I prayed a Novena to Padre Pio for the healing of my teen daughter. She had suffered from Pseudotumor Cerebri which, among having to endure several painful spinal taps had damaged her optical nerves. The specialists told us her nerve damage was permanent and irreversible. My daughter had been averaging 2-3 spinal taps a year by this time.

My request in the Novena was that Padre Pio would intervene for us so that our daughter would not have any more bouts of this condition which was making her eyesight progressively worse in addition to having to undergo the spinal taps.

Following my Novena, I felt an immense need to pray a Rosary in front of the tabernacle at church with my daughter and afterward to make the sign of the cross on both of her eyes with Holy Water. I can’t explain why I felt the need to do it so strongly (and I must admit I felt a little weird doing it because I hadn’t previously made those types of outward devotional gestures like that).

At our next follow up with the neurologist, he told us our daughter’s nerves actually looked good-improved even. He even felt confident enough to take our daughter off her medication! Another follow up with her eye specialist revealed the same. Our family gave thanks to God for healing her and to Padre Pio for his intercession.

A week or so later, we found a CD about Padre Pio at our local parish’s Lighthouse Catholic Media stand and listened to it on the way home as a family. In the CD, the presenter told a story of Padre Pio healing a little girl’s eyes by making the sign of the cross on each of them-the same thing I felt so strongly compelled to do! We ALL were completely stunned! It was as if Padre Pio was telling us, “yes, I heard your prayers and interceded”.

It’s been nearly two years now since our daughter’s last bout of Pseudotumor Cerebri and we just had another check up with her eye specialist. Her nerves looked great again and her vision was 20/20 (with her glasses, which she’s always needed anyway). Her vision had deteriorated previously though even with her glasses, so this is still an improvement.

My father had a very strong devotion to Padre Pio and he passed it along to me. In addition to helping me in my spiritual life, I know he interceded for us directly. We are currently saving up for a trip to San Giovanni Rotondo so we can show our devotion to him.

We thank God for the great Saints He has given us through Holy Mother Church. Thank you, St. Padre Pio. Ora Pro Nobis!

Every day at the Foundation we feel the guiding hand of Padre Pio. Just like the time a credit card would not process despite several attempts. We called our benefactor, Francine, to resolve the issue. When we checked the numbers, they were all correct. We tried again and THIS time, the card worked without any problem. Francine joked that Padre Pio must have wanted us to call her! As we chatted, we asked her how she had learned about Padre Pio and then she told us about her neighbor, Claire.

At 92 years of age, Claire has not only been battling lymphoma for seven years, but the disks in her back are in bad shape. One night she was watching a program about Padre Pio, when she noticed a new lump on her neck. Claire decided to appeal to Padre Pio. “If you want me to spread the word about you, make this lump go away,” she asked. Three days later, the Claire’s X – Ray lump had vanished. But this is not where her story ends.

Claire’s back had become unbearably painful, making it hard for her to walk, yet surgery was too dangerous at her advanced age. The doctor suggested a cortisone injection in her spine to alleviate the pain, but this was not without risks either. She might even be paralyzed if he didn’t hit the right spot. “Padre Pio will direct you,” Claire told the doctor confidently. She always carries a tiny metal statue of Saint Pio wherever she goes and wanted to keep it close during the procedure, but that wasn’t allowed. After some negotiating, the statue was wrapped in a towel and placed under Claire’s head. The procedure went ahead, and x – rays of her back were taken.

When the medical staff came back to tell Claire that everything had gone well, the nurse had tears in her eyes and the doctor seemed shaken. As soon as Claire saw the x – ray, she knew why. The image of her Padre Pio statue had mysteriously appeared on the x – ray and pointed to the injection site on her spine. The statue itself was far away in the towel under Claire’s head! Nobody was surprised that the injection was successful.

Least of all Claire, who believed that Padre Pio had plans for her and would keep her safe. Claire set to work to keep her promise and started telling everyone about Padre Pio, including Francine. Soon, word about the miracle spread. The parish priest, Father Kennedy enlarged the x – ray to show his congregation and told them how Padre Pio interceded for people to stop their suffering. Now Claire wants YOU to know about her miracle and how you too can spread devotion to our dear Saint, Padre Pio.

If you would like to submit your Story of Intercession, click here.

