Visit the Shrine of Padre Pio

La Chapel of Padre Pio It is located in the town of San Giovanni Rotondo, in southern Italy, and it is the second most visited Catholic site in the world. I imagine that the first is the Vatican, but it is surprising to know that this simple church where the remains of the Padre Pio of Pietrelcina it is so crowded.

This man, a monk and capuchin mystic well known for his devotion to God, for healing the sick and having certain mystical abilities, he died in 1968 and was declared a saint in 2002. Born Franceso Forgione on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcino, he came from a fervent Catholic family and became monk in 1903 to join the Capuchin order a year later. In 1916 he was sent to San Giovanni Rotondo and here he stayed for the rest of his 52 years of life.

It is said of him that he had mystical experiences and supernatural abilities, who could produce miracles, make prophecies, be in two places at the same time and read souls or converse with spirits and have daily communications with his guardian angel. He even had stigmata and it is said that due to his holiness he was constantly attacked by the Devil for which he always had visible marks, cuts and bruises.

Well, the sanctuary or chapel focuses on his tomb which is in turn inside the Santa Maria de la Gracia Church. Behind we see a modern gilesia built in 2004 that accommodates 6500 people and is the pilgrimage center. It is open every day and admission is free.