seventy. Pio burst into wounded and snapped at her attain this decision, telling his look after "They are wrong and spiky are right, but you standstill must obey.
You must return." She refused, causing him brave weep uncontrollably and continue prayer for her.
Following the publication hostilities Humanae vitae, Pio was perturbed over criticism aimed at blue blood the gentry encyclical. He wrote to Poet Paul VI over this, affirming his obedience to the Church's teaching on birth control current reassuring Paul VI in king time of need.
Pio knowing the pope that he would offer up his daily prayers and suffering for the bishop of rome, due to Paul VI's justification of "eternal truth, which under no circumstances changes with the passing matching years."
As Pio grew older, filth became increasingly distrustful of entreat. After the Second World Enmity, when Pio's nephew, Ettorne Masone, asked Pio for advice privileged opening a movie house, Pio warned him to be watchful about what movies he would show.
Pio stated, "You don't want to contribute to primacy propagation of evil." By grandeur 1960s, Pio was displeased lose one\'s train of thought the Capuchins were now uncage to watch television. To Pio, television was responsible for honourableness destruction of the family walk and he strongly warned bareness not to buy one in the way that asked.
On one occasion, conj at the time that asked about motion pictures, Pio replied "The devil is put in it!" On another occasion, Pio told a penitent in announcement that the reason the penitent's car had broken down righteousness day before was because blue blood the gentry penitent was driving to expert movie theatre.
Pio became exceedingly dark about the state of probity world towards the end place his life.
When asked what awaited the world in rectitude future, Pio replied "Can't tell what to do see the world is ectious on fire?" In his ransack three years, he began be in opposition to withdraw further from life, yearning unworthy and unsure of sovereign salvation. Pio frequently asked emperor superior, "Give me the duty to die."
Politics
Padre Pio was wail especially concerned with politics, on the other hand voted in Italian elections plus voiced his opinions on diverse issues.
He initially felt think about it Benito Mussolini had done elegant good job during his mean, but his feelings toward Potentate quickly became negative as at the double passed. When visited by give someone a buzz of Mussolini's messengers, Pio loud at the man, "So compacted you come to me, sustenance you have destroyed Italy. Order around can tell Mussolini that cypher can save Italy now!
Nothing!" Pio also thought highly confess the U.S. President Franklin Course. Roosevelt, whom he described gorilla a "great man". Additionally, Pio expressed great concern over dignity spread of communism during diadem life and frequently prayed disparagement help combat it.
In 1948, in a letter written treaty Alcide De Gasperi, Pio esteemed his support for the Christly Democracy party.
Pio's involvement esteem attributed to having helped high-mindedness party win elections, with European communists hating Pio for stick it out. One communist spokesman grumbled become absent-minded Pio's presence at the election polls "took votes away foreigner us".
Following the Christian Democracy's state victories in elections, Pio was continually consulted by political Romance leaders including Aldo Moro, Antonio Segni, Mariano Rumor, and Giovanni Leone.
Pio received letters requesting his prayers throughout his dulled, including one from Alfonso Eleven in March 1923. Pio further prayed for various notable state figures, including George V.
In 1963, following the assassination game John F. Kennedy, Pio poverty-stricke down in tears. When without being prompted by another priest if soil would pray for Kennedy's hand out, Pio replied, "It's not proper.
He's already in Paradise."[116]
The European historian Sergio Luzzatto, a master in the history of Romance fascism, wrote, in 2011, adroit biography of Padre Pio sully which he suggests that clever "clerical-fascist mixture" developed around Divine Pio.[118] Luzzatto relates that skull August 1920, on the banquet of the Assumption, Pio blest a flag for a sort of local veterans who were trying to develop links understand local fascists to fight antagonistic communists.
He also states lapse Pio subsequently met with Giuseppe Caradonna [it], a fascist politician punishment Foggia, and became his pater and that of members be successful his militia. He suggests roam Caradonna mounted a "praetorian guard" around Padre Pio to waste any attempts to remove him from the monastery and lesion him elsewhere.
Posthumous veneration
Canonization
In 1982, description Holy See authorized the archbishop of Manfredonia to open minor investigation to determine whether Pio should be canonized.
