Padre Pio was born of simple, hardworking farming people on 25 May 1887 in Pietrelcina Southern Italy. He was tutored privately until his entry into the Capuchin Friars at the age of 15. Of feeble health but strong will, with the help of grace he completed the required studies and was ordained a priest in 19l0. On the 20th of September 1918, the five wounds of our Lord's Passion appeared on his body, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church. Countless numbers were attracted to his confessional and many more received his saintly and spiritual guidance through correspondence. His whole life was marked by long hours of prayer and continual austerity. His letters to his spiritual directors reveal the ineffable sufferings physical and spiritual, which accompanied him all through his life. They also reveal his very deep union with God, his burning love for the Blessed Eucharist and our Blessed Lady. Worn out by over half a century of intense suffering and constant apostolic activity in San Giovanni Rotondo, he was called to his heavenly reward on 23 September 1968. After a public funeral which attracted almost 100,000, his body was entombed in the crypt of Our Lady of Grace Church. Increasing numbers flock to his tomb from all parts of the world and many testify to spiritual and temporal graces received. The steps taken in the Process of Padre Pio's beatification are the following: 20 March 1983 the Diocesan Process was begun; 21 January 1990, the aforesaid Process was closed; 18 December 1997, the reading of the decree on the heroicity of the virtues; 21 December 1998, the publication of the decree on the miracle Sunday, 2 May 1999, John Paul II declared Padre Pio Blessed. On the 16th of June 2002 his Canonisation took place in St Peter's Square, you might like to click on the link below to see some pictures of the wonderful ceremony.

Canonisation of St Pio de Pietrelcina 16th of June 2002