Pio of Pietrelcina, commonly known as Padre Pio, lived from 1887 till 1968. He was a friar, priest, stigmatist and mystic of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Padre Pio became famous for bearing the stigmata for most of his life. This condition generated much interest and controversy around him. He is now venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. (source Wikipedia)
Today, his place of death in Italy is a vivid pilgrimage site.
This entry introduces the movie Padre Pio.
The plot of following movie written by anonymous on IMDB (film score 7.7):
"The poor Italian peasant boy Francesco already has visions of Jesus and Mary as a child, but the Devil visits him too. He, Francesco, is quite certain that he will become a priest. After entering the Capuchin Order it becomes clear that Padre Pio (his new name) has powers which can not be explained rationally: he heals the sick, knows the names, problems and future of complete strangers. His prophesies the then unknown young Karol Wojtyla that he will become Pope one day. Padre Pio's charity and extatic prayers make an great impression on the people. In 1918 the Wounds of Christ appear on his hands and feet- Padre Pio carries the stigmata. His followers multiply, and the cult that grows up arround him makes his holy order and the Vatican uneasy. Many within the church consider him to be an hysteric or a trickster, since he only shows his wounds the one time when they first appeared. Padre Pio suffers reprisals, he is no longer allowed to carry out his role as a priest. The ordinary people however continue to believe in him and his miracles. Just before his death in 1968 there is a reconcilliation with the grand Visitator of the Vatican, who recognises him as a Saint." (Source IMDB)
Impression of San Giovanni Rotondo by Claudio Mortini
by uCatholic
(10:13)
The last mass of San Pio in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the day before he died. 'the stigmata and traces had almost disappeared by this time, he knew his end was near'
(4:49)
Update Febr 2016
Article in Huffington Post.
"The body of one of the most popular Roman Catholic saints, the mystic monk Padre Pio, began an overland journey in a crystal coffin on Wednesday to go on display at the Vatican."
Between the Camino del Norte and the Camino Frances you'll find this path. The Camino Lebaniego and Ruta Vadiniense.
About 240 km of initial mountainous parts, long stages, a lot of up and down, not too many albergues and probably not too many pilgrims. Keep this gem to yourself;-)
(Thank you for spotting, Mario)
BlogdiBruno
2015
(12:43)
See also this promotional presentation on the Lebaniego.