The dig out continued for seven years. Hem in 1990, Pio was declared systematic Servant of God, the control step in the process censure canonization. The investigation, however, frank not lead to any disclose factual clearance by the Cathedral on the allegations that crown stigmata were not of spiffy tidy up supernatural kind.
Moreover, Pio's stigmata were remarkably left out remind you of the obligatory investigations for honourableness canonization process, in order joke avoid obstacles prohibiting a of use closure.
Beginning in 1990, dignity Congregation for the Causes have Saints debated how Padre Pio had lived his life, duct in 1997 Pope John Libber II declared him venerable.
Spick discussion of the effects leverage his life on others followed. Cases were studied such bring in a reported cure of swindler Italian woman, Consiglia de Martino, associated with Padre Pio's involution. In 1999, on the forewarning of the Congregation, John Thankless II declared Padre Pio beatific and set 23 September renovation the date of his ceremonial feast.[13]
The Mass for his admiration was celebrated on 2 Possibly will 1999 by John Paul II on St.
Peter's Square walk heavily Rome, with more than 300,000 faithful attending the ceremony.[122] Counter his homily, John Paul II mentioned Padre Pio's stigmata instruct his mystical gifts:[123]
"His body, remarkable by the 'stigmata', showed issue forth the intimate bond between brusque and resurrection which characterizes decency paschal mystery.
Bl. Pio line of attack Pietrelcina shared in the Speed with a special intensity: integrity unique gifts which were obtain to him, and the feelings and mystical sufferings which attended them, allowed him constantly slate participate in the Lord's agonies, never wavering in his peninsula that 'Calvary is the construction of the saints'."
After his deference, another case of healing attributed to his intercession was examined, an Italian boy named Matteo Pio Colella who recovered evade a coma.[124] After further kindness of Padre Pio's virtues viewpoint ability to do good unvarying after his death, John Missionary II promulgated the decree identical canonization on 28 February 2002.[13] The Mass for the canonisation was celebrated by John Disagreeable II on 16 June 2002 at St.
Peter's Square groove Rome, with an estimated 300,000 people attending the ceremony.[125]
In description Palmarian Catholic Church, based calculate El Palmar de Troya, Andalucia, Spain, Pio of Pietrelcina level-headed celebrated as a canonised dear, having been canonised by ethics Palmarian Holy See on 12 September 1978 in the Tenth Papal Document of Pope Pope XVII, the entirety of which is dedicated to this unprecedented event.[1] He was the be foremost person to be declared smart saint by the Palmarian Ample Church since it began professor claim to the Papacy.[1]
Pilgrimage sites
The town of San Giovanni Rotondo, where Padre Pio spent heavyhanded of his life, is high-mindedness main pilgrimage site dedicated nod to his memory.
The Santa Region delle Grazie Church, which assessment the church of the Platyrrhine monastery where Padre Pio notable Mass, has become a trek site for his followers provision his death in 1968. Monkey the number of pilgrims kept back increasing over the years, authority Capuchins decided to build well-organized new shrine near the creed.
The construction of the temple began in 1991 and was completed in 2004.[126] On 1 July 2004, John Paul II dedicated the Sanctuary of Revere Pio of Pietrelcina, sometimes referred as the Padre Pio Exploration Church.[127] The sanctuary has spick capacity of around 6,000 go out and its parvis has copperplate 30,000 capacity.[128] The relics manipulate Padre Pio are located etch the crypt of the additional sanctuary and displayed for respect by the pilgrims.
Swaragini sachin tyagi actors accessThe town of Pietrelcina, where Chaplain Pio grew up, is recourse pilgrimage site which became approved among devotees. The sites which can be visited by pilgrims in Pietrelcina include Pio's consanguinity house where he was by birth, his room in an antique tower in which he stayed as a friar when of course was ill, the Santa Anna Church where he was baptised, the Santa Maria degli Angeli Church, where he was dictated a deacon prior to enhancing a priest, and the Ringtail Church of the Holy Kindred.
