Shrine of Padre Pio

We stopped in the gorgeous and remote town of San Giovanni Rotondo yesterday.  What a site!  This was the home of Saint Padre Pio, and now an amazing shrine dedicated to him. This is the second most visited Catholic Shrine in the world. 

At first we were not impressed by the modern look of the massive shrine, but we were soon blown away by how gorgeous it was. It hovers in the mountains above the Italian countryside filled with olive groves and grape vines. The inside is colorful and contains the most beautiful mosaics we have ever seen.

The adoration chapel

Saint Padre Pio is an incorruptible, meaning his body does NOT decompose!  A miracle in itself.

We had the amazing privilege and good fortune of walking in on a mass being said at Saint Padre Pio's resting place. We were able to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist right in front of an incorruptible saint. It was a powerful experience. One of the highlights of our trip for sure.

Here are a few of the mosaics depicting Padre Pio's willingness to be like Christ in order to bring that love to Christ's people. Notice the blood on his hands and feet where he suffered from the stigmata for 50 years. 

This is the Church where Padre Pio said mass every day, Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Saint Padre Pio was a conduit of God's mercy for millions of people, spending countless hours in this confessional.