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Francesco Forgione, OFMCap, better known as Padre Pio and as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (25 May 1887 – 23 September 1968), was an Italian Franciscan Capuchin friar, priest, stigmatist, and mystic. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, celebrated on 23 September. Pio joined the Capuchins at fifteen and spent most of his religious life in the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo. He was marked by stigmata in 1918, leading to several investigations by the Holy See. (Stigmata in Catholicism, are bodily wounds, scars and pain which appear in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ: the hands, wrists, and feet.) Despite temporary sanctions imposed by the Vatican, his reputation kept increasing during his life, attracting many followers to San Giovanni Rotondo. He was involved in the construction of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a hospital built near the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo. After his death, his devotion continued to spread among believers all over the world. He was beatified on 2 May 1999 and canonized on 16 June 2002 by Pope John Paul II. His relics are exposed in the sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, next to the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo, now a major pilgrimage site. The UFN brochure states. "The Capuchin friar dedicated himself to healing the wounds of his neighbor and overcoming a culture of indifference, just as Jesus cared for the little ones. while those who overlook them make no room for God". Pope Francis remarked that the heritage of St. Pio of Pietrelcina are prayer groups. care of the sick (Casa Sollievo) and confessional: "These valuable legacies." the Holy Father said, "remind us of prayer, small-ness and the wisdom of life".  To mark the 50th anniversary of his death, St. Pio of Pietrelcina is commemorated by the Vatican with a single €1,10 stamp design along with a miniature sheet of four €1,10 stamps by artist Patrizio Daniele. Along with the smiling Pio, the stamp contains images to an angel, the Holy Spirit and a family. Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 1687 - 1687M Date Issued - 06 September 2018 Face Value - €1,10 Perforations - 13x13.25 Printing Process - Offset Printer - Joh Enschede (Netherlands) Max Printed - 200,000 |
| (Source - Vatican Notes: Volume: 66 Issue: 378 Page: 4-7 en.wikipedia.org) |