“There are many stories but this one is short and sweet. I was sitting in adoration and felt very close to St. Pio at that time and I was feeling silly, so I said Fr. Pio if you are here with me, have someone send me a dozen roses here at adoration! Now no one knew I was there – no fam no friends. Oddly I felt confidant about my crazy request. Then I looked down and realized the sweater I put on that day had the design of a dozen roses on it. I hadn’t even thought of it when I put it on that morning. I was floored. Praise St Pio!”

On March 8, 2019 Becky Gardner was ill with pain and a fever. The next morning she was taken to Urgent Care in Mt Vernon, OH and was diagnosed with influenza A virus. They prescribed Tamiflu to help speed recovery. Becky took 2 tablets for 5 days without eating or drinking very much for the next 8 days. Towards the end of recovery from influenza A anything that she ate or drank would cause pain in the stomach. On March 17th the pain was so severe she went to the Knox Community Hospital Emergency Room.

One of the first ER tests was a rectal specimen that showed blood in the stool. They proceeded todo blood tests, chest x-ray, and a CT scan. The blood tests showed a high white blood cell count suggesting infection and an elevated heart enzyme which showed a stressed heart.

Becky was admitted to the hospital with an “active GI bleed.” She was placed on a liquid diet and scheduled for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EDG) Tuesday morning March 19that 7:30 am. At approximately 9:30, March 18th Becky was given a liquid breakfast of chicken broth, grape juice, and iced jello. She attempted to eat 1/2 teaspoon of iced jello and experienced excruciating pain(9-10) in the stomach. She was given medicine to help alleviate the pain. For the rest of the day she did not eat or drink anything but water.

On Saturday, March 16th I went on a Pilgrimage to Pittsburgh and at The Chapel Shop, St Anthony Chapel I purchased a vial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Frankincense & Myrrh Devotional Oil. On Monday, March 18th I ask Father Blubaugh to bless it since it was labeled unblessed. Tuesday morning, March 19th I arrived at Becky’s room at 6:55 am and rubbed some of the oil on Becky’s stomach while making the sign of the cross with it. Then Becky recited the Prayer to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: “Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, faithful Servant of Jesus. You suffered the unbearable wounds of Christ and you still served God’s purpose and goodwill. You are honored as the patron of those who suffer from pain and known for your many counts of healing. I ask you through your intercession to grant me the graces of the most blessed sacrament, heal me and alleviate my wounds and suffering so that I may better serve God. Amen” At 7:00 am she was taken downstairs for a 7:30 EDG that ended at 7:54 am.

After the EGD, Dr Heuman told me they did not find any bleeding, ulcers or scars. He had no explanation other than to say she would go back to her room to eat breakfast. If she experienced pain they would do more testing and without pain she would be released. The EGD Report “Findings: SCJ at 36; very small gastric pouch seen.; Widely patent G-J anastomosis without ulcer or scar.; mild schatzky ring.; Estimated Blood Loss: None”

Back in the room Becky ordered breakfast and ate Cherrios with milk, banana,
and blueberry muffin. She experienced no additional pain and was released
before Noon on March 19th.

Witness: Edward J Gardner

This was a Miracle!!!

Praise God, the intercession of Saint Padre Pio, and many prayers!

In the spring of 2000, Gene was in poor health. Pain racked his body and he was suffering from heart and kidney problems. His strength was failing him. He had been declared unfit to continue working as an airplane mechanic – a job he had performed for decades. Even the simple task of mowing the lawn took him hours to complete. Gene and his wife had signed up for an Easter pilgrimage to Italy. He embarked on their journey with much trepidation, worried about his physical ability to keep going. One of their stops was the shrine of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo. Little did Gene know that he was about to experience the power of prayer.

While his wife visited the gift shop, Gene went to pray in the crypt where Padre Pio’s body was buried at the time. When their group boarded the bus, his wife gave him a Padre Pio relic coin that she had purchased. As the journey continued, Gene suddenly realized that he no longer felt any pain! At first he feared that it might only be a temporary reprieve and dared not mention it. Over the next few days Gene started feeling stronger and he helped other pilgrims carry their heavy suitcases. His wife eventually became suspicious when he climbed on the upper bunk onboard the ship that was taking them to their next destination and asked: “Are you feeling better?” He admitted to her that he had been pain free since their stop in San Giovanni Rotondo.

