– He bore the wounds of Jesus Christ for fifty years.
– He was known for his gift of spiritual insight and discernment, including the ability to read consciences.
– He received the gift of bilocation, that is, the ability to be present in another place without physically leaving where he was.
– He performed many miracles during his lifetime.
– He was known for the mysterious and pleasant fragrances associated with him.
– He spoke Italian, yet people from different nations and linguistic backgrounds were able to understand him.
– He sometimes spent more than eighteen hours a day hearing confessions.
– He celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass every day, and at times it lasted more than three hours.
– He founded prayer groups that spread throughout the world.
– He founded the hospital Home for the Relief of Suffering, considered one of the largest hospitals in Europe.
He prayed the Rosary constantly, meditating with Mary on the mysteries of the life of Jesus, and recited at least five Rosaries each day. He died while praying the Rosary.
One of the doctors who was present at his bedside during his final moments described them as follows:
“He was passing the Rosary beads through his fingers and moving his lips in response to the prayers until the very last moment of consciousness.”
Padre Pio also encouraged his spiritual daughters to pray several Rosaries each day.
Among his sayings:
“May the peace of Christ be with you.
Whether you are in pain or in happiness,
in sorrow or in joy,
alone or with others,
never forget that God loves you,
helps you, and walks beside you.
Love Him too.
Take courage! Jesus takes care of everything.”
