SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO, Italy — September 23 marks the feast day of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, widely known as Padre Pio, who died on September 23, 1968, at the age of 81.
Padre Pio, an Italian Capuchin friar and priest, is remembered by Catholics around the world for his life of prayer, priestly ministry and devotion to God. St. John Paul II once described him as a humble Capuchin friar who astonished the world through a life devoted to prayer and service to others.
According to accounts from his fellow Capuchins and spiritual children, Padre Pio remained committed to his priestly ministry despite his declining health during the final years of his life. Even when physically weak, he continued hearing confessions and celebrating Mass.
His condition worsened in September 1968. On September 20, he marked the 50th anniversary of receiving the stigmata. Thousands of pilgrims gathered in San Giovanni Rotondo for the occasion, while members of his worldwide prayer groups also attended an international congress.
Two days later, on September 22, Padre Pio celebrated Mass despite his severe weakness. During the Mass, he gave Holy Communion to pilgrims, including Anna Fanoni, who is described in devotional accounts as the last person to receive Communion from his hands.
That evening and into the early hours of September 23, Padre Pio repeatedly prayed and prepared for what appeared to be his final moments. He asked for confession, renewed his religious vows and requested prayers for his fellow Capuchins and spiritual children.
Shortly afterward, he suffered a severe respiratory attack followed by a heart attack. The attending physicians and Capuchins tried to assist him while prayers were offered at his bedside. He also received the Last Rites while remaining conscious.
At about 2:30 a.m. on September 23, 1968, Padre Pio died with his Rosary in his hands. Accounts from those present described his death as peaceful.
Following his death, the news quickly spread among Catholics and devotees worldwide. His funeral in San Giovanni Rotondo drew an estimated 100,000 people, according to accounts of the event. His remains were initially buried in a crypt beneath the main altar of the church.
Devotional accounts also describe numerous alleged healings and other favors attributed to Padre Pio’s intercession after his death. These include testimonies from people who said they experienced physical healing or received spiritual assistance after praying to him. Such accounts form part of the continuing devotion to Padre Pio, although individual supernatural claims are matters of religious belief and ecclesiastical investigation.
Padre Pio was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 2, 1999, and canonized on June 16, 2002. His feast day is observed annually on September 23.
For his devotees, Padre Pio remains a symbol of faith, prayer, humility and perseverance, with his life continuing to inspire people to seek God through prayer and service.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21
Source: https://www.facebook.com/PadrePioDevotions
