Ten Fascinating Facts About Padre Pio

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Sense of humor, gift of bilocation, stigmata… Discover ten key facts about this great saint of the Catholic Church.

This May marks the 25th anniversary of the beatification of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968) by Pope John Paul II . On this occasion, discover the ten particularly striking facts about this Italian Capuchin friar which testify to his remarkable holiness.

1 A MYSTICAL COUNSELOR AND WISE CONFESSOR

Padre Pio had a remarkable ability to offer spiritual guidance to those who asked him for help. Countless people have found comfort and direction in their lives through his wisdom. Padre Pio was also a tireless confessor: he devoted up to 17 hours a day to confessions.  

2 BEARER OF THE STIGMATA

This Capuchin friar is known for having carried the wounds of Christ’s Passion on his hands, feet and right side, which are called the stigmata . He also received a wound on his shoulder, corresponding to Christ’s wound caused by carrying the cross. This stigmata phenomenon began in 1918 and continued until his death in 1968, and therefore lasted fifty years.

3 HIS GIFT OF BILOCATION  

Many stories relate that Padre Pio, sometimes called the “flying monk,” could be in two places at the same time, a phenomenon called bilocation. During World War II, several American pilots reported seeing him in the sky above San Giovanni Rotondo , protecting the town from bombing.

4 AN INTENSE PRAYER LIFE

Padre Pio was deeply devoted to prayer, spending several hours a day in intimate conversation with God. With humility, he said: “I am just a poor brother who prays”. Through his life, he demonstrates the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the Lord and the blessings that flow from it.

5 MIRACULOUS CURES

Many people claim to have experienced physical and spiritual healings through the intercession of Padre Pio. Indeed, there are many documented cases of people being unexpectedly healed of incurable illnesses after praying to Padre Pio for his intercession.

6 HIS SPECIAL CONNECTION WITH THE ANGELS

In his correspondence, Padre Pio repeatedly described encounters with angels . He once wrote to his confessor: “The celestial creatures never cease to visit me and make me taste the intoxication of the blessed.” These celestial angels also helped him against the attacks of the evil one.

7 HIS SENSE OF HUMOR

Although he was known for his great piety, Padre Pio also had a playful side. He was known for teasing and joking with those around him. His sense of humor won him many sympathies and demonstrated that holiness is not incompatible with joy and laughter.

8 A POLYGLOT SAINT

Padre Pio spoke Italian, Latin and some French, but inexplicably he was also able to communicate with visitors from around the world in their native language. Accounts report that he understood and responded to people speaking languages ​​he had never studied.

9 CONNECTION WITH NATURE

The animals seemed to be attracted to Padre Pio. There are many stories of birds and other creatures gathering around him at his outdoor masses. This connection with nature reflected his deep contemplation of God’s creation and added a mystical dimension to his spiritual gatherings.

10 MANIFESTATIONS OF MIRACLES

Padre Pio’s life was marked by many miracles, ranging from the multiplication of food, to the gift of bilocation . These miracles were signs of the presence and power of God in the life of this Capuchin friar, inspiring faith and devotion in those who witnessed them.

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