Stigmata (singular stigma) is a term used by members of the Christian faith to describe bodily marks, sores, or sensations of pain in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ.
Stigmata are mystical phenomena where holy men or women receive some or all of the bodily wounds of Christ’s crucifixion. This tradition is a sign of closeness with God through sharing in Christ’s suffering. |
On Aug 5, 1918, Padre Pio received the mystical wound of love known as the transverberation or transfixion of the heart. The transverberation is a rare mystical gift of sanctifying grace, experienced by a small number of chosen souls in the history of Christianity. It is described in mystical theology as the extraordinary phenomenon in which a celestial being such as an angel or seraph is seen and pierces the heart or side with a lance.
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“The life, work and virtues of a Saint are an expression of Christ's mystery. A Saint is a person who at a certain time in history reveals the face of Christ to those around him.....Padre Pio brought the charisma of Saint Francis nearer to our day.” – Fr. Fidel Gonzales
(Source: An interview excerpt at the beatification of Padre Pio by EWTN) |
One of the outstanding characteristics of Padre Pio’s profound spirituality was his deep and abiding devotion to the Virgin Mary.
His love for Mary was one which was present from the early years of his childhood. It was a love that grew steadily in fidelity and devotion, lasting throughout his entire life |
Bilocation is a special gift of God where an individual can be in two places at once. God always uses this gift for acts of mercy or charity to be performed by the Saint, in circumstances where it is physically impossible for the Saint to be present under normal circumstances.
While the gift of bilocation has been given to countless saints. Probably one of the most frequently documented occurred in the extraordinary life of the beloved St Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968). |
It is said that when Padre Pio was very young, he began having visions of his guardian angel, and of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. Padre Pio was convinced that everyone could have the same visions he did.
Padre Pio had a close relationship with his Guardian Angel - He considered him his protector and a messenger of love. |
MiraclesPadre Pio's life was full of miracles, and the nature of the miracles was always divine. For this reason, Padre Pio invited people to thank God, the main and only source of miracles.
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