Born in 1887, Padre Pio is not yet canonized. Francesco, named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, was one of eight children of Grazio and Maria Forgione. Francesco was very devout even as a child, and at an early age felt drawn to the priesthood. He became a Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and received the "habit" in 1902. Francesco was ordained to the priesthood in 1910 after seven years of study and became known as Padre Pio.
On September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion. The doctor who examined Padre Pio could not find any natural cause for the wounds.
Padre Pio describes what happened in a letter that he wrote to his spiritual advisor, Padre Benedetto.
"On the mourning of the 20th of last month, in the choir, after I celebrated Mass, I yielded to a drowsiness similar to sweet sleep. All the internal and external senses and even the very faculties of my soul were immersed in......
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