A brief survey of twentieth century saints. The childhood through confirmation of Francesco Forgione, the Italian peasant boy who would grow up to become St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.
The influence of Fra Camillo on young Francesco's decision to become a Capuchin Franciscan Friar. The early sufferings of young Padre Pio, from poor health to a brief stint in World War I, foreshadow the worse sufferings to come.
Padre Pio experiences transverberation of the heart, the invisible stigmata, and later the visible stigmata. Fr. Apostoli draws parallels between the five wounds of Christ borne by St. Francis of Assisi and those borne by Padre Pio.
The years 1922-33 were years of tremendous suffering for Padre Pio. He was the victim of false accusations from enemies within and without the Church. Pio's religious service was restricted, but he obeyed, suffered, and ultimately prevailed.
A look at the later years of Padre Pio, from the bright light of Mary Pyle to the dark cloud of World War II. Pio's founding of The House for the Relief of Suffering and of vibrant prayer groups. Padre Pio ascends to glory on September 23, 1968.
Padre Pio's love for the Mass is detailed. Throngs of devotees would crowd Pio's Mass, which could span for hours as Pio would pray and ponder this unbloody renewal of Christ's sacrifice, sometimes experiencing ecstasies and levitation.
Padre Pio's devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is demonstrated by his dedication to the rosary. Padre Pio's encounters with Mary, from miraculous life-saving interventions to her abiding presence in his monastery cell.