Upon his return home, Gene underwent a series of test that had been scheduled before the pilgrimage. He anxiously waited to be given the results as he watched the doctor flip through the medical charts for half an hour and continuously shaking his head. Eventually, the doctor spoke: “Can you prove to me that you really are who you say you are?” The old chart and the new chart appeared to be two completely different patients and the doctor simply could not believe this utter reversal in Gene’s health. After Gene convinced the doctor of his identity, the doctor threw his hands in the air and declared: “I give up! There’s nothing wrong with you.”

Thrilled with his miraculous recovery, Gene had himself re-examined by his workplace physicians who were equally puzzled and declared him fit for work again. Now 18 years later, Gene is retired, but healthy and still proudly wears his Saint Pio relic medal.

“I have a strong connection to Padre Pio after being confronted with Stage 3 vulvar cancer I met a woman in the waiting room of my first exploratory cat scan. She was so nice and we talked for about 40 minutes or so. When they called me up I realized I never got her name. I turned and said how nice it was having her there with me and wanted to know her name. Her name was Mary, which happened to be my Mimi’s name whom I have had such a strong heavenly connection to. I teared up, gave her a hug and knew my mimi was with me. The next week I received a packet from Padre Pio Foundation from Mary. Since that day I have referred to my dynamic duo, Padre Pio and Mimi!!!! Been cancer free for 4 years”

This is an email we received in October 2018. She has given us permission to share this beautiful story with you all.

“Hi Samira—-   This is my story-

I was raised in a large Irish Catholic home.  As I got older I was not as diligent in going to Mass as I should have been. Over the years, however, I split my time between attending Mass with my mother and attending my husband’s Baptist church.  In 2015 I moved from Maryland to Ohio. My mother was not well and so I was driving back and forth for many months.  She died in 2016.  I had just returned from  Maryland when my sister called to tell me she had passed.

A few days later I was woken up in the middle of the night.   I sat up in bed and saw a man standing at the bottom of the bed and he said, I am Padre Pio.    I went back to sleep but the first thing in the morning I went to my computer to see if there was any such person.   Even though I was a Catholic, I did not know of Saint Padre Pio.   I was stunned to see there was such a person, and he looked exactly like the man I had seen.

That same morning I received a call from my sister—I told her what had happened and she mentioned they had been cleaning out my mother’s house and had found books about this Saint Padre Pio. She said I will save them for you.  That same afternoon I had a client I needed to reach but her e-mail kept bouncing.   So I called her on the phone and at the end of our conversations she said, “Jane, By the way, do you know who Saint Padre Pio is?”   I answered that I did know and had made his acquaintance recently.  She went on to tell me she was planning to visit your organization in Connecticut on a trip to New England.

So after  the vision and two additional  confirmations the same day, I said  a prayer to Saint Padre Pio and asked him to be a part of my life.    I don’t believe in accidents!   I pray to him often and have a  bowl of prayer cards I give to clients who are struggling.   I don’t take my Catholic faith for granted any more and I believe Saint Padre Pio is still actively working in the world to support many souls.”

The following is a poem written in loving memory of David Giles Jefferson, written by his mother, Viola, as dawn broke the day that he died at the very young age of five. As she sat by David’s bedside, she prayed and asked God, “Why? Why? Suddenly, as if a recording was turned on, the following words filled her head. She grabbed a scrap piece of paper and began writing because she did not want to forget God’s answer to her “Why?” Viola and her husband Cliff know that these words came from God and knowing that has helped them through the years and they hope they will help someone else. They have been kind enough to share it with you.

Too good for this earth —
my son walked a short but difficult path.
His little feet took him over mountains
too high for most of us to climb.
He left on each he met a happier and purer heart,
and he loved the Lord so deeply for being just five.
Those he loved and who will always love him
are better for being there at his side.
Though all of us knew very early in his life
that he was too good for this earth –
so on to be with Christ!

Here you go. Please share my story.

“My name is Joanne and I have a wonderful story of Padre Pio and his intercession for me to God our father.

In June 2015, my father Angelo Antonio passed away. I love my father very much and it was very difficult for everyone. My grandparents Celestina and Sante were from Vieste. My husbands family are from San Severo. I say this because both of our families were from the area where Padre Pio lived. My sister suggested that I read the book on Padre Pio hoping that the book with ease my sadness. I read Padre Pio’s book and I shed many tears. As we all know our friend Padre Pio suffered so much for us. I also said many prayers for Padre Pio‘s intentions. I have to say that my grandmother taught me the love of our Blessed mother. Padre Pio also showed me our Blessed mother’s love. He also brought me to know The love of Jesus and his most sacred heart. I finished Padre Pio‘s book on September 5. September 5 is also the anniversary of my grandfather’s passing.

