Affectionately known as Padre Pio, St. Pio, a modern and much-beloved saint, had a singular message: carrying the yoke of Christ is the path to sanctity. During his earthly life, the Lord allowed him to be the instrument of many miracles. Padre Pio is a saint who can help us to conform more closely to the will of God and to humbly accept our sufferings.

Ordained a Capuchin priest in 1910, Pio experienced a vision of Jesus several years later, after celebrating Mass. When the vision ceased, Pio discovered that he had the stigmata of Christ. The stigmata plagued him for the remainder of his life, both physically and practically, as the stigmata brought Pio much unwelcome attention and controversy. His superiors forbid him from performing public duties, but they quickly reversed this decision. He was blessed with many supernatural gifts, among which were the ability to bilocate, to miraculously cure the sick, and to read people's souls in confession. Penitents from all over the world flocked to him for spiritual direction and confession. He remains one of the most popular saints and a dependable intercessor on behalf of many.

His feast day is September 23, and he is the patron saint of Pietrelcina, Italy; civil defense volunteers; adolescents; stress relief; January blues; Italy; and Malta.