Friday, September 23, 2011

Hail, Saintly Confessor and Stigmatic

St. Pio of Pietrelcina


Today is the Feast of St. Pio of Pietrelcina (1887 AD - 1968 AD).  Padre Pio entered the Capuchins at the age of 16, received the stigmata at the age of 31 and died almost exactly fifty years later.  He suffered much in his life, spiritually as well as physically.  Padre Pio's wounds and other mystical gifts, such as the odor of sanctity and bilocation, were investigated many times; some investigators found them inexplicable, others accused Padre Pio of being "an ignorant and self-mutilating psychopath who exploited people's credulity."  Padre Pio was a sought after confessor, and is believed to have effected many cures.  More than 100,000 attended his funeral.

Words of wisdom from Padre Pio:

"Through the study of books one seeks God; by meditation one finds him."
"Pray, hope, and don’t worry."

St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us.

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