11 The gifts: PROPHECY

Form above

Padre Carmelo

Padre Carmelo, superior of the convent, asked Padre Pio for advice about a situation he was going through. Padre Pio answered that he would pray. Days later he asked again and got the same answer. Padre Carmelo was surprised that he had to wait so long for an answer. Padre Pio: “My son, if the answer doesn’t come from above what I can say?”^[1]

Up there

Padre Pio with Padre Eusebio Notte

Padre Eusebio Notte asked Padre Pio why he couldn’t say to him something about a future event he had asked for. Padre Pio: “If nobody up there says something, what answer can I give?”^[2]

I know that I know

In confession a person was so nervous that couldn’t say a word. Finally he said: “Padre, you know all.” Padre Pio: “I know that I know but you have to tell me your sins.”^[3]

Priest

Padre Paolo Covino

Padre Paolo Covino on September 19, 1968 asked Padre Pio if his nephew would become a priest. Padre Pio: “Yes, and he will be a good religious.” His nephew was ordained priest on July 25, 1976.”^[4]

Pregnancy

Filippo De Capua’s wife pregnancy was not going well, and the specialists in Napoli and Foggia had said that either the mother or the child will die at delivery. Filippo asked Padre Pio for prayers. Padre Pio said: “Neither the mother nor the child will die.”

The days passed and Filippo started doubting. He asked Padre Costantino to remind Padre Pio about his wife. Padre Pio: “Tell him that if something happens, it will be as a result of his lack of faith. It is not yet written in the decrees of God. But if something happens, it will be for his lack of faith.”

Things went well just as Padre Pio had said.^[5]

After my death

Padre Ambrogio told Padre Pio: “We have very little breathing space. We hear confession endlessly, and we have to take care of so many requests, and of so many people asking for something.” Padre Pio: “Wait to see later on, after my death!”^[6]

Time to go

Padre Pio went to visit his dying friend Don Peppino Massa on March 19, 1947. Padre Pio heard his confession and comforted him. Then he added: “The hour of your encounter with Christ has not arrived yet. You still have a little time to go.”

Don Peppino died in July of 1947.^[7]

Alberto

Padre Alberto D'Apolito with Padre Pio

Alberto D’Apolito in the summer of 1919 went with his uncle Padre Clemente to see Padre Pio. Padre Pio asked him if he wanted to become a friar. Alberto answered that wanted to become a Salesian priest. Padre Pio: “You will be a friar like your uncle.”

Alberto entered the seminary that October, and became a Capuchin friar.^[8]

Water

During the building of the convent and church of the Holy Family in Pietrelcina, the builders had shortage of water. They decided to ask Padre Pio for help. At that time Padre Pio was in San Giovanni Rotondo. He was shown the blueprint of the construction site.  He placed his finger on a spot and said: “Dig five meters from here, and you will find all the water you need.”

They did, and the abundant water was used for building, but also for the needs of the town.^[9]

6-4=2

Padre Alberto D'Apolito far left of Padre Pio in this picture.

Padre Alberto: “There were six of us in the Capuchin seminary. Padre Gaetano da Ischia Castro asked how many would be ordained priests. He replied: “Only two.” In fact only Padre Cristoforo and I were ordained. The others left.”^{[10] [11]}

25-20=5

In 1930 Padre Fortunato asked Padre Pio how many of the twenty five students in the seraphic college would become friars. Padre Pio said: “Only five”. Padre Paolo Covino confirmed in 1992 that only five of the students had become friars.^[12]

Die healthy

Cleonice Morcaldi with Padre Pio

Cleonice Morcaldi witnessed a woman telling Padre Pio passing in the hallway: “Padre, heal me, I am always in the hospitals.” Padre Pio replied: “My daughter, I was born sick, I have been sick all my life, and - grinning to a nearby friar – I will die healthy.”  (Padre Pio died in his chair, of no specific illness, with the wounds completely healed).[13] 

The policeman

A policeman was on duty near Padre Pio during an official function. Padre Pio took him apart and told him: "Go home to your parents. In a week you are going to die." "But I'm perfectly healthy" the man replied. "You will be even better in a week" Padre Pio insisted. The man listened to the advice, went on leave, and once at home he told his parents what Padre Pio had said. A week later he suddenly had a heart attack and died.^[14] 

Modesto Vinelli

The photographer Modesto Vinelli testified that he used to see Padre Pio almost daily and take pictures of him. One day at the end of 1918 Padre Pio told him: "Modesto, we have fifty years ahead of us."

He was also taking pictures on the day of the 25th anniversary, in 1943. Padre Pio told him: "Modesto remember that we still have 25 years to go."

On September 20, 1968, Padre Pio told him: "Modesto, the fifty years are over."

Padre Pio died three days later. Modesto lived until 1983.^{[15] [16]}

Call him Pio

Kneeling while Padre Pio was passing in the hallway, a man told him: "Father, My wife is expecting. What name should we give to the boy?" "Call him Pio". The man replied: "And if it is a girl?" "Call him Pio", insisted Padre Pio. It was a boy.^{[17] [18] [19]}

Two years later the same man made a similar request, and Padre Pio said: “Call him Francesco.” It was also a boy. ^[20]

M.I.A.

Two moms from Bologna asked about their WWII MIA sons. To the first one Padre Pio said: “He is in good health and there are good hopes. He will return home in a few months”. He was back at home after three months.

