Pio Of Pietrelcina Research Paper

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina was a man of miracles and wonders. Not only did he create a long string of controversial accounts of apparitions and visions, he also created a legacy of followers, all praying to him for miracles and guidance. Famously known for the stigmata, amongst many other supernatural occurrences, he was a determined man dedicated to his vocation of service and prayer. We can all only hope to be as dedicated to our goals as he was, especially during those fifty years of suffering with the stigmata. I chose Padre Pio as my saint for his dedication to his mission and his immense love for God as shown through the many years of his life. According to Allegri’s biography on Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Pio was born as Francesco …show more content…
Francesco mainly considered joining the Capuchins since he knew a Capuchin monk that he had grown to be fond of named Brother Camillo. Unfortunately, when Francesco was recommended to be sent to the monastery, it was soon found out that there was no room for Francesco there. He was initially disappointed, but still firm in his decision to be a Capuchin once he learned that no other order could wear beards like the Capuchins could. Then, a letter arrived telling him that there was enough space for him and preparations were being made for him to join. Upon entering, the new candidates of the novitiate had to strip their old clothing which symbolized their cut ties with the old worldly way and the formation of the new ties with the novitiate. Also, they were given new names which made Francesco Forgione, a sixteen year-old, into Brother Pio of Pietrelcina. Usually, the new candidates go into a period of great suffering and poverty where they are tested to see if they are able to withstand the harsh life of the friary. Pio had a hard time adjusting to these rules but he still followed them with much spiritual devotion. On January 22, 1904, Pio then finished his novitiate year. During his stay at the monastery, he suffered under several strange illnesses, and had to live a different life from the rest of the seminarians as a result of this. During 1906, Brother Pio experienced some strange events during his stay at the monastery that would disappear as soon as he entered his own house back in Pietrelcina. He would experience ecstasy during prayer and he reported that he would often be attacked by the devil. Satan would scare him and beat him almost until Pio would die and he would also suffer symptoms of the flu and other illnesses. Still, he was dedicated to his studies in the seminary. Padre Pio continued to suffer from many pains of illnesses, but eventually improved slightly