Washington D.C., Aug 28, 2017 / 11:06 am
Relics of St. Padre Pio will soon be touring the United States, as the second half of a two-part tour reaches a number of dioceses across the country next month.
After being on display for veneration at cathedrals across America from May 6-21, the relics will again be visiting dioceses from September 16 – October 1 this year.
The tour is taking place to commemorate the 130th anniversary of Padre Pio's birth, and the 15th anniversary of his canonization. It is being sponsored by the Saint Pio Foundation, which works to promote awareness of the saintly priest and continue his work. The foundation raises funds for American Catholic healthcare as well as educational, social, religious, and cultural organizations.
Padre Pio was born Francesco Forgione in Pietrelcina, Italy on May 25, 1887.
He voiced a desire for the priesthood at age 10 and entered the Capuchin order at age 15, taking the name Pio. At the age of 23, he was ordained a priest.
The saint was widely known during his lifetime as a mystic. He dedicated much of his priesthood to hearing confessions. People would travel from around the world to have their confessions heard by Padre Pio, as he had the gift of being able to read souls.
He also received the stigmata, or the wounds of Christ, and was known for being able to heal people. He was reported to bi-locate, or appear in two locations at once.
Padre Pio died Sept. 23, 1968 and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
An earlier version of this article was originally published on CNA May 2, 2017.