To the other mom Padre Pio said: “He too will return soon.” He was home in one month.^[21]

Cardinal Montini

On June 3, 1963 Pope John XXIII died. The friars kept pestering Padre Pio about the Conclave, until he said: “It’s going to be Montini. Now will you be quiet?” On June 23, 1963 Montini was elected Pope Paul VI.^[22]

Pope Montini

In 1959 Card. Montini of Milan gave to Alberto Galletti a message for Padre Pio, asking for particular prayers. Padre Pio told Alberto that he promised fervent prayers, and also told Alberto to inform that he would be elected pope, adding: “Do you understand what you are to tell him?  Tell him so because he must get ready.” Card. Montini was taken by surprise, and told Alberto: “Oh! The strange knowledge of the saints!”^{[23] [24]}

Padre Luca da Vico del Gargano

On August 19, 1947 Padre Luca told Padre Pio that he wouldn’t like to be transferred from Pietrelcina. Padre Pio: “Stay calm, my son, you will stay in Pietrelcina until death.” Padre Luca fell ill few weeks later, and died in Pietrelcina on November 2, 1947.  On January 1948 Padre Pio, through his brother Michele, sent a message to the friars in Pietrelcina: “I saw Padre Luca going to Paradise on Christmas night, with much of splendor and glory. From Heaven he prays for the friars and for Pietrelcina.”^{[25] [26]}

The apple

Maria Rosa Valente from Rodi Garganico gave a very nice apple to Padre Vincenzo da Montemarano, asking him to give it to Padre Pio. Padre Vincenzo went to Padre Pio, but before he could say a word, Padre Pio said: “That apple comes from Rodi.”^[27]

Wedding date

Giuseppe Cassano from San Giovanni Rotondo decided to get married on September 12 and went to Padre Pio to tell him the news. Padre Pio: "No, you will get married on September 8." Back at home the mom told him: Son, you can't marry the 12th because your cousin has already chosen that date for her wedding. We might have to choose the 8th." Joseph then told his mom that Padre Pio had already told him.^[28]

Don Raffaele

Dr. Angelo Ruzzi

Dr. Angelo Ruzzi, a country doctor from Tolve, province of Potenza, was called by everybody in town with his nickname “Don Raffaele”. He testified that the first time he met Padre Pio, there were also other visitors, and he introduced himself  to one of them: “I am Angelo Ruzzi”. The other visitor did not understand and said: “I beg your pardon?” Padre Pio, who had never met them, said: “Go on and say that you are Don Raffaele or this fellow won’t know who you are.”^[29]

Dr. Angelo Ruzzi went to say goodbye to Padre Pio. He was about to leave in the morning. Padre Pio: “If you don’t leave tomorrow you will leave the day after.” In the morning Dr. Ruzzi went to the bus station, and found out that the trip had been canceled. He left the day after.[111]

Padre Romolo

Padre Romolo to Padre Pio: “We are almost the same age; who will die first?” Padre Pio: “We will both live a long time, but I will die first. It has been determined that you will die very old.”

Padre Romolo survived Padre Pio, and died in 1981 at the age of ninety four.^{[30] [31]}

Padre Teofilo

Padre Teofilo di Pozzo visited Padre Pio in the midst of a grueling preaching schedule. Padre Pio told him to slow down his activity. “Don’t you know that your life is hanging by a tread of parsley?”

He died four months later at the age of fifty-two.^{[32] [33]}

Climb glass

Padre Pasquale Cataneo was on the bus from Foggia to San Giovanni Rotondo. He was thinking: “This spiritual life at times seems like to climb glass.”

When Padre Pio saw him: “So then, this spiritual life seems like trying to climb glass?” ^{[34] [35]}

Dominican friar

A Dominican friar came in casual dress, with pants and pullover, not wanting to be recognized. Padre Pio passing by told him: "Go home, and come back in your Dominican habit."^{[36]  [37]}

Adriana

Adriana Pallotti was a spiritual daughter of Padre Pio. She testified that when her father went from Modena to San Giovanni Rotondo for the first time, Padre Pio, as soon as he saw him said: “You are Adriana’s father. Aren’t you?”^[38]

Swiss cheese

A poor woman had been given some excellent Swiss cheese and she wanted to give some to Padre Pio. She made a little package and gave it to Pietruccio the blind, telling him that she was poor, and wanted it delivered  to Padre Pio. Pietruccio put the little package in his pocket and when, as usual, accompanied Padre Pio to his room, he forgot about it. While he was leaving, Padre Pio said: “Give me what you have in the pocket, otherwise that woman will start crying “I’m poor; I’m poor.”^[39]

25 years

Padre Pio was praying in thanksgiving after Mass when he was approached by brother Costantino. He told him that a man in a hurry was asking to confess to Padre Pio. Padre Pio told him to wait a bit. After a while brother Costantino returned to Padre Pio with the same request. Padre Pio: “He has had the Lord wait for 25 years before deciding to confess, and he cannot wait five minutes for me.”

Fra Constantino went back to the man who told him: “I am a chauffeur, and people are waiting for me in the car, I need to see Padre Pio, it has been twenty five years since my last confession.”^[40]

Important job

Dr. Carlo Colalillo from Boiano, Campobasso, testified that after WWII he had just been discharged from the Army on August 1, 1946. He went back home and was depressed because he had no money and no job. His sister had already planned to see Padre Pio and told her brother that she would tell Padre Pio about him.

Padre Pio told her: “He has already been sorted out.” She made a puzzled face, not understanding the meaning. Padre Pio: “Have you or have you not understood that your brother already has a job?” She was confused. Back home her brother told her that he had just been offered an important job, and he had accepted it.^[41]

 Die of old age

Padre Romolo: Many times Padre Pio told me: “Statutum est mori senex.” (it is decided that I die of old age).^[42] Padre Pio died at 81.

