On September 20th, 1968, Saint Padre Pio had endured 50
years living with his stigmata, and began to feel great fatigue. The next day
he celebrated his last Mass in San Giovanni Rotondo, to a town packed
with Pilgrims who came to see him. On the morning of September 23rd Saint Padre Pio made his last confession, and renewed his Franciscan vows
before stating he could see two mothers, presumably his own mother and Mary, and
whispering “Maria!” with his final breath.
Throughout his life, Catholics would travel great distances, and
wait outside for weeks to confess to Saint Pio. Likewise, his funeral Mass
received the same response and was attended by over 100,000 people.
Saint Padre Pio had often said that his real mission would begin
after his death, and now - 50 years after his death, we still remember and
honor him, forever inspired by our modern-day biblical Prophet. Many Catholics
honor Saint Pio’s life by making a pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo. To learn
more about how you can remember Saint Pio through Pilgrimage, visits – Shrines of Italy or All Italian Shrines.