Franciscan, priest with stigmata. Spiritual guide and confessor with deep faith

Today we celebrate a modern and very popular saint. Padre Pio, a Franciscan, was famous for the gift of “stigmata”: when he was 31, the same wounds of the crucified Jesus appeared in his hands and on his side. Until a few minutes before his transfer to heaven, Padre Pio patiently carried these "wounds": hands pierced, bleeding. Just before he died, they disappeared completely. It was a peculiar way of participating in the Passion of Christ. —But Saint Pio of Pietrelcina imitated Jesus Christ, above all, with his life of generous dedication to others, especially administering the sacrament of Penance and devoting many hours to prayer.