Padre Paolo

Padre Paolo Covino with his altar boys clapping at Padre Pio

Paolo Covino’s mom asked Padre Pio if her child would become a priest. Padre Pio said: “Yes, he will reach the priesthood.” Twelve years later Padre Paolo Covino was ordained priest in the Capuchin order.^[43]

Buzzing

A woman whose husband was ill kept getting more and more agitated during Mass, thinking that with that entire crowd she wouldn’t be able to tell Padre Pio about her husband. At the end of the Mass people rushed in the sacristy and she was far away from him. Padre Pio, looking at her from afar, said: “When will you stop buzzing in my ear? Do you think I am deaf? I have understood. Go home and everything will be all right.”^[44]

More buzzing

Padre Francesco Napolitano presented to Padre Pio some pilgrims from Castellammare di Stabia. They  wished to ask for his prayers. One of the ladies in the group said to Padre Pio: “We have been calling on you every moment.” Padre Pio: “Yes. Do you think I am deaf? You have been buzzing in my ears with all those little things of yours.”^[45]

 Dr. Lotti

Dr. Lotti talking with Padre Pio

Dr.Francesco Lotti knew Padre Pio since childhood. During WWII he had been assigned to a regiment of infantry stationed in Greece. Before departure he went to say good bye to Padre Pio. Padre Pio looked at him in a strange anxious manner, and then said: “No. You are not going to Greece.”

Back to the barracks dr. Lotti was told that the departure had been delayed, and he was given papers with a new departing date: July 25, 1943.

On that day the fascism was overthrown, and the new government cancelled the engagement overseas, and ordered all the troops to stay in Italy.

Dr. Lotti never went to Greece.^[46]

Baby Jesus

Domenico Lops form San Giovanni Rotondo received at Christmas time, as a special present from his aunts Maria and Antonietta Pompilio, a Baby Jesus statue the had been given to them by Padre Pio.

He put it in the nativity scene prepared in his room. He lit a small candle and by accident the scene got on fire and was destroyed. The day after he went crying to tell Padre Pio what he had done.

Padre Pio was about to say Mass. He said: “Don’t worry you will get an identical one.”

After mass Padre Pio went into the sacristy and a man approached him, giving him a little package. Padre Pio didn’t open it, and gave it to Domenico, saying: “Here is what you were looking for.” 

Back home Domenico opened the package. It contained a Baby Jesus exactly like the one that had been given by his aunts to him.”^[47]

Nicola La Banca

Nicola La Banca was a childhood friend of Padre Pio. When he was adult and married, one day he had a terrible toothache. His wife Filomena, pointing to a framed picture of Padre Pio on the wall, suggested him to pray his childhood friend.

Nicola was so mad at the idea, that he threw a shoe at the picture. Years later he happened to confess to Padre Pio. Padre Pio: “Anything else?” “No. I told you all my sins.” Padre Pio: “How about when you threw me a shoe?”^[48]

Baby born

Padre John Saint John, chaplain in the Fifteenth Army Force, wrote that one day Padre Pio asked him if he knew a certain sergeant. He said he didn’t know him. Padre Pio: “Well, he is in the Second Bomb Group. Tell him that the baby was born yesterday, and the wife and baby are doing fine.”

Padre John drove to the squadron indicated and found the sergeant. He asked him if he knew Padre Pio. The sergeant said that he had never heard of him. Padre John: “Padre Pio told me to tell you that your baby was born yesterday.” The sergeant turned pale. Two days later he was notified by the Red Cross that his baby has been born.^[49]

Padre Bernardo

On December 30, 1937 Padre Pio was praying in the choir with Padre Atanasio Leonardo da Teano and other friars. Suddenly he said: "Let's pray for our Provincial Padre Bernardo d’Alpicella who is in agony." Nobody knew that he was sick.

The day after they were told that Padre Bernardo had suddenly died.^[50]

Teresa Venezia

Padre Pio, going from his cell to the confessional, had to pass through a narrow hallway. The hallway was always jammed with people when Padre Pio passed.

Teresa Venezia from Tolve, Potenza, testified that she was on her knees hoping to kiss Padre Pio's hand when he passed.  He passed but didn't stop and went on. She felt bad, and in her heart complained that her wish had not been fulfilled.  Padre Pio was already several yards away. All of a sudden he stopped, turned around, and came straight to her, and said: "Ok. Here is my hand."^[51]

Rosario Balacco

Rosario Balacco testified in 1996 that when he was 25 and his mother 65, he told Padre Pio that he was afraid of being left alone. Padre Pio: “She certainly is going go live a long time”. Rosario reported that his mom had died at age 96.^[52]

No habit

Padre Eugenio Bartieri and another friar were at the convent of Padre Pio. The other friar went to talk to Padre Pio and when he came back to Padre Eugenio, he appeared shocked and didn’t want to say why.

Over the years they went separate ways and the other friar left the Capuchin order.

Padre Eugenio met him years later. The former friar opened up: “Padre Pio told me: ‘You will not die wearing this habit.’”^[53]

Party

In 1947 the day of ordination to priesthood was approaching for Lino Barbati. At the same time his sister was dying of tuberculosis, his brother was sick in bed, and his mother had terminal cancer.

He told Padre Pio: “I am so depressed about it all.” Padre Pio: “Don’t worry. Everything is going to be just fine. Your sister is going to give you a party. Just wait and see.”

Padre Lino Barbati reported thirty years later: “The day of my ordination everything was just wonderful, and my sister threw a great party for me, just as Padre Pio had predicted.”^[54]

Padre Leone

Padre Leone "Leo Fanning"

In 1944 Corporal Leo Fanning (in Italian would be Leone Fanning) was assigned to the 304th Bomb Wing with Mario Avignone and Joe Peluso. When he was introduced, Padre Pio said: “Your name is not just Leone. Some day you will be Padre Leone. You are to go to the altar of God. I do not want you to go anywhere else."

Back home Leo entered the seminary and was ordained in Paterson, New Jersey, on May 30, 1954. Ten minutes before the ordination Leo received a Western Union telegram: “Congratulations on the day of your ordination. Padre Pio".

