Saint Padre Pio
The founder of the International Padre Pio Prayer Group in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
The founder of the International Padre Pio Prayer Group in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
Padre Pio
Francesco Forgione was born in Pietrelcina on 25 May 1887 from Grazio Forgione and Maria Giuseppa De Nunzio. In 1901 he expressed a strong desire to become a friar following a meeting with Fra 'Camillo di Sant'Elia, a Capuchin friar of the Convent of Morcone. With great joy, his parents accepted his vocation and so, Father Grazio emigrated to America to guarantee him his years of study.
On January 6, 1903 Francesco entered the convent and on January 22 of the following year he made his profession of simple vows, taking the name of fra 'Pio.
On the morning of 10 August 1910, Padre Pio was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of Benevento and celebrated the first Mass in the Mother Church of Pietrelcina on 14 August.
The September 7, 1910 , in the family campaign of Piana Romana, under the large elm tree where he prayed, he received the first stigmata, which disappeared within a year.
In 1915 Padre Pio was called to arms. During medical examinations he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and was sent home.
In February 1916 he was inserted into the religious community of S. Anna in Foggia and on 28 July of the same year he was invited by the superior of San Giovanni Rotondo to the convent of the country in which he remained for the rest of his life.
On 20 September 1918 , in front of the Crucifix of the church of the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo, he received the stigmata in his hands, feet and side, signs of the passion of Christ.
In 1940 his great work Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza was planned, inaugurated May 5, 1956.
On September 22, 1968, Padre Pio celebrated his last Mass and in the early hours of September 23 he returned to the Father's house.
On January 6, 1903 Francesco entered the convent and on January 22 of the following year he made his profession of simple vows, taking the name of fra 'Pio.
On the morning of 10 August 1910, Padre Pio was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of Benevento and celebrated the first Mass in the Mother Church of Pietrelcina on 14 August.
The September 7, 1910 , in the family campaign of Piana Romana, under the large elm tree where he prayed, he received the first stigmata, which disappeared within a year.
In 1915 Padre Pio was called to arms. During medical examinations he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and was sent home.
In February 1916 he was inserted into the religious community of S. Anna in Foggia and on 28 July of the same year he was invited by the superior of San Giovanni Rotondo to the convent of the country in which he remained for the rest of his life.
On 20 September 1918 , in front of the Crucifix of the church of the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo, he received the stigmata in his hands, feet and side, signs of the passion of Christ.
In 1940 his great work Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza was planned, inaugurated May 5, 1956.
On September 22, 1968, Padre Pio celebrated his last Mass and in the early hours of September 23 he returned to the Father's house.
History of the Padre Pio Prayer Group
The Prayer Groups are the result of the priestly ministry of Padre Pio. To the faithful who came to him, Padre Pio recommended praying. Groups meet periodically (about once a month, always on the same day) they pray together, participate in Mass, meditate on the Holy Scriptures. The spiritual journey of each group is entrusted to a priest who guides him with the approval of his own Bishop. The annual program and the activities of each Prayer Group are not specific but are managed by the group itself, by any animators and leaders and by the spiritual guide.
Pope John Paul II’s Address to Pilgrims about the prayer group
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"Let us pray that all the prayer groups become 'Beacons of light to the world, and gardens of faith, and hearths of love, as St. Pio desired."