I have to say that September 5 was a very emotional day for me. I now have to back up to September 2001. My husband and I were going to Italy. We were going with friends and we were going to stay at a what we would call a dude ranch. I am afraid of horses so before going to Italy I took horseback riding lessons. Because of that awful day in September we did not go to Italy. I did not know that the horseback lessons injured my pelvic nerve. Not to go into detail but I began to suffer a great deal but also did not know what caused my pain. I went to BW and MG for years. I was missed diagnosed and treated incorrectly. In 2012 I had surgery unfortunately it did not do what I hoped it would do. I have to say that it was a very long 14 years of suffering and doctors that I saw were not listening. During those years of suffering my faith is what kept me strong. Had plenty of time to pray for others.

Many of us pray for so many other people but very few times do we pray for ourselves. So on this day of September 5, 2015 as I finished padre Pio‘s book I gave a heart felt prayer asking Padre Pio to intercede for me that I was tired so tired of the horrible excruciating pain that I suffered. When I finished my prayer to Padre Pio I knew in my heart and in my mind that I was cured. I have confirmation from my doctor that when she finished a procedure on me the following Friday she found that my bladder was in great condition Padre Pio I thank you again from the bottom of my heart for your intercession I am able to play with my grandchildren which makes me so very happy and so blessed May God bless you all and know that our prayers are always heard and answered.

Jesus Mary and Joseph I love you.”

“My wife was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in June of 1999. She has had two major operations, one radiation treatment and two bouts with chemo. After the last surgery and radiation treatment the doctors felt they had gotten it for sure, this time. However, to make sure they recommended a final and very severe regiment of chemo. She had just started the latest cycle of chemo when she got very sick. I took her to the emergency room.

The doctors said she had a blockage in her small intestine and would probably have to operate. This was devastating to my wife, family and me – by the way it all started on the evening of the 24th of April – the day Fr. McQueeney passed away. On Saturday the doctors were going to operate but said they would wait one more day to see if this problem would resolve itself.

That Saturday I went to Mass. Before Mass started I went to the vestibule of our Church, St. Andrew’s, in Reston, VA, where there is a life size statue of Padre Pio. I asked him to pray for my wife to get better. I repeated over and over to myself Padre Pio’s words, “Pray, Hope, and don’t Worry!” – needless to say I was doing a lot of worrying. As Mass started I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders until it came time for the Homily. Fr. Fasano, our parish priest, who celebrates the 5:30 PM Mass gave an unusually short Homily – let me say here that Fr. Fasano’s are some of the most spiritually moving I have heard in my life! The last words of his homily were – “…as Padre Pio says, Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry!” – Needles to say I got goose bumps and then a great calm came over me. That night my wife started to feel better – the pain went away and she started to eat again.

Her improvement was so great that they sent her home on Monday – she has no pain and is eating again. One more point I should mention – we will celebrate her birthday on the 16th of June – the same day Padre Pio will be canonized. I want everyone to know that Padre Pio can help you too.”

The following story is from a friend who responded to our request to send us your Angel stories. We thank her for allowing us to share this beautiful story with you.

“The White Feather

I was reading how Padre Pio believed people could send their guardian angels to others to help them. And how he told his friends they could send their angels to him with a message and he would help as much as possible.

My mother-in-law was dying of leukemia. She had such a hard life. It was sad that she had to suffer. I asked my guardian angel, whom I pictured sitting across from me at my kitchen table, to go to Padre Pio. My message was to either heal her or take her peacefully to heaven. I then waved goodbye to him

I was looking out my window, imagining my guardian angel flying off and feeling very peaceful. I asked him, “By the way, do you think you could leave me a big, white feather, from your wing, on the kitchen chair where you were sitting, to prove you were really here?” I got up and looked on the chair, but there was no feather. “That’s okay, I still believe.” I proceeded to go into the living room and there, in the middle of the floor was a tiny, fluffy feather! He left it on his way out the door!! Not that guardian angels need a door to go through, but……….why not?

Mom died a few days later. Her suffering was over. I was walking on the boardwalk, watching the most beautiful sunset, thinking of Mom and thinking of the feather. Right in my path, sticking straight- up in the slat of the boardwalk, was a large white feather! “Dear Guardian Angel, you knew I really wanted that large white feather all along, didn’t you? Thank you …… but wait, ……….Mom, was it from you?” And ………………. why not?”