Leo couldn't believe it. He had not told him.^[55]

Padre Pio with Leo Fanning (besides him), Joe Asterita, and Mario Avignone.

Never pulled over

In 1944 Joe Asteria was assistant chaplain in the Fifteenth Army Air Force. He was of the same Neapolitan origin as Padre Pio. He was fluent in Italian, and often translated for the other GI's.

One day Padre Pio told him that five people needed a ride back to Foggia. Joe refused because it was prohibited to transport civilians in military vehicles.

Padre Pio said: "Remember this. Anytime I ask you to do something for me, it will work out. You need to have no fear." Joe was convinced, and allowed the two men, two women, and a little child in his military jeep. On the road Joe saw two Military Police Officers. They looked into the jeep and passes right on. At that moment the air become filled with the perfume of Padre Pio. As they continued, they encountered many MP's but Joe was never pulled over. The perfume was smelled until the five Italians were dropped off safely.^[56]

Small bandage

Mario Avignone far right from Padre Pio

Mario Avignone reported: "I was stationed in Italy at Cerignola with the 304th Bomb Wing of the 15th Air Force under commanding General Nathan F. Twining. In 1945 four of us went to see Padre Pio. We returned several times.

One day Leo, Joe and I were at the monastery, and we asked Padre Ignazio if we could have a piece of one of his bandages that he’d worn over his stigmata. "Oh, no!" he said. What you’re asking me to do is forbidden, and I could get into a lot of trouble.”

We finally convinced him to get one of those bandages if we promised not to tell anybody — including Padre Pio. He got us one small bandage and divided it in three.

We came back to the monastery not so long after, and Padre Pio stopped us in the hallway. "You naughty boys," he said, really stern. "You caused one of my brothers to commit sin!" "Come on, Padre Pio," says Joe, "what did we do?" "You know what you did," he said. "You had Padre Ignazio sneak into my room and take one of the bandages and give it to you."

Nobody told him, but you couldn’t fool Padre Pio. He just knew things, which is why he was such a popular confessor. He was serious.

But then he shook his head and his face sort of softened. He said to Father Ignatius, "I forgive you, Father. And I forgive you boys, too, but don’t go telling anybody. I wore those bandages over my heart. Go in peace." And we did."

Frontline

Padre Valentino (left)

Padre Valentino da San Marco in Lamis testified that during the war he was in Emilia Romagna region, and needed to go home in Southern Italy. To do so he had to cross the frontline.

One night he started the trip on foot. At every step he was afraid to be killed and continually cried “Padre Pio help me!” He crossed safely the front line.

Weeks later he went to see Padre Pio.  Padre Pio, as soon as he saw him, said: “How many times you called me that night, how many times! Let us thank the Lord.”^[57]

Kneeling

 A man told Padre Pio: "My wife every night kneels in front of your picture and asks for your blessing." "Yes, I know. And you laugh at her when she does that." That was true.^[58]

32 sins

Father my daughter is sick. "And you are much sicker than your daughter." "No, no, I'm feeling very well." "How can you be well if you have so many sins on your conscience? I see at least 32 of them."^{[59]  [60]}

Desperate remedy

John McCaffery conversing with Padre Pio

Padre Pio told John McCaffery of a case happened in Pietrelcina, when he had to use a desperate remedy.

“I was attending a sick man who, the doctor told me, would not last the night. When I asked him to hear his confession he refused, telling me he would confess when he felt better. I tried everything, and there was no way he could be persuaded. Well, I thought, desperate cases need desperate remedies. I went to the door telling him “Goodbye, we shall meet again at the cemetery.” “What do you mean?” “I told him what the doctor had said. The man changed his mind. He did confess and received Holy Communion. He died with composure and resignation.”^[61]

Blind

A young woman came from Benevento to ask a grace for her husband who had become totally blind. Padre Pio said that her husband’s only hope for salvation was to stay blind, as a punishment for beating his father.

The poor woman reported it to her husband. He was resistant at first, and then revealed that when he was sixteen years of age he had severely beaten his father with an iron rod.^[62]

The necklace

A woman from Pesaro, the wife of a workman, testified that she brought her deaf-and-dumb daughter to Padre Pio. He cured her instantly. In an outburst of gratitude the woman took a gold chain from the child's neck, the only object of value that she owned, and gave it to Padre Pio for the Virgin. 

When she returned home she told everything to her husband. He flew into a rage at the offering she had made to Padre Pio. He said that she should have chosen some other article rather than the gift that he himself had made to his daughter.

The next morning they found the chain on the bedside table.

Candies

Silvio Scocca was on a train with a bag of candies that he intended to give to Padre Pio. He became hungry and opened the bag, and ate some of the candies.

When he gave the bag to Padre Pio, he said: “How did the ones that you ate on the train taste?”

Imposter

On a bus, in an organized trip to see Padre Pio, in 1961, a man tells his wife: "I'm going to just accompany you, because I don't believe in this imposter."

When Padre Pio passed: "Well, here is the imposter." And puts his hand on his head, while the man asks for forgiveness.

Protecting six soldiers

Luigi Pulcinelli in September 1943 was a student officer at the XII regiment near Foggia. The Germans attacked and took over the headquarters. He barely escaped towards the mountains with five other soldiers. They were suggested to ask help at the convent.

"We reached the convent, and a friar was celebrating Mass, and we stayed in the darkest part of the rear of the church as not to attract attention.

At the end of the Mass the friar turned for the blessing, and before he did it, he invited those present to procure civilian clothes for the disbanded soldiers who had just arrived. How did he know?

We went out of the church ad asked who that friar was. They said he was Padre Pio. We were petrified.

