Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: a mystic and priest

The feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina is celebrated every year on 23 September. Saint Pio of Pietrelcina is a priest and mystic, known for his devotion to God and his ability to perform miracles. He is often invoked for spiritual guidance and intercession for spiritual needs. Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, guide for devotion to God, pray for us to be instruments of devotion to God and miracles.

Who is Saint Pio of Pietrelcina?

His story

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as Padre Pio, was an Italian Catholic priest born in 1887 and died in 1968. He is best known for his stigmatizations, or marks similar to the wounds of Christ, which he received in 1918 and which lasted until his death. St. Pio is considered by many believers to be a modern-day saint, for his ability to perform miracles and to heal illnesses through prayer. He also founded a monastery dedicated to the contemplative life and prayer.

His significance

St Pio of Pietrelcina is best known for his miraculous healing abilities, his visions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary and for the stigmata he received in 1918, marks on his hands and feet that represent the wounds of Jesus on the cross. Saint Pio is considered an intercessor for people seeking spiritual and physical healing.

Celebration of the Feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Religious rituals

Religious rituals around the feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina often include masses, processions, prayers and blessings, as well as reading his writings and meditating on his exceptional spiritual life. Many pilgrims also travel to San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, where Padre Pio's tomb is located, to walk the paths he walked and pray in the church dedicated to him. People often turn to St Pio for healing, comfort and spiritual guidance, and also ask him to pray for them and their loved ones.

Prayer to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

O Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, you who have dedicated your life to serving the Lord and helping others, please watch over me and give me your blessing.

Help me to follow your example of dedication, compassion and faith.

May your soothing and comforting presence give me the strength to face life's challenges and pursue my dreams with courage and determination.

May your prayer protect me from temptations and obstacles, and may I find peace and joy in following your teaching.

I thank you, O Saint Pio, for your exemplary life and spiritual wisdom, and I ask you to continue to watch over me and all those I love.

Amen.