Padre Pio of Pietrelcina was ordained a priest on 10 August 1910. On the occasion of this very important anniversary, let us retrace together some of the stages in the life of the Saint. The miracles, the consecration, the stigmata and a virtual journey to discover the wonderful location of Pietrelcina in the province of Benevento in Campania.
Padre Pio of Pietrelcina: a life for the salvation of souls
Francesco Forgione was born on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina. The mother, Maria Giuseppa Di Nunzio, was very devoted to Saint Francis of Assisi and fervent Catholic. His influence was very important for the future friar. The desire to take on the role of a priest was felt from an early age. Suffice it to say that at the age of 5 he lived his first charismatic experiences and apparitions and at the age of 15 he was already wearing the role of probation becoming Brother Pio. He was the first priest to carry the signs of the cross on his body and he worked all his life and with all his strength to save souls.
Pietrelcina: the places of the Saint
There are many miracles and healings attributed to Padre Pio, but to get to know him fully you have to visit Pietrelcina. His life and that of his place of birth are indissolubly linked. In Pietrelcina he lived his childhood and adolescence until 1903. After leaving for the convent he returned and stayed there, except for brief commitments, until 1916. The name of the municipality in the province of Benevento derived from Petra Pucina namely small stone, as opposed to Petra Majuri (major stone), located on the other bank of the Tammaro river.
Church of the Holy Family, Convent of the Capuchin Fathers and Padre Pio Museum
The itinerary begins with the Church of the Holy Family and then move to the convent located in viale Cappuccini. Completed in 1928, it was indicated by Padre Pio himself to the archpriest of the time, Don Salvatore Pannullo. In addition to hosting the friars, it contains a small museum in which some are still preserved objects that belonged to the saint, such as the tunic which shows some traces of blood, used during his weekly scourging.
Mother Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli
Here, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina celebrated his first mass. From Porta Madonna you visit the ancient village, you meet the turret, refuge and place where he had his first visions.
Birthplace of Vico Storto della Valle
Continuing along the itinerary you will come across the birthplace of the saint. The house is located at number 27 of vico Storto Valle and consists of several rooms that overlook the same street. At number 28 there is the bedroom (which later became the dining room) and the kitchen with the fireplace. To the number 32, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina came to light.
Church of Sant'Anna
Located in the Castiello district, la Church of Sant'Anna preserves the relics of San Pio Martire. The relics, donated by the Carafa feudal lords, were the object of devotion and influenced the choice of the name. Also in this church, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina was baptized, received first communion and confirmation.
Chapel of San Francesco in Piana Romana
Piana Romana is a sacred place, built in 1958 right where the Forgione campaign. The chapel was built where the Saint used to gather in prayer. Here is kept the elm where he received the first stigmata and not far away you can find a well that he had built indicating the exact place where to find water. You can get there by taking the Way of the Rosary. It starts from the Castello district, near the Porta Madonnella and crosses the countryside.
Since he was a boy, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina used to walk it alone, reciting the rosary.
