Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Today is the feast day of St. Pio of Pietrelcina. He passed away 40 yrs today. Padre Pio as he was affectionately called, has been very special to mommy's family. Mommy's grandmother MeMaw loved him. Also the day before Poppie passed away his Dr. gave Didi one of his prayer cards. Mommy has always found a special place for him in her heart. He was an amazing Christ-like example. His stories are very profound. He suffered greatly, and was an apostolate for souls.

Our family was very blessed to be able to go to a Mass dedicated to him as well as view/touch some of his relics.

We were so blessed to be at Mass with Didi, Nanny Cindy, Caleb, Ben, Gracie, and Elijah. Emma, unfortunately thought it was more a social than the Holy Mass. After Mass we heard a brief testimony from someone who knew him personally. Wow! After the testimony the congregation was able to view/touch the relics.

This lasted for a good while. Once we were in line Emma & Madeline were amazing. The lady in front of us held Emma's hand, and the lady in back Ms. Lolli(affectionately called by her grandkids and her husband is Pop, Lollipop, I thought it was adorable sorry), held Madeline. The first relic was an actual piece of the Cross Jesus died on. Talk about WOW!!!!! The second was a glove St. Pio wore, and you could see the marks of blood from the gift of Stigmata. Wow again! The third was a few snippings from his beard, a picture of him, and a few feathers from his pillow. The fourth and final relic was a piece of his Capuchin. For all those who don't know what that is: The Capuchin monks(A Francisican Order in the catholic Church, actually the first to make cappucinos, hince the name), wear a long brown hooded robe and it is called a Capuchin.

Wow, what a blessing and honor. For all of you not familiar with St. Pio here is a website of his biography: http://www.padrepio.catholicwebservices.com/ENGLISH/Biogr.htm