Relics of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina arrive at the archdiocese of Rio

A press conference held at the headquarters of Archdiocese of São Sebastião marked the announcement of the arrival of the relics of Saint Pius for public veneration. These precious relics include items such as scabs from his wounds, a piece of blood-stained cotton gauze, a lock of hair, his glove, and even a piece of his cloak. Although it is not allowed to hold or kiss them, it is believed that the simple proximity of these relics is enough to feel their spiritual strength, as Saint Pius was the only priest in the history of the Church to receive the wounds from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in hands and feet.

“The opportunity to venerate the relics of Saint Padre Pio will certainly increase the fervor of faith of our faithful, the portion of Christ’s flock entrusted to us”stated the metropolitan archbishop, Cardinal Orani João Tempestaresponsible for requesting the visit to the São Pio Foundation, based in New York.

In Rio de Janeiro, the relics were displayed in several parishes, including Santa Rosa de Lima, in Barra da Tijuca, Nossa Senhora da Paz, in Ipanema, Nossa Senhora da Conceição, in Engenho Novo, and São Pio, in Rio Comprido. The culmination of the pilgrimage was a special event at the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, in the Center, where the relics were present at the Spiritual Encounter with Saint Pius, with the theme “Prayer is the key that opens the heart of God!”.

The relics were presented at the headquarters of the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, in Glória. In addition to the physical exhibition of the relics, believers and those interested in the life and history of Saint Pius can access a website that contains 365 letters written by him, as well as ten original photographs.

Saint Pius of Pietrelcina lived between 1887 and 1968 in Pietrelcina, Italy. At the age of 16, he joined the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, being ordained a priest in 1910. From 1918, Padre Pio began to suffer with stigmata on his hands and feet, becoming the only priest in the history of the Church to receive the wounds of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. His life and legacy continue to inspire millions of people around the world.

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