Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator
Today the Church remembers St. Pio or Pietrelcina, a 20th century Capuchin Franciscan who bore the brand marks of the crucifixion in his flesh. He is one of the most popular images of modern sainthood and the impetus behind many charitable deeds in Italy.
While much of the focus on "Padre Pio" focuses on the fact that he was a stigmatic, there are two other facts about him that inspire me. The first of these is his devotion to providing care for the sick. St. Pio lived in San Giovanni Rotondo, a city on the eastern side of the peninsula that is Italy. During his lifetime, St. Pio expended a great deal of energy building a hospital to provide adequate care for the sick of this region of Italy. Once the hospital was completed, St. Pio gave the hospital to the municipality which continues to run the hospital. Today San Giovanni Rotondo is renowned in Italy for this institution, Casa Sollievo della Soffernza (Home for the Relief of the Suffering), one of the most important hospitals and medical research facilities in all of Italy. Pilgrimages to San Giovanni Rotondo include this hospital as well as the pilgrim church of St. Pio.
The other aspect of St. Pio's life which inspires me is his devotion to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He knew the power of forgiveness. His devotion to the sacrament was evident by the many hours he spent hearing confessions, assisting them in restoring their relationship with their compassionate Father in heaven. Many a person was able to rebuild that relationship after falling away from their faith through his prayer and counsel.