Miracles in the Life of Padre Pio
The life of Padre Pio (1887-1968), from childhood to death, is filled with extraordinary events transcending natural laws. The Lord endowed this humble and simple man with astonishing mystical gifts that leave science perplexed. All mystical phenomena described below are detailed in reference works (see end of article) containing authenticated testimonies.
Childhood
From childhood, Padre Pio (Francesco Forgione) lived exceptional mystical experiences. As a child, he saw his guardian angel whom he considered his best friend. He also had apparitions of saints, the Virgin Mary (from age 5), and Jesus. Padre Pio had the "gift of tears" since childhood – when praying, he would shed floods of tears to the point of forming puddles at his feet. This earned him mockery from peers, so he adopted the habit of spreading a large handkerchief when kneeling to pray.
The Stigmata
In 1910 at Pietrelcina, Padre Pio received Christ's Holy Wounds on his hands, feet, and side. From September 20, 1918, the stigmata of Jesus' Passion became visible to all. Padre Pio had mittens and long sleeves made to conceal these wounds, which quickly became a curiosity attracting large crowds. The Church viewed these external signs unfavorably and sought to prove they resulted from imagination or self-mutilation. Yet numerous doctors who examined Padre Pio rejected both hypotheses, noting the wounds never disappeared (except inexplicably during his last Mass), didn't suppurate, and didn't become infected unlike natural wounds. The stigmata were ultimately authenticated as supernatural by Dr. Festa in 1919.
The Transverberation
On August 5, 1918, while hearing confessions, Padre Pio experienced transverberation: a celestial being pierced his heart with a flaming spear. He wrote to his confessor: "It was like a fiery sword piercing my soul and setting my heart ablaze with ardent love for Jesus". Saint Teresa of Ávila is another saint who experienced transverberation.
Bilocation
Padre Pio's bilocations are attested by numerous documented testimonies. They demonstrate his presence in two places simultaneously: while friars saw him in his San Giovanni Rotondo monastery, witnesses encountered him miles away at the same time. This always occurred for spiritual purposes, for the salvation of souls. For example, he prevented General Luigi Cadorna's suicide in 1917 by visiting his office as he prepared to fire the fatal shot. Anglo-American pilots also reported that while flying over Mount Gargano to bomb, they saw a monk with wounded hands in the sky forbidding them to drop bombs. The pilots later came to San Giovanni Rotondo and recognized Padre Pio as the monk seen in the sky.
Demonic Attacks
From childhood, Padre Pio endured demonic attacks. This phenomenon isn't rare in saints' lives, as where the Lord accomplishes great works of salvation, the devil rages. These demonic attacks were extremely violent, and the Capuchin friars in his monastery observed objects moving alone, overturned beds, heard strange noises, and noted bruises and contusions on the saint's face and body after these assaults.
The Gift of Reading Souls
Thousands flocked from everywhere to confess to Padre Pio. He had the gift of reading souls: he knew in advance what people would say and what they hid. This gift helped him assist penitents and encourage them to confess sins. Countless testimonies recount the profound transformation experienced during confession with Padre Pio. Here's one example among many: A doctor once came to San Giovanni Rotondo with his wife. This man was having an affair and planned to kill his wife. While in the sacristy, Padre Pio walked straight to him, shook his arm, and said: "Wretched man, don't you know you must not stain your hands with your wife's blood?" Hearing this, the man fled in terror, wandering near the monastery for two days. After this period, he repented and decided to confess. At confession's end, Padre Pio told him: "You always desired a son – God will grant this grace. You'll have a son who will be your family's bond."
Padre Pio also had the gift of prophecy. For example, in 1947 he informed a young Polish student named Karol Wojtyła that one day he would become pope.
The Mass
Padre Pio relived the Passion during every Mass he celebrated. The consecration could last fifteen minutes as the monk became a living host, approaching the altar as if ascending Calvary to gather redemption's treasures.
Other Mystical Gifts of Padre Pio
The Capuchin saint had the gift of seeing deceased souls. Some souls from Purgatory were permitted by God to visit him, for instance to request Masses for their deliverance from Purgatory.
Padre Pio had apparitions of the Virgin Mary throughout his life. He once responded to a question: "The Blessed Mother accompanies me to the altar and remains beside me while I say Mass".
Padre Pio had the gift of exorcism and repeatedly cast out demons through exorcism prayers.
The saint had the gift of tongues (glossolalia). During confession, he heard people (Germans, French, etc.) speak to him in Italian, while they heard him respond in their native language.
Padre Pio suffered violent fevers (hyperthermia) that shattered thermometers. Using a bath thermometer, a nurse recorded 48°C (118°F). Additionally, he ate little or nothing (living only on the Eucharist for 21 days – called inedia). Similarly, he slept extremely little.
Padre Pio also had the gift of invisibility, using it once to get fresh air while crowds pressed at the confessional. He could also walk above crowds (levitation).
Padre Pio experienced mystical marriage – the soul's mystical union with Christ. He wore a ring given by Jesus, visible only to him.
Pray to Padre Pio with Hozana!
Pray Padre Pio's irresistible novena. He habitually recommended this powerful novena to those hoping for great graces.
. For 10 days, receive daily: a spiritual counsel from Padre Pio, a short meditation, and a prayer to grow in faith following his example!
