St. Padre Pio
“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart.”
Quick Facts
Born:
May 2, 1887
Died:
September 23, 1968
Feast Day:
September 23
Country:
Italy
Patron:
Stigmata, Franciscan Habit, Sacred Vestments
“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart.”
In this episode, Tom Shrewsbury explores the remarkable life and legacy of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, widely known as Padre Pio. Tom shares numerous anecdotes and historical details illustrating Padre Pio’s spiritual gifts, such as bilocation, the stigmata, and his ability to read souls. He delves into Padre Pio’s early life, his harsh conditions in seminary, his lifelong challenges with health, and his ultimate reception of the stigmata, which he bore until his death.
Tom recounts many miraculous events associated with Padre Pio, including unexplained healings and visions, highlighting his global impact on those of faith during and after his lifetime. Noteworthy is the story of how Padre Pio was purportedly seen by an American bomber pilot during WWII, leading to the pilot aborting his mission. Tom also touches on the skepticism and investigations Padre Pio faced regarding the authenticity of his stigmata and the eventual recognition of his sanctity leading to his canonization by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
The episode paints Padre Pio as a humble servant of God, whose life was marked by suffering, profound spiritual encounters, and an enduring commitment to the confessional, where he guided countless individuals on their spiritual journeys. In conclusion, Tom emphasizes Padre Pio’s lasting influence as a model of faith and his continual presence in the prayers of the faithful.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Padre Pio – Tom Shrewsbury introduces Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, detailing his unique spiritual gifts and wide-reaching influence, despite his personal aversion to fame. [00:00:00]
Chapter 2: Miraculous Intervention – An exploration of a miraculous event attributed to Padre Pio’s prayers involving a mother of four and the future Pope John Paul II. [00:02:03]
Chapter 3: Early Years – The early life of Padre Pio from his birth in Pietrelcina to his first mystical experiences and decision to join the religious life. [00:03:48]
Chapter 4: Seminary and Visions – Details about Padre Pio’s time in the seminary, his struggles with health, and his profound spiritual visions. [00:05:15]
Chapter 5: Path to Priesthood – The journey of Padre Pio’s ordination, illustrated by stories of bilocation and early signs of his extraordinary spiritual gifts. [00:06:42]
Chapter 6: Spiritual Battles and Stigmata – Discusses the significant moment Padre Pio received the stigmata while explaining his spiritual battles and their impact. [00:11:03]
Chapter 7: Challenges and Scrutiny – An account of the scrutiny Padre Pio faced from both medical professionals and his own religious order regarding the authenticity of his stigmata. [00:12:45]
Chapter 8: Daily Life and Ministry – A glimpse into the daily rituals and intense ministry work of Padre Pio, detailing his dedication to confession and spiritual guidance. [00:15:13]
Chapter 9: Trials and Triumphs – Covers the periods of accusation and later vindication that marked Padre Pio’s life, along with the growth of his public masses. [00:16:27]
Chapter 10: Enduring Influence and Miracles – The broad influence of Padre Pio, evidenced by miraculous stories and the establishment of a hospital. [00:19:35]
Chapter 11: Protection and Prophecy – The episode recounts wartime miracles attributed to Padre Pio and his prophecy concerning the new church. [00:20:50]
Chapter 12: Final Days and Canonization – Summarizes Padre Pio’s last days, the completion of the church as foretold, and his path to sainthood. [00:24:55]
Chapter 13: Conclusion – Tom concludes with reflections on the relevance of Padre Pio’s life and legacy for contemporary believers. [00:26:11]
St. Padre Pio, known by his birth name Francesco Forgione, was born on May 25, 1887, in Italy. From a young age, he showed a deep devotion to God and a strong desire to embrace a life of faith. At the age of 15, he entered the Capuchin Friars, a religious order, and took on the name Pio. Throughout his life, Padre Pio experienced numerous spiritual phenomena, including stigmata, the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side. Despite facing skepticism and scrutiny, he remained steadfast in his faith and dedicated himself to serving others through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where he became renowned for his ability to read souls and provide spiritual guidance. He was known for his compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to prayer. St. Padre Pio passed away on September 23, 1968, leaving behind a legacy of faith and miraculous healings, and was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
Tom Shrewsbury (1930-2012) was born in Springfield, MO. He spent several years in the professional theatre where he worked with such celebrities as Vincent Price, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.
An initiative of Covenant Network