Within the walls of his home in Pietrelcina, Padre Pio faced intense spiritual battles against the devil. Sustained by his faith in God and the love of his family, this humble dwelling became a symbol of strength and hope.
Padre Pio’s Home of Spiritual Struggles
In the heart of Pietrelcina, on Via Santa Maria degli Angeli—now renamed Via Sant’Anna—at number 44, stands the home where Padre Pio lived during his years of forced residence in his hometown. These years, marked by poor health, were also a time of deep spirituality and intense inner struggles.
Battles with the Devil
This modest home, owned by his brother Michele, became the setting for dramatic spiritual confrontations. Frail in body, Padre Pio endured direct attacks from the devil. These assaults were not only spiritual temptations but also manifested as violent physical encounters. In a letter to his spiritual director, Father Agostino, he described these experiences with striking candor: “Those ‘horrid devils’ do not stop striking me. Sometimes, they even throw me out of bed, stripping off my shirt and beating me while I am in such a state. But by now, they barely frighten me anymore. Jesus is always so loving to me. At times, He even lifts me from the ground and lays me back on the bed.” Despite the physical and spiritual torment, Padre Pio’s unwavering faith in God gave him the strength to endure. The battles were fierce but never without the consolation of divine love, which filled him with courage.
The Comfort of Family
During this period of trials, the love and care of his family provided invaluable support. His mother, Mamma Peppa, a tender and attentive figure, frequently visited him, bringing clean linens and tending to the house. Often, she found him weary and marked by the wounds of his spiritual struggles. Yet, Padre Pio would reassure her with simple, faith-filled words: “Mama, don’t worry. Don’t be distressed about me. The Madonna is here! She has always helped me and will continue to do so.” These words, spoken with unwavering trust, reflected the deep serenity he drew from his devotion.
A Place of Refuge and Hope
In later years, this same home became a refuge. During World War II, between 1941 and 1943, it sheltered Mary Pyle, an American benefactor and spiritual daughter of Padre Pio. This simple and modest dwelling not only bore witness to Padre Pio’s suffering and prayers but also became a haven of hope for those who loved and followed him.
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