A statue stands here in Piazza Magione. This statue represents Padre Pio. The story of the Padre Pio statue in Palermo is still not entirely clear.
Some years ago, residents of the Kalsa district brought this statue here. It is made of marble dust. The statue was then surrounded by hedges and a wooden structure. This was an unauthorized attempt to protect it.
The municipality fought for months to remove the statue. But it eventually surrendered to the persistence of citizens. They fought to keep it there. They even found a priest to bless it.
Padre Pio was born Francesco Forgione. He was born May 25 1887. His birthplace was Pietrelcina. It is in the province of Benevento. Padre Pio died September 23 1968. He died in San Giovanni Rotondo. He was 81 years old.
Padre Pio was an Italian Capuchin friar. He was a priest and a mystic. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. His feast day is September 23.
At fifteen, Pio joined the Capuchins. He spent most of his religious life in San Giovanni Rotondo. In 1918, he received stigmata. This led to investigations by the Holy See. Despite sanctions, his reputation grew. Many followers came to San Giovanni Rotondo. Padre Pio founded the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza. This is a hospital near the convent.
After his death, his devotion spread worldwide. Pope John Paul II beatified him on May 2 1999. He was canonized on June 16 2002. His relics are in the Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. It is next to the convent in San Giovanni Rotondo. This is now a major pilgrimage site.
Padre Pio’s parents were peasant farmers. He was baptized in the Santa Anna Chapel. He had an older brother and three younger sisters. Two other siblings died in infancy. He said he decided to dedicate his life to God at age five. He worked on the land until he was ten.
Pietrelcina celebrated saints’ feast days. The Forgione family was deeply religious. They attended Mass daily. They prayed the Rosary nightly. They abstained from meat three days a week.
As a youth, Francesco had heavenly visions. In 1897, he wanted to become a friar. His parents took him to Morcone. The friars said he needed more education.
His father went to the United States to pay for tutoring. Francesco received Confirmation on September 27 1899. On January 6 1903, he joined the Capuchin friars. On January 22, he became Fra Pio. He honored Pope Pius I. He took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Pio studied for the priesthood. At 17, he fell ill. He had loss of appetite and insomnia. He also had exhaustion, fainting spells, and migraines. During prayers, he seemed to be in a stupor. A friar claimed to see him levitating.
In August 1910, Archbishop Paolo Schinosi ordained Pio a priest. Four days later, he offered his first Mass. He stayed in Pietrelcina until 1916 due to his health. He also cared for his family. During these years, Padre Pio wrote mystic letters to spiritual directors.
On September 4 1916, Pio moved to Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary. It was in San Giovanni Rotondo. He remained there until his death in 1968. Padre Pio performed successful conversions to Catholicism.
Padre Pio was devoted to rosary meditations. He compared weekly confession to dusting a room. He advised meditation and self-examination twice daily. He said to pray, hope, and don’t worry. He directed Christians to recognize God in all things.
Many people traveled to meet him. Pio’s mother died in 1928. In 1938, his father came to live with him. His brother Michele also moved in.
Now you know a little more about Padre Pio. You also know the story of this statue dedicated to him. It’s a testament to the power of faith. It shows the dedication of Palermo’s citizens.