We were asked to go in the sacristy. There was Padre Pio. He embraced us and talked to us. Than we were served a meal fit for a king by Mary Pile.

Padre Pio told us not to leave until he said so. We went to ask him every day. The fifth day he said: "Go now. It is now safe for you to leave. Trust our Lady." We left, and marched for five days and finally reached Campobasso without meeting any Germans."

Embrace

Padre Federico Carrozza

Padre Federico Carozza reported that he was on the square of St. Mary of Graces, and a desperate woman told him that she needed to talk to Padre Pio because her husband had filed for divorce.

He told her: “Padre Pio is now praying on the balcony. Go in the church and join him with your prayers.” She did.

When she returned to her hotel she found a phone message from her husband begging her to return home where he was waiting to embrace her.^[63]

New leaf

A woman from Chiavari testified that she convinced her husband to drive her to San Giovanni Rotondo. She hoped in her heart that Padre Pio would do something to stop her husband’s libertine lifestyle.

They were both waiting in the hallway. When Padre Pio passed he looked at her husband and said to him: “What are you waiting for to turn over a new leaf, are you waiting for your wife to tell you to?”^[64]

Nun

Giulia Schettini from Cassano Murge, Province of Bari, had strong attraction to religious life but was tied by the family situation. Her parents had died, and she was taking care of her brothers.

When she went to Padre Pio for confession, before she could say a word he said: “Do you understand you have a vocation?” When she explained the family situation he replied: “And what are you going to be, a servant for your brothers all your life?”

Giulia testified: “I am a nun thanks to him.”^[65]

In a week

Don Pierino Galeone

Don Pierino Galeone reported: “One day there was a large group of men in the sacristy. Padre Pio was praying for thanksgiving after Mass. When he got up to leave he called a man aside, to talk to him. We were all envy of that privilege. After a while the man rejoined us. He was pale and sad. Padre Pio had told him: “My friend, in a week you will leave this world. Don’t worry. Pray with humility. I will be constantly near you. And myself I will accompany you to heaven.” The man died a week after.”[66]  

Ponte Vecchio

A couple in Florence owned a jewelry store on Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge over the river Arno. They were mulling to sell it, but were undecided.

They asked Padre Pio for advice, through his spiritual son Graziano Borelli. Padre Pio: “Sell it as soon as possible.”

They did not follow the advice fast enough. The flood of November 1966 destroyed all the stores on the bridge.^[67]

Aure’ Caviggioli

Aure’ Caviggioli an antique art dealer from Montecarlo had a painting of the Virgin Mary that he had bought for twenty five thousand lire.

He decided to give it to Padre Pio as a present.

The day before making the trip to San Giovanni Rotondo he showed the painting to a friend, stating that it was worth millions.

That night he saw in a dream Padre Pio, who said: “Why are you saying that the painting is worth millions, if you only paid 25,000 lire?”

When Aure’ presented the painting to Padre Pio, he started laughing and said: “What did you dream about last night, you rogue?”

Aure’ laughed too.[68]

Beniamino Gigli

Beniamino Gigli

The famous tenor Beniamino Gigli went to visit Padre Pio in a chauffeured limousine, at the top of his career.

In Italian Beniamino means “beloved” and Gigli means ‘lily”. 

When Padre Pio saw him, he said: “You call yourself ‘lily” but you are cheating on your wife and have a secret relationship with another woman. You call yourself “beloved”, you are not beloved of God.”

The famous tenor absorbed the indictment and became a faithful friend of Padre Pio. He sang to him “Mamma” (Mommy), Padre Pio’s favorite song. [69]

Two nuns

Mansueta Loconte and Palmina Guarini were friends and both were considering becoming nuns.

Mansueta went with her father to see Padre Pio in 1947. He father had a letter from Palmina to give to Padre Pio. Padre Pio got the letter among many others, and then went to confess the women.

When Mansueta knelt at the confessional, Padre Pio immediately told her: “Be assured that the Lord calls you to monastic life.” After the confession he added: “Tell Palmina that I will answer her letter with a prayer.”

Mansueta wrote on May 9,1996: “We entered the monastery of the Poor Clares in Assisi on the same day, September 24, 1947, and we have been in the same monastery for fifty years.”^[70]

Palmina Guarini, now sister Chiara Rosaria, gave her own testimony on May 9, 1996. She went to confess to Padre Pio on September 1, 1947, and said: “I’m asking your blessing before I enter the monastery.” Padre Pio, without asking for an explanation, said: “My fullest blessing, my fullest blessing!”^[71]

Benedict XV

A bishop told the Pope: “Padre Pio is a cheat.”

Benedict XV: “You might be badly informed. Why don’t you visit him.” The bishop obeyed the pope and went unannounced.

At the train station of Foggia two friars approached him. “Padre Pio sent us to accompany you to San Giovanni Rotondo.”

The bishop was flabbergasted. He hadn’t told anybody about the trip. He told the friars: “But this is impossible! No one knew of this trip, except His Holiness and me. I have learned what I needed to know.”

He took the first train back to Rome.^{[72]  [73] [74] [75] [76] [77]}

Enzo Picciafuoco

Enzo Picciafuoco from Campobasso testified that he had been told he could ask Padre Pio for something by thinking about it during Mass.

He did so.

Later, in the hallway, among the crowd of faithful he told Padre Pio aloud from afar: "Father, pray for my sister." 

Padre Pio turning in his direction said:  "You already told me."^[78]

Nicolino

Dr. Nicola Bellantuono

When dr. Nicola Bellantuono was still a medical student he asked Maria Ciaccia, who was going to see Padre Pio, to tell him about a difficult exam he was about to take.

Padre Pio: “It will go all right.” Then, gazing into space, he added: “Poor boy, poor boy.”

