“A seed has been sown in the ground which the Lord God shall warm with the rays of His love.” —Padre Pio at the opening of the House for the Relief of the Suffering

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In 1940, Padre Pio came up with the idea for what he referred to as a “cathedral of charity”—the House for the Relief of Suffering in San Giovanni Rotondo. Padre Pio, himself, offered the first donation of one gold coin to help make it a real-ity. His followers immediately joined in to support his efforts. In 1956, the hospital officially opened on the hill above the town. It still operates to this day and as well as being a full-service hospital, it is also a world class scientific research center. Perhaps because of his own suffering, Padre Pio was devoted to alleviating the suffering of others, both physical and spiritual.
Praying with Padre Pio
St. Pio, bring your healing touch to our spirits. Guide us on our quest to seek communion with God.