Padre Pio’s path to the priesthood was marked by personal sacrifices, physical suffering, and material hardships. On August 10, 1910, Francesco Forgione was ordained a priest in the Cathedral of Benevento.
Padre Pio’s Path to the Priesthood: A Sacrifice of Faith and Dedication
Padre Pio’s journey to the priesthood was a true testament of faith, filled with personal sacrifices, material challenges, and physical suffering. Despite the difficulties, his burning vocation and total trust in God’s will sustained him. His humility and spiritual strength guided him toward the full realization of his dream.
The Sacrifice and Vocation of Padre Pio
From a young age, Padre Pio had only one desire: to become a priest and devote himself entirely to God’s mission. This deep-rooted desire carried him through the toughest times, when fragile health and poverty threatened to cast doubt on his calling. His father, who had emigrated to America to finance his son’s studies, made a silent sacrifice that embodied the love and dedication of a father. This same spirit of selflessness would characterize Padre Pio’s entire priestly life. On August 10, 1910, in the Cathedral of Benevento, Francesco Forgione was ordained a priest by Monsignor Paolo Schinosi. The ceremony was simple and austere, reflecting the sacredness of the moment. Padre Pio’s mother, Peppa, visibly moved, let tears of joy and gratitude flow as she held a sacred image to her chest. On the image, her son had written a prayer filled with faith and total surrender to the Divine Mystery: “Jesus, my sigh and my life, today, trembling, I lift You up in a mystery of love; with You, I will be the Way, the Truth, and the Life for the world, and for You, a holy priest, a perfect victim.” Although Padre Pio’s father was still in America, his absence was felt deeply. But there was also profound gratitude for the sacrifice that had made this blessed day possible. Pietrelcina welcomed its new priest with simple but profound joy. The townspeople, filled with happiness and gratitude, accompanied him home, throwing coins and sharing “raffaioli”, traditional sweets that have always symbolized celebration and a sense of community.
Padre Pio: The Holy Priest and Perfect Victim
This spontaneous gesture reflected the unbreakable bond between Padre Pio and his hometown. With his face flushed with emotion and his head bowed, Padre Pio walked through the crowd with humility and deep inner joy. That evening, he wrote a prayer that would become the program of his priestly life: “O Jesus, my sigh and my life, I beg You to make me a holy priest and a perfect victim.” On August 14, 1910, he celebrated his first solemn Mass at the parish church of Pietrelcina. Father Agostino da San Marco in Lamis, his spiritual director, prophesied during the homily that Padre Pio would become “a great confessor.” That day marked the beginning of a ministry full of grace, one that would bring light, healing, and hope to thousands of souls. His life, illuminated by sacrifice and grace, continues to inspire the faithful, showing that in the strength of the spirit, one finds the true path to God.
All rights reserved – © padrepiodapietrelcina.com 2020
Dear brother, dear sisterif you are reading these pages you have felt the need to meet Padre Pio in your heart.
Every day, with this Blog, we comfort those who are experiencing a difficult time or want to strengthen their faith. Unfortunately, management costs and expenses are high. Our commitment alone is not enough. Help us with your support.
If you believe in what we do and if you approve what we publish send your contribution, whatever you can/want. Support: Padrepiodapietrelcina.com Devotional Blog dedicated to Padre Pio.
Your little support is very valuable for everyone. Thank you