Padre Pio: Commemorations mark the anniversary of his death

September 23 marks the anniversary of the death of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, who passed away in 1968 at the Convent of San Giovanni Rotondo. Born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, he joined the Capuchin order and was ordained a priest in 1910.

Padre Pio is widely recognized for receiving the stigmata in 1918, which he bore for over 50 years. He dedicated much of his ministry to the sacrament of confession and was known for his compassion toward human suffering. His legacy includes the establishment of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza hospital.

In regions such as Corigliano-Rossano, various religious initiatives and prayer sessions are organized to commemorate his life and spiritual impact, which continues to draw millions of devotees globally.