Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Padre Pio was a Franciscan friar born in the little village of Pietrelcina in 1887. He suffered terrible bronchial health throughout his life so lived in the friary high up in the hilltop small town of San Giovanni Rotondo. 

A controversial figure for many, including the Vatican authorities who forbade him from celebrating Mass for a many of years, he had 'the marks of Christ' the stigmata on his hands.  He had vivid visions and conversations with Jesus, Virgin Mary and 'wrestled with the Devil' .

People from all walks of life came to seek out his prayers and wisdom in confession as his supernatural gifts of healing and knowing people's intimate lives.