Padre Pio knew he was devoted to God in early childhood; “Even as a young boy, Francesco (Later Pio) had already shown signs of extraordinary gifts of grace. At the age of five, he dedicated his life to God. From his early childhood, he showed a remarkable recollection of spirit and a love for the religious life.”
At 15, he entered the seminary, “One of the novices stated, “There was something which distinguished him from the other students. Whenever I saw him, he was always humble, recollected, and silent. What struck me most about Brother Pio was his love of prayer.”
His piety led others to return to faith. “To his spiritual children he would say, “It seems to me as if Jesus has no other concern but the sanctification of your soul.”
For the faithful departed, he said, “We must empty Purgatory with our prayers.”
At his death, “His last words were Gesú, Maria – Jesus, Mary – which he repeated over and over until he breathed his last. He had often declared, “After my death I will do more. My real mission will begin after my death.”
Padre Pio pray for us!