Few days later Nicola started having severe abdominal pains. His father who was a doctor and three of his colleagues, diagnosed acute peritonitis and said there was nothing to be done about it.

Maria went to Padre Pio again, and said: “Padre, Nicolino is dying.” Padre Pio: “What do you mean? Everything will go all right.” Nicolino fully recovered and became a doctor in Casa Sollievo.^[79]

Dr. Saltamerenda

Dr. Saltamerenda, an atheist, was convinced by Mario Cavaliere to visit San Giovanni Rotondo.

Padre Pio caught the sight of him behind a group of men and called to him: “Genoese, you have a dirty face! You live near the sea, but you don’t know how to wash.”

Later Padre Pio accepted his confession. Padre Pio suggested to him, one by one, the faults that had disorganized his life, even the most distant, and the forgotten ones.

“These were the most beautiful moments of my life”, Saltamerenda recalled.^{[80] [81] [82]}

Francesco Messina

Dr. Ezio Saltamerenda convinced famed sculptor Francesco Messina in 1949 to visit Padre Pio with him. Padre Pio asked Messina if he wanted to confess. He said ‘maybe but I'm not prepared.’ 

Padre Pio said: "Don't say anything to me. Just answer." 'Then, he listed my sins with incredible precision. It was as though he could read my soul'.

Graziella

Graziella Gatta from Monte Sant’Angelo near San Giovanni Rotondo, was dying with typhoid fever. She had a little sister, Maria. The aunt decided to go to Padre Pio to ask for his prayers.

Padre Pio: “This one will not die.”

The aunt went back home and Graziella rapidly recovered.

However, few days later Maria got typhoid fever. She rapidly deteriorated, and died on November 7, 1940.

The aunt understood the meaning of what Padre Pio had said: “This one will not die.” It was the sister.^[83]

Dorothy Gaudiose and the American nuns

Dorothy Gaudiose wrote "Prophet of the People"

Dorothy Gaudiose was standing before Padre Pio with two Charity nuns. She told Padre Pio (in Italian): “Padre, these are two American nuns. They say they have a question for you.”

Padre Pio glanced at them and said to Dorothy (in Italian): “I know what they want; they want to know how they stand before God. Tell them to follow the rules of their order and continue as they have been doing.”

Dorothy turned to the nuns and said: “Sisters, what question have you for Padre Pio?” The nuns answered almost in unison: “Tell him we want to know how we stand before God.”[84]

Teseo Isani

Major Teseo Isani of the Italian Army, stationed in Verona, had been hiding an American soldier in his home. He was discovered, court martialed, and sentenced to die on December 13, 1944. 

He heard a voice: “Run for it! Run for it!” He thought he was hallucinating. The voice became louder: “Run for it! Run for it!”

He though it might be his dead father who wanted to save him.

When he heard  a third time “Run for it! Run for it!” he started running. The guard said: “Stop or I will shoot.” He didn’t stop, and the guard didn’1 shoot. He kept running until he was safe.

Years later, while in Bari he heard about Padre Pio and went to see him, and confessed to him. After confession Padre Pio smiled and said: “Run for it!” Teseo: “Oh! My God! That was your voice!” The major started crying.^[85]

Luisa Vario

Luisa Vario at the confession told Padre Pio: 'I don't know what to say'. Padre Pio replied: "Than I will speak". 'He proceeded to tell me my whole lifès story. 'Than he said: "Do you have something to add?" 'I mentioned a sin that he had not told me.' "That's the one I was waiting for."

The pocket.

A doctor joined the men gathered in the sacristy in hope to talk to Padre Pio, but after a while he left.

Padre Pio asked: “Where is he?” Answer:“He left.” Padre Pio: “He will soon return.”

He returned, and Padre Pio: “You carry your own condemnation in your pocket. Read the letter.”

In the letter there was a recommendation from a friend, asking Padre Pio to pray for the conversion of the doctor.

 The doctor read the letter, grew pale, and kneeling at Padre Pio’s feet asked and obtained pardon.^[86]

The promise.

Two sisters obtained permission from their father to visit Padre Pio, with the promise that they wouldn’t kiss his hand, for fear of germs.

When the girls saw people pressing forward to kiss his hand they couldn’t resist. Padre Pio smiled at them and withdrew his hand, saying: “How about the promise.”^{[87] [88] [89]}

Napkin

Don Matteo Zanetta from Biella, after spending several days in San Giovanni Rotondo was looking for a “relic” of Padre Pio, to take back with him. He was serving Padre Pio’s Mass. At the “lavabo” he poured water on Padre Pio’s fingers, and as he passed him the little towel he thought: “If I sneak this napkin in my pocket, I will have a relic.” Padre Pio looked at him and said: “Just try!”[90]

Marry again

A widow with several children asked Padre Pio if she should marry again. Padre Pio: “Up to now you have cried with one eye. If you marry again you will cry with both eyes.”

She remarried, disregarding the advice, and the new husband brought only trouble to the family.^[91]

Watch over my children.

A mother of five from Bologna asked Padre Pio to take her as spiritual child. Padre Pio consented, and told her to come back no sooner than five years, because of her family situation.

She promised, and every night she would pray: “Padre Pio watch over my children, protect and bless them.”

She returned after five years, and after the confession said: “Please, Padre Pio, watch over my children and protect them.”

Padre Pio: “How many times are you going to ask me the same thing? You have been saying this to me every day now for five years!”^{[92] [93]}

Delivery

Vincenzo Martini was called from the hospital to go there immediately. His wife was about to give birth to their second child. A decision needed to be made: either to save the life of the child or that of the mother. Vincenzo opted in favor of the wife.

While in the act of signing the papers a doctor came out saying: “Congratulations, you are the father of an eight pound boy!”

