Pio of Pietrelcina

Francesco Forgione (Pietrelcina May 25, 1887 San Giovanni Rotondo - September 23, 1968), canonized Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, was an Italian priest. He took the name Pio when he joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. After his ordination to the priesthood he was very popularly known as Padre Pio.

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He had the stigmata for many years, and what was so unusual about Padre Pio's stigmata was that when it bled, the blood smelled of perfume or flowers. He acquired fame as a miracle worker and clairvoyant. He is described as having been a pious youth who often fell into "trances." He also developed a habit of self-flagellation. He is alleged by believers to have been able to bilocate and was granted a dispensation from ever saying the Novus Ordo Mass. On June 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II proclaimed the famous Padre Pio as Sanctus Pius a Pietrelcina. During his lifetime, Padre Pio was the subject of two official investigations conducted by the Holy See.

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May 25: May 25 is the 145th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (146th in leap years). There are 220 days remaining....

1887: 1887 is a common year starting on Saturday (click on link for calendar)....

San Giovanni Rotondo: San Giovanni Rotondo is the name of a city and comune in the Province of Foggia, Puglia region, Italy. It is located at with an elevation of 565 m (1854 ft) and a population of 26,078....