St. Padre Pio, formally known as St. Pio of Pietrelcina, is one of my favorite saints. There are a lot of reasons, but if you’ve read anything about him you become aware of a few things: namely his dedication to the Rosary, (which he said several dozen times a day); his ability to ‘read souls’ and ‘consciences’ during Confession (which he heard for several hours every day); his was blessed with the stigmata of Jesus for 50 years and before that, the transverberation (or a ‘piercing of the heart’ by Jesus which left him with a wound in his side.)

He was also known for healings, including many after his death. Many devotees report miraculous healings after praying for his intercession. Every month in my diocese I attend (when I am able) a ‘St. Padre Pio Healing Mass’ where just prior tooth Liturgy of the Eucharist the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given to those who need it. 

His feast day is September 23rd, and so his novena begins of September 14th. Here’s a good one from Pray More Novenas.

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