Vincenzo run to his wife. She said that a doctor in a brown habit had delivered her baby. No such a doctor was found in the hospital.

Finally Vincenzo remembered Padre Pio and showed his picture to his wife. The wife said: “He is the doctor who delivered my baby.”^[94]

Dino Segre “Pitigrilli”

Dino Segre, nicknamed Pitigrilli

Pitigrilli was a well-known materialist atheist writer from Argentina. Solicited by playwright Antonelli,  he visited unannounced, and sat in the dark in the back of the church during Mass.

Before leaving the altar Padre Pio told the assembly: “Let’s pray fervently for someone who is in great need of prayer. One day he will approach the Eucharistic table and will bring many with him who have been in error like himself.” Pitigrilli took it personal and dissolved in tears.

Later Padre Pio told him: “What profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul. Truly, God is good to you.”

Pitigrilli underwent a deep and lasting conversion. For more than thirty years he wrote plays, articles, and books with a Christian message.^{[95] [96]}

Pompei

A Dominican friar found out that the nuns in the convent in Pompeii were divided pro and against Padre Pio. To settle the doubt he decided to visit Padre Pio in civilian clothes.

He was in line for confession, but Padre Pio started staring at him, and finally signaled to come over. He told him: “Go and put on your habit, than come back and I will hear your confession.”

The Dominican: “Padre, I came in order to find out something and I have found out what I needed to know.”^[97] [98]

Mons. Magliacanni

In 1948 the Capuchin missionary Louis Magliacanni was about to return to India after a visit to his family in Italy. In few days the boat would leave Naples for India. A friend suggested him to visit Padre Pio. Louis said that Padre Pio was a fake. The friend suggested going anyway so that he had firsthand view of a fake. 

Padre Pio: “Padre Louis you will never go back to India. You will go to Arabia”. Padre Louis: “Before coming here I thought you were crazy. Now I know you are.” Padre Louis stayed for lunch at the friary.

During lunch Louis was called on the phone. It was a cardinal from the Congregation for the Propagation of Faith. He told him not to go to India, and go instead immediately to Rome. In Rome the Cardinal and Padre Louis had a private audience with Pope Pius XII.

The Pope told Louis: “You have been chosen to open a new mission in Arabia.” Louis responded: “I knew that! Padre Pio told me. I thought he was crazy. Now I realize he is a saint!”^[99]

Cardone

Alberto Cardone told Padre Pio: “It’s a long time since I have heard from my father.” He was in America, but Cardone had not mentioned it to Padre Pio.”

Padre Pio: “Oh! your father is in America. He’s better than you or I.”^[100]

Lawyer

In the sacristy Padre Pio told a man he had never met before: “You are a lawyer, aren’t you? You are a good lawyer for others and a bad one for yourself. You don’t go to Mass.”^[101]

Siri

Cardinal Giuseppe Siri on September 23, 1975 reported in a homily: “I had been hesitating for a long time about a decision to make. I had not talked to anybody about it. One day I received a telegram from Padre Pio explaining what to do. I followed the advice to the letter and everything ended for better. How did he know? I have never understood how this man could know what was going on in my mind.”^{[102] [103]}

Helenio Herrera

Inter Milan head coach Helenio Herrera

Helenio Herrera, the coach manager of the famous Italian soccer club Inter of Milan, was a devout Spanish gentleman. The Inter club went to nearby Foggia to play an important soccer game on January 31, 1965. On the eve of the match he visited Padre Pio with a group of players, and towards the end of the conversation said jokingly: “Let us win tomorrow’s game, and also the Championship! (Scudetto).”

Padre Pio smiling: “You will not win in our home, but you will win the Scudetto.” Foggia won the game 3-2, and Inter won the championship 1964/65.

Cunfset (to confess)

An elderly illiterate woman from San Mauro Pascoli, in Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, went to confess to Padre Pio. But she did not know Italian. When the little door opened she heard speaking in her own dialect: “When did you confess last time?”

Thinking of a joke she moved a bit the curtain to see who was confessing her. It was Padre Pio, who said, still in dialect, “What are you glancing at, instead of confessing?”

She did confess and she felt as Padre Pio was talking like her own priest in San Mauro.^[104]

Blessing

Alma De Concini from Terzola, Province of Trento, testified that Padre Pio was confessing, and while she was in line, she was just told that there will be no more confessions for the day.

She had a thought: "Father, send me a blessing, I need it."

Instantly Padre Pio turned the head from the grille of the confessional, looked at her, made a blessing sign and then turned his face to the grille.^[105]

35 years

A man had not been to church for 35 years. A spiritual daughter of Padre Pio suggested him to visit San Giovanni Rotondo. He went, and during the night couldn’t sleep. His mind was going over his life, and started a mental list of the sins he has committed in 35 years.

During Padre Pio’s Mass his mind was still going on over the list. He went to confession and his mind was blocked, and he was unable to say a word. Padre Pio:”Courage, my son, you already told me everything during Mass.”

Padre Pio told him his sins, and after the absolution said: “Go thank the Virgin.”^[106]

Confession out of turn.

Many, many people wanted to confess to Padre Pio. So a registry to sign up in person was started, then people had to return home and wait for a phone call. For men the wait was about a month, for the women 10-12 weeks.

The whole process was very strict, and there was no way to get around it. The board and lodging ladies at the place where the pilgrims stayed went every morning to check the reservation book.  Then they would call the person when their turn was 2-3 days away. 

A woman was called and told that her turn would come in two days. The woman was there on time and waited a friar to call her so that she could get in line for Confession. Her name was not called.

She went to ask the friar about it, and to her dismay she realized that the board and lodging lady, Signora Vasini, had called the wrong person, and her turn for Confession was 7-8 days away. The friar was unmovable; he could do nothing to help. Confessions with Padre Pio started.

