Saint Padre Pio

Born: 1887 in Italy (as Francesco Forgione)

Died: 1968

Priest, friar and mystic, he decided by age 5 to dedicate his life to God.

His 5 spiritual rules were: daily Communion, weekly confession, examining one’s conscience, meditation & spiritual reading.

Experienced “stigmata” – his body becoming marked & feeling pain in areas of his body mirroring Christ’s crucifixion wounds.

Had spiritual gifts – healing powers levitation, miracles, prophecy, etc.

Said: “Pray, hope, don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayers.”