St. Pius of Pietrelcina, priest

Saint of the Day for 23 - September

The story of one of the most beloved saints of our times began on 25 May 1887 in the Italian village of Pietrelcina. Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, Francesco Forgione, known by his religious name “Padre Pio,” spent his life focused on the Passion and Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A poor brother who prays

Born into a poor Italian farm family, from a young age Francesco Forgione desired to be a friar. When he was sixteen, he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Order, and took the name Brother Pius (Fra Pio). He was ordained to the priesthood in 1910; six years later, joined the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo. He spent many hours every day hearing Confessions. The height of his apostolic commitment was the celebration of the Holy Mass. He described himself as “a poor brother who prays.” “Prayer is the greatest weapon we have,” he said. It is “a key to open the heart of God.”

An extraordinary meeting

In 1948, Padre Pio heard the Confession of a young Polish priest, Father Karol Wojtyła, who thirty years later would ascend the throne of Peter, taking the name John Paul II. It was during John Paul’s pontificate that Padre Pio was declared blessed. During the rite of beatification, the Pope said that in the humble friar, we see the image of Christ suffering and risen. “His body,” he said, “marked by the ‘stigmata,’ showed the intimate connection between death and resurrection… Not less sorrowful, and humanly much more scorching, were the trials he had to suffer as a consequence, one could say, of his singular charisms.” For Padre Pio, “suffering with Christ” was a gift: “In contemplating the Cross on Jesus’ shoulders,” he said, “I always feel strengthened and I exult with holy joy… All that Jesus suffered in His Passion, I too have suffered, insofar as it is possible for a human creature.”

“Relief from suffering”

The life of Padre Pio also shows an intense commitment to alleviate the sufferings of families. In 1956 he inaugurated the “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” (the House of Relief from Suffering), a new state of the art hospita. “It is the apple of my eye,” the friar said when the hospital opened. “This is the creation that Providence, with your help, has created. Gaze at it in wonder, and with me bless the Lord God. He has place upon the earth a seed that He will warm with the His rays of love.”

Death

Padre Pio died during the night of 23 September 1968, at the age of 81. On 16 June 2002, he was proclaimed a saint by Pope John Paul II. In his homily, the Pope said, “The life and mission of Padre Pio prove that difficulties and sorrows, if accepted out of love, are transformed into a privileged way of holiness, which opens onto the horizons of a greater good, known only to the Lord."

Saint of the Day for 23 September

St. Linus, Pope

Prayer of the Day

"O St. Pius of Pietrelcina, priest, humble servant of God, who found true peace in solitude and prayer, intercede for us before the Lord. Help us seek unity and spiritual strength in times of tribulation, and guide us with your wisdom to the heart of the Holy Trinity. Amen."

On this day, may we reflect on the life of St. Pius of Pietrelcina, priest and draw inspiration from their total dedication to God, especially in challenging times.

Saint of the Day: The Importance of Daily Holiness

Every day, the Catholic Church commemorates one or more saints, recognizing their virtues and example of Christian life. The tradition of the Saint of the Day serves as a reminder of those who dedicated their lives to God, serving humanity with love and devotion.

Who Are the Saints?

Saints are men and women who faithfully followed the teachings of Christ throughout their lives. Many endured martyrdom for their faith, while others devoted themselves to prayer, charity, and evangelization. The Church canonizes them after a thorough process of recognizing their virtues and the miracles attributed to their intercession.

The Celebration of the Saint of the Day

Each saint is honored on a specific day, usually corresponding to the anniversary of their death—considered the day of their final union with God. This practice allows the faithful to learn more about these holy men and women and find inspiration in their spiritual journey.

The Spiritual Purpose

The celebration of the Saint of the Day is not just a historical remembrance but an invitation to reflection and prayer. The faithful are encouraged to seek the intercession of the saint being honored, asking for strength and inspiration to face daily challenges with faith and hope.

Learning about and celebrating the Saint of the Day strengthens our faith and provides concrete examples of Christian living. Each saint teaches us valuable lessons about perseverance, love for others, and dedication to God. May we be inspired by their stories and strive for greater holiness in our own lives.

Honoring the lives of the saints and celebrating their legacy is an opportunity to deepen our faith and embrace a path of holiness in our daily lives. Each saint offers a unique lesson in love, resilience, and devotion to God. May their stories inspire us to live with greater faith and purpose, following in the footsteps of Christ every day.