Renowned for the stigmata, which modern medical science could not explain, Padre Pio also possessed other unusual qualities, such as bilocation, celestial perfume, reading of hearts, miraculous cures, remarkable conversions, and prophetic insight. Although he did not leave his monastery and was under obedience not to write or preach, this humble Capuchin monk became world famous for his piety, his counsel, and his miracles. He was universally regarded as a saint in his own time.
Pope John Paul II beatified Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on Sunday, May 2, 1999 in St. Peter's Basilica Square before a throng of 650,000 devotees of this famed 20th-century stigmatist. His faithful followers now look forward with anticipation to his canonization.
"Remember that God is within us when we are in His grace, and outside of us when we are in sin." -Padre Pio
As devotee of Padre Pio and St. Francis of Assisi, Frank Rega has been a Third Order (Secular) Franciscan for over 25 years. His first book, Padre Pio and America, was published by TAN Books, as well as his second book, St. Francis of Assisi and the Conversion of the Muslims. He has also published books about the Catholic President of Ecuador, Garcia Moreno, and many articles for Catholic periodicals. He was founder of a large online Padre Pio prayer and discussion group. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. His web site is www.frankrega.com. A Henry Rutgers Scholar and Phi Beta Kappa at Rutgers University, Mr. Rega also studied at Yale University's Institute of Human Relations on a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship. Until his retirement he was last employed by Compuware Corp. as a software engineer on projects for NASA and the Department of Homeland Security.
