Padre Pio is an Italian Saint well known all over the world. Born Francesco Forgione, on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina [2], Italy, a small country town located in southern Italy. Padre Pio, a humble Capuchin priest from San Giovanni Rotondo [3], Italy, was blessed by God in many wonderful and mysterious ways. He possessed the gifts of fragrance, conversion, bi-location, levitation, reading hearts, foreseeing the future and miracles of all kinds. From 1912 he also received the dramatic gift of the stigmata [4]. Christ's sacred wounds were imprinted on his hands, feet and side. The wounds remained completely free from healing or any infection for 50 years. They remained with him until shortly before death.

The exhibition pays homage to the Saint, on the 125th anniversary of his birth and the 10th anniversary of his canonization. Elia Stelluto [5] presents the life of Padre Pio through his photographs. As a young boy, Stelluto served as an altar boy and then became Padre Pio’s personal photographer. His photographs immortalized the various moments of Padre Pio’s daily life, from interactions with his spiritual children to private moments of joy and happiness. Stelluto was particularly able to capture his unique expression during the afternoon liturgies and the Eucharistic celebrations. The collection includes over 100 photographs never before seen in the United States.

In addition to Stelluto’s photos, there will be a display of Padre Pio relics, treasured by people all over the world. The exhibit will be complemented by a series of programs including spiritual lectures, readings and screenings presented by people truly dedicated to spreading Padre Pio’s message.

Keep in mind that registration is required for all programs.

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Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 2:00pm, Mario Bruschi [6] will share his personal experience with Padre Pio. He was just twenty-three when he had his confession with Padre Pio in 1957. Since then, Mario has personally started twenty-five Padre Pio prayer groups. He is responsible for starting Padre Pio prayer groups in Sri Lanka and was also influential in the construction of the St. Padre Pio Shrine Church in Athurugiriya. Mario has also given Padre Pio presentations at the federal prison in Otisville, New York, showing the documentary film on Padre Pio in both English and Spanish. He regularly visits Catholic schools, sharing the story of Padre Pio with children in elementary school and junior high school. Mario continues to lead the all night prayer vigils on the first Friday of each month at Our Lady of Peace parish in New York City. Join us as he speaks about his personal encounter with Padre Pio and how the Saint has been influential in saving the lives of people all over the world.

Mario’s presentation will include a display of the glove of Padre Pio [7]. This rarely seen relic was worn by the Saint himself throughout his life and will be available for our members and friends to view during Mario’s presentation only.
Must register in advance and prepay. Members $10, Non-Members $20

Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 3:00pm Screening of “Padre Pio: Miracle Man [8]”. The movie captures the Capuchin friar's intense faith and devotion, and deep spiritual concern for others, as well as his great compassion for the sick and suffering. It reveals the amazing details and events in Padre Pio's life as a boy and throughout his 50 years as a friar, dramatizing the frequent attacks of the Devil on him, as well as the persecution he suffered at the hands of people, including those in the church. Directed by Carlo Carlei. In Italian with English subtitles (214 minutes).
Must register in advance and prepay. Members $10, Non-Members $20

October 19, 2012 at 3:00pm and 6:30pm and Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 11:00am and 2:00pm, The National Centre for Padre Pio [9], Inc. will join in for a presentation on the life of Padre Pio, his connection to the Calandra family and how the Centre came to be. Their presentation will include a display of relics, many of which have never before left the Centre, located in Barto, Pennsylvania. This rare presentation will be given four times during Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20. The relics will be on display from 12:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday and from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday. This unique experience is not to be missed!
Must register in advance and prepay. Members $10, Non-Members $20

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 6:30pm The testimony of Father Pio Mandato [10], FMHSJ is to be held.
Both Padre Pio and Father Pio Mandato came from the small town of Pietrelcina. Father Pio Mandato received his First Holy Communion from Padre Pio before coming to the United States. He grew up in New Jersey and entered the Capuchin Seminary at the age of 17, where he received his Franciscan formation and later his priestly formation. Father Pio Mandato will also read from the book “Padre Pio: Encounters with a Spiritual Daughter from Pietrelcina” [11], written by his mother, Graziella DeNunzio Mandato, who was a spiritual daughter of Padre Pio. In the book Graziella shares her memories of the Saint. The reader comes away with an intimate understanding of how closely Saint Pio was tied to the lives of ordinary men and women and the spiritual love they shared for each other.
Must register in advance and prepay. Members $10, Non-Members $20

Exhibit hours: Tuesday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 8:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am to 12:00noon. For more information or to schedule a guided tour group please call: (914) 771-8700.