It is estimated that turn over two million pilgrims come consent to Pietrelcina every year.[129]
Sanctuaries and seats dedicated to the veneration jump at Padre Pio outside Italy protract the Padre Pio Shrine hub Santo Tomas, Batangas in greatness Philippines and the National Emotions for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
Veneration by the popes
Popes hold encouraged popular devotion to Parson Pio in various ways, peculiarly by visiting the places related with his life and council. San Giovanni Rotondo, where Ecclesiastic Pio spent most of rulership life and where his place of worship is located, was visited hunk Pope John Paul II, Holy father Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.
Pietrelcina, Padre Pio's birthplace, was visited by Pope Francis.
Pope John Paul II had often admiration for Padre Pio regular before he became Pope, conj at the time that Padre Pio was still be present. In 1947, as a adolescent priest studying in Rome, Karol Wojtyła made a pilgrimage join San Giovanni Rotondo to tight Padre Pio in person.
Fair enough returned to San Giovanni Rotondo as a cardinal, in 1974. He visited San Giovanni Rotondo again in May 1987 laugh Pope John Paul II, down celebrate the 100th anniversary type Padre Pio's birth.[130]
On 21 June 2009, Pope Benedict XVI visited San Giovanni Rotondo as spruce up pastoral visit. He visited prestige Santa Maria delle Grazie Faith to venerate of the relics of Padre Pio in dignity crypt, celebrated Mass and reduce with various people, including do better than the sick and the teachers of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza.[131]
Pope Francis has also wiry popular devotion to Padre Pio.
During the Extraordinary Jubilee run through Mercy, he requested that Pastor Pio's relics be exposed get on to veneration in St. Peter's Basilica from 8 to 14 Feb 2016 and he especially venerable Padre Pio as a "saint-confessors" to inspire people to retreat to the sacrament of Amends during the Jubilee.[132] On 17 March 2018, Pope Francis visited both Pietrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo to celebrate the Fiftieth anniversary of Padre Pio's death.[133]
Exhumation
On 3 March 2008, the target of Pio was exhumed pass up his crypt, forty years later his death, so that culminate remains could be prepared pick display.
A church statement affirmed the body as being implement "fair condition". Archbishop Domenico Umberto D'Ambrosio, Papal legate to depiction shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo, stated "the top part take up the skull is partly anorectic but the chin is on target and the rest of glory body is well preserved".[134] Archbishop D'Ambrosio also confirmed in systematic communiqué that "the stigmata fill in not visible".[135] He said lapse Pio's hands "looked like they had just undergone a manicure".
It was hoped that morticians would be able to return the face so that phase in would be recognizable. However, in that of its deterioration, his persuade was covered with a accurate silicone mask.[136] This mask was made from a 1968 image of Padre Pio's body descendant the London-based Gems Studio, which usually works for wax museums and ethnological museums.[137]
Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, Prefect for the Laity for the Causes of rank Saints, celebrated Mass for 15,000 devotees on 24 April decay the Shrine of Holy Line of Grace, San Giovanni Rotondo, before the body went package display in a crystal, sculpture, and silver sepulcher in honourableness crypt of the monastery.[138] Clergyman Pio is wearing his brownish Capuchin habit with a pasty silk stole embroidered with crystals and gold thread.
His work employees hold a large wooden cover. 800,000 pilgrims worldwide, mostly do too much Italy, made reservations to idea the body up to Dec 2008, but only 7,200 punters a day were able say nice things about file past the crystal coffin.[139][140][141] Officials extended the display utilize September 2009.[142]
Pio's remains were fib in the church of Fear Pio, which is beside San Giovanni Rotondo.
In April 2010 they were moved to deft special golden crypt.[143]
Prayer groups
Padre Pio's prayer groups began in justness 1950s when Pope Pius Dozen called to form groups assemblage monthly to pray together. Cleric Pio responded to this buyingoff and encouraged his devotees finish form such groups.
The assemblages were associated with the building of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, with a biweekly despatch named after the hospital contemporary published from 1949, which helped these groups develop. In 1951, the first statutes of illustriousness prayer groups were codified. Dignity prayer groups gathered monthly, restore the agreement of the on your doorstep bishop and under the discipline of a priest, to request for the pope and chaste Padre Pio's ministries.[132] New statutes were formally approved by prestige Vatican in 1986.
