The Capuchin habit of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, who is commonly known as Padre Pio, will be coming to the United States for several events.
This is the first time the habit has left Italy.
Capuchin friars from Padre Pio’s friary, Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, will visit Connecticut in October, and they are bringing the unique second-class relic with them. The friars will make stops at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, marking the first exhibit Oct. 11-14, followed by St. Pius X Church in Middletown Oct. 15, 16, and 18, and the Padre Pio Foundation of America in Cromwell Oct. 15-18, according to AD Today.
“This unprecedented visit from the friars of San Giovanni Rotondo is an amazing opportunity for us to be able to share a rare and intimate relic of Padre Pio with his devotees,” said Vera Marie Calandra, the vice president of the National Center for Padre Pio, according to the center’s website.
All three stops will include opportunities to venerate Padre Pio’s relic.
Padre Pio’s habit is “far more than a simple garment” because it is “a sacred symbol of his vocation, humility, and total devotion to Christ,” said Christina Calandra Rocus, administrative assistant at the National Center for Padre Pio, according to OSV News.
Rocus’ late mother, Vera Calandra, founded the center after meeting Padre Pio and being amazed by the saint’s holiness.
Padre Pio was born in 1887 and died in 1968. He entered the Capuchin Franciscans at the age of 15 and was ordained at 23. Pope Saint John Paul II canonized him in 2002.
St. Pio is often remembered today for having suffered from the stigmata, meaning he had wounds like those of Christ’s in his hands and feet. Padre Pio also reportedly had a painful wound on his right shoulder where Jesus would have carried the Cross. Other reputed stigmatists have included Saint Catherine of Sienna, Saint Francis of Assisi, and Saint Paul.
During his life, St. Pio was known as a powerful confessor. He would spend up to 15 hours a day hearing confessions.
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