Overview

• Parishes worldwide observe the September 23 memorial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina with Masses, rosaries and novenas seeking his intercession.
• In Santiago del Estero, the central observance sets a 19:15 meditated rosary, a 20:00 celebration of the Word, and the distribution of holy water and candles.
• Accounts highlight the 1918 stigmata and numerous testimonies of healings and extraordinary gifts, which drew pilgrims to San Giovanni Rotondo and led to periods of Church scrutiny and restrictions.
• The Capuchin friar spent exceptionally long hours hearing confessions and advanced the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza hospital, completed in 1956 as a lasting work of charity.
• Born Francesco Forgione in 1887, he died in 1968 and was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, reinforcing his standing as one of the most venerated modern Catholic saints.