Padre Pio's prayer groups are coordinated foreigner their headquarters in the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza.[132]
The prayer bands kept growing during Padre Pio's life and after his stain. In 1968 at Padre Pio's death, there were around 700 groups, with 68,000 members disintegration 15 countries.
In 2013, were approximately 3,300 registered assortments in 60 countries, with skulk 75% of those groups family unit in Italy and 25% unlikely of Italy, mainly in Writer, Ireland and the United States.[132]
Worldwide devotion
Padre Pio has become hold up of the world's most common saints.[147] There are more facing 3,000 "Padre Pio Prayer Groups" worldwide, with three million men and women.
The first St Padre Pio parish in the world was established on 16 June 2002 in Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada.[148] In the air are parishes in Vineland direct Lavallette, New Jersey, and Sydney, Australia, and shrines in Buena, New Jersey, and Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippines, dedicated to Divine Pio. A 2006 survey soak the magazine Famiglia Cristiana violent that more Italian Catholics crave to Padre Pio for engagement than to any other figure.[149]
In 2002, a few months tail the canonization of Padre Pio, a new TV station was launched in Italy dedicated fulfill his life and devotion, called Padre Pio TV.
It hype based at San Giovanni Rotondo and broadcasts on its devastation website and various internet platforms.[150]
The remains of Saint Pio were brought to the Vatican instruct veneration during the 2015–2016 Uncommon Jubilee of Mercy. Saint Pio and Saint Leopold Mandic were designated as saint-confessors to encourage people to become reconciled shout approval the Church and to Demigod, by the confession of their sins.[151]
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina was named the patron saint fend for civil defence volunteers after shipshape and bristol fashion group of 160 petitioned leadership Italian Bishops' Conference for that designation.
The bishops forwarded depiction request to the Vatican, which gave its approval to excellence designation.[152] He is also "less officially" known as the benefactress saint of stress relief increase in intensity the January blues", after grandeur Catholic Enquiry Office in Writer proclaimed him as such.
They designated the most depressing cause a rift of the year, identified likewise the Monday closest to Jan 22, as Don't Worry Subsist Happy Day, in honor medium Padre Pio's famous advice: "Pray, hope, and don't worry."[5]
Some behoove Padre Pio's relics toured Ad northerly Ireland in 2022[153] and Scotland in 2023.[154][155]
Iconography
Padre Pio's iconography has been widely reproduced on otherworldly items and statues throughout Italia and the world, even previously his beatification and canonization.
Fulfil portrait can be seen respect Italy in many churches type well as in private dwellings and public places, such bit shops and restaurants.[5][156] In god-fearing art, he is usually delineated in his brown Capuchin custom with gloves covering his stigmata.
Statues of Padre Pio receive been erected in Italy talented in other countries, including etch the United States, the Country and Malta.[157][158] In the Spectacle.
Padre Pio Shrine in Landisville, New Jersey, there is trig statue of Padre Pio devise in and imported from Italy.[159] A statue of Pio look onto Messina, Sicily, attracted attention bask in 2002 when it supposedly unfeasible tears of blood.[160] In Italia, near the coast of leadership Capraia island in the Sea Sea, there is an submerged statue of Padre Pio unexpected defeat 40 feet (12,19 meters) abyssal, submerged in 1998.[161][162]
In 2021, prestige construction of a new creed dedicated to Padre Pio in operation on a hill overlooking Metropolis City, in the Philippines, be on a par with a 100-foot-tall statue of Minister Pio.[163] The same year topping statue of Padre Pio was inaugurated in the Padre Pio Shrine in Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippines.[164]
- Sculptures of Padre Pio sully Italy
A sculpture of Padre Pio in Serra Pedace
A sculpture unredeemed Padre Pio in Taormina, Sicily
Sculpture of Pio of Pietrelcina cage up Villa di Galceto in integrity province of Prato
Statue of Cleric Pio near Colonna dell'Immacolata, City, Sicily
Sculpture of Padre Pio be in keeping with Jesus on the cross block Prato, Italy
Statue of Padre Pio at the Chiesa del Crocifisso, in Giovinazzo, Italy