The woman left the sacristy, went outside the church, and sat on the bench around an elm tree, telling the other people in her party and strangers what had happened.  No words could comfort her.

 At a certain point the woman stood up, raised her arm and pointing at the church said: “If you really are the Padre Pio they say you are, send your friar right away, so that I can confess to you.”

Between 1 and 3 minutes passed. Than a friar, (not the one keeping the reservations), came out of the door looking around and said: “Who is signora Caccioppoli? Padre Pio is waiting for you. He says that is your turn to confess.”

The woman moved towards the friar despite her shaky legs. She went inside, and confessed to Padre Pio.

Penance

Don Pasquale Cantalupo was suffering a painful illness when he confessed to Padre Pio. After the confession: “Aren’t you going to give me a penance?” Padre Pio: “Haven’t you already got enough? Do you want more?”^[107]

23 years

Maria Teresa Brevi testified  what Padre Pio had told her mom after confession: “I will not give you any penance as you already have done it. Your sins are remitted because for 23 years you have been looking after your husband who is in a wheelchair. You have had a long hard road, but you will have a tranquil peaceful death.”

“The word of Padre Pio came true”, the daughter reported.^[108]

Blackguardly

One man, who was thrown out of the confessional by Padre Pio, stated: "What kind of blackguardly monk is that? He did not give me time to say a word, but straightway called me an old pig and told me to go away!"

Another person said to this man that Padre Pio probably had good reasons for calling him an old pig and treating him in this way.  "I can't think why,” said the man who had been thrown out of the confessional; and then, after a pause, the man said: "unless it is because I happen to be living with a woman who is not my wife."^[109]

Brakes

Luciano Livellara from Milano asked Padre Pio for a blessing before driving back home.

Padre Pio: “Go slowly! Go slowly and be careful I said.” Luciano drove back very slowly.

Just out of the city of Ancona a boy run in the middle of the street. Luciano pulled the brakes with all his strength. He stopped only few inches from the boy.”^[110]

Vespa Wasp

Padre Onorato

Padre Onorato reported that he went with a friend on a Vespa (the Italian motorcycle) (Vespa translates wasp in English) form San Giovanni Rotondo to Monte Sant’Angelo.

Halfway through, they run out of gas. The gas station was closed. They tried again, and the engine started, and they were able to get back to the square in front of convent, were the engine sputtered and stopped.

The Vespa had run 15 kilometers without gas.

Back in the convent Padre Pio said smiling: ‘Boy, did the wasp bit you?”

Birthday

On a May 25, a woman wanted to say happy birthday to Padre Pio, but he was too far away, so she just thought about it. Few days later, at the end of the confession the woman said: "Happy birthday. Sorry I couldn't say it the 25th." Padre Pio:"But you did already."

Smoking

A man decided to stop smoking and to offer it as a penance for Padre Pio.

Every night he would stop by an image of Padre Pio and show an unopened packet of cigarettes, and say: Father, here is one. Next night: Here are two. And so on.

When he met Padre Pio he said: “Father, are 81 days since I stopped.” Padre Pio: "I know, and you made me count the packets every night."

Vincenti

The young son of Dr. Remo Vincenti was in line to confess to Padre Pio. He had confessed two days before. Dr. Vincenti knew that Padre Pio would first ask “How long ago you confessed last?” And if it was less than eight days would send a person away.”

Dr. Vincenti, a spiritual child, prayed that Padre Pio would fulfill the wish of the child. The child confessed without being sent away.

Later, Padre Pio passing in the hallway told Dr. Vincenti: “I would have done it just for the love of you.”

Bottle of “wine”

Fra' Modestino

Fra Modestino, showed Padre Pio a bottle of local wine that he had just bought in town, and asked him to bless it. Padre Pio did the blessing, and that with a broad smile said: “Well, this is my first miracle for the day!” 

Fra Modestino did not understand why Padre Pio had said that. He shared the wine with others. It was excellent.

Not long after, Fra Modestino learned that the wine maker had been jailed for making fake wine from powders, not grapes.^[112]

The head chef of Casa Sollievo

On February 1958 Laurino Costa sent a telegram to Padre Pio: "Pray for me to find a job."

He received a telegram back: “Come to San Giovanni Rotondo at once.”

On the 4th he met Padre Pio for the first time: “Laurino, I see you have arrived. You will feed my sick.” “But Padre, Laurino protested, I’ve never cooked an egg in my life.”

Padre Pio insisted: “Go and prepare the food for my sick. I’ll always be near you.” Laurino went to Casa Sollievo and was told at the door: “You must be the experienced cook we’ve been waiting for.”

Laurino reported years later: “It was a frightening sight. This great spacious kitchen with huge kettles, stoves, sinks, pipes, basins, kitchenware and so forth. I never saw anything like that in my life. But the most alarming feature was the sight of the kitchen employees standing there, waiting for my orders. However, I had the sensation that I had always been there. The same day I was preparing meals for 450 people. To this day I still don’t know what happened. All day long I found myself calmly working and telling others what to do, as though I was carrying out a routine I had been used to. After a while Padre Pio insisted that my family move her. So my family came and we settled here. We have been here for fourteen years.” ^[113]

Fra’ Daniele

Fra Daniele Natale with Padre Pio on the terrace

Padre Pio was praying and meditating. Fra’ Daniele Natale kneeled nearby and had the idea to see if Padre Pio was really able to read his mind.

Looking at Padre Pio he asked mentally if he would offer to the Lord his prayers. Padre Pio nodded.

Not convinced, he asked mentally it the nodding was for him. Padre Pio nodded again.

Still dubious he thought that he needed a more clear explanation.

At that point Padre Pio turned to him, and said in a loud voice: “Yes. Are you satisfied now?”[114]

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