MERCY IN PADRE PIO

Saint Padre Pio embodies Divine Mercy in a truly extraodinary way. A huge part of the ministry of Padre Pio, in fact, took place in administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation as an extraordinary confessor, exigent and at times even severe.

The mercy of St. Padre Pio did not end in the confessional. It was also translated into other concrete gestures which enabled him, even physically, to experience the love of the Lord. For everyone the contruction of the hospital, "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza," strongly willed and realized by this humble Capuchin who lived in San Giovanni Rotondo, remains an eloquent witness. This excellent structure reminds us that mercy is made palpable and visible in the aid and support given to those who live in difficult situations. Finally, it is evident that our faith is made concrete where Jesus is not, first and foremost, a doctrine that is taught, but a person who is met and contemplated face to face.