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Born Francesco Forgione to pious peasants in Pietrelcina in the province of Benevento, Italy, Pio was an ordinary child marked with sincere interest in the devout life. Very early he felt attracted to religious life and this desire was focused upon the Capuchin Franciscans.
In 1903 Francesco entered the Capuchins and took the name Pio. He made perpetual vows in 1907 and was ordained a priest in 1910, the same year the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, first appeared. Pio became the first known stigmatized priest in the history of the Church. Genuine stigmata are a mystical manifestation in physical reality of God’s grace and the love between the chosen soul and the Divine Lover. The stigmatic enters into the depths of the mystery of the Redemption, into intimate sharing of the moral and physical sufferings of Christ for the salvation of souls. Accompanying this signal grace were many other mystical gifts, causing many to hail Pio as a wonder worker.
However, Pio was not beatified because of these extraordinary phenomena. He became holy by the heroic practice of the Virtues, his fidelity to his vocation and his mission as a priest in the Church. He spent hours in the confessional and was known for the manner in which he celebrated the Eucharist. Pio also established a hospital known as the Home to Relieve Suffering. His apostolate and influence quickly spread worldwide, making him one of the most popular religious figures in modern times. Pio died at his monastery on 23 September 1968.
This icon celebrates the beatification of Padre Pio. He is depicted with one hand raised in blessing and the other hand holding the rosary that he constantly prayed. The image is inspired by a vision of Pio appearing in a fiery sky while blessing the world.
(This narrative is printed on the back of Note Cards. A copy is included with each plaque, poster and photo.)
A Prayer of Padre Pio
May Jesus comfort you in all your afflictions; may he sustain you in dangers, watch over you always with his grace, indicate the safe path that leads to eternal salvation, and may he render you always dearer to his divine heart and always more worthy of paradise. Amen.
(This prayer is printed on the back of Prayer Cards only.)
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© Terrance Nelson
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