(1887-1968) Born as Francesco Forgione to a southern Italian farming family, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans at 15 and was ordained at 22. Saint Pio is one of the most well-known saints today. He had extraordinary mystical gifts of the stigmata, reading of consciences, bilocation, miraculous healing, interpretation of languages, physical fights with the demonic, and much more.
“Prayer and charity, this is the most concrete synthesis of Padre Pio’s teaching” (Pope Saint John Paul II, canonization homily, June 16, 2002). His life was a model for blending Steps 11 and 12. Prayer and charity. Can you authentically have one without the other as a Catholic?
“Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life and without You I am without fervor. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light and without You I am in darkness. Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will” (Prayer of Saint Padre Pio after Communion).
Reflection by Brad Farmer