Are you seeking healing, comfort, or spiritual strength?
The Novena to Saint Padre Pio is a nine-day journey of prayer and trust in God’s mercy, guided by one of the most beloved saints of modern times.
Known for his stigmata, miracles, and deep union with Christ, Padre Pio continues to bring hope to souls in pain.
Let him pray with you. Let him fight for you.
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful.” – Saint Padre Pio
Start this novena today with faith in your heart.
Benefits of Praying the Novena to Padre Pio
Deepens your personal relationship with Christ through prayer and reflection
Strengthens faith and perseverance in suffering
Invokes Padre Pio’s intercession for healing, peace, and miracles
Padre Pio: The stigmatist priest
Francesco Forgione was born on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, a small village in southern Italy. From early childhood, he experienced mystical visions of Jesus and Mary, and at age 15, he joined the Capuchin Franciscan order, taking the religious name “Pio” in honor of Pope Saint Pius I.
On September 20, 1918, while praying before a crucifix in the chapel of San Giovanni Rotondo, Padre Pio received the stigmata—the five wounds of Christ piercing his hands, feet, and side. Significantly, these sacred wounds bled daily for the next 50 years until his death in 1968. Furthermore, medical examinations were conducted on the wounds. Amazingly, the doctors confirmed they never became infected, healed, or scarred. In addition, these wounds emitted a mysterious fragrance of flowers that pilgrims could detect.
🌟 Extraordinary Gifts and Enduring Legacy
His life was marked by extraordinary supernatural gifts. He could bilocate—appearing in two places simultaneously to comfort the dying or protect people in danger. Additionally, in the confessional, he demonstrated the ability to “read souls,” knowing sins before they were confessed and often speaking to penitents in languages he had never studied. He accurately prophesied future events and endured violent physical attacks from demons, which left visible marks on his body.
However, despite his holiness, Padre Pio faced intense scrutiny and persecution from Church authorities who questioned the authenticity of his gifts. For years, he was forbidden from celebrating public Mass or hearing confessions—a cross he bore with profound humility and obedience, never defending himself or complaining.
His daily schedule was grueling. He spent up to 19 hours in the confessional, hearing thousands of confessions each week. His celebration of Mass often lasted several hours as he mystically relived Christ’s Passion, sometimes appearing in ecstasy with tears streaming down his face.
Millions of pilgrims traveled to the remote monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo to receive his blessing, attend his Mass, or go to confession with him. In 1956, he founded the “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” (Home for Relief of Suffering), a hospital that continues his healing ministry today.
Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968, at the age of 81. Consequently, more than 100,000 people attended his funeral. Pope John Paul II beatified him in 1999 and canonized him in 2002, calling him “a true image of Christ crucified and a living icon of the suffering Christ.”
His final words were simple and profound: “Jesus, Mary. Jesus, Mary.”
A miracle that shocked the medical world
One of the most medically documented miracles attributed to Padre Pio involves a young girl named Gemma di Giorgi, born in Sicily on Christmas Day, 1939. Gemma came into the world with a devastating condition: she had no pupils in either eye—just smooth, white tissue where her pupils should have been.
Italian doctors examined the infant and delivered a devastating verdict to her heartbroken parents. “Your daughter will never see,” they said. “There is no surgery, no treatment, no hope. She lacks the basic anatomy necessary for vision. This is medically impossible to cure.”
As Gemma grew into a bright, curious child, she navigated her world in complete darkness, learning to identify her family members by the sound of their voices and footsteps. Her grandmother, a woman of deep faith, refused to accept that her granddaughter’s case was truly hopeless.
🙏 The Healing Hand of Padre Pio
When Gemma was seven years old, her grandmother took her on the long, difficult journey from Sicily to San Giovanni Rotondo to meet Padre Pio. After waiting in line for hours among hundreds of other pilgrims, they finally reached the elderly friar.
Padre Pio placed his stigmatized hand gently on Gemma’s face, his wounded palm covering her sightless eyes. He traced the sign of the cross over her forehead and spoke softly: “May the Madonna bless you, little one.” Then he touched her eyes again and said with quiet conviction, “What beautiful blue eyes you have.”
Gemma’s grandmother was confused—her granddaughter’s eyes were not blue. But she said nothing.
Within hours, young Gemma began to see light and shadows. By the next day, she could distinguish shapes and colors. Within a week, she had perfect vision—despite still having no pupils in her eyes.
🔬 Medical Verdict: An Impossible Sight
Medical specialists in Rome examined her, baffled and unable to explain what they were observing. X-rays and examinations confirmed that Gemma still had no pupils—the anatomical structures necessary for focusing light onto the retina simply did not exist. Yet somehow, impossibly, she could see with perfect clarity.
“There is no medical or scientific explanation for this,” the doctors wrote in their report. “This child should be completely blind. That she can see at all—much less see perfectly—defies every known law of ophthalmology.”
Gemma di Giorgi lived a full and joyful life. She married, had children, and spent decades sharing her story with anyone who would listen. Before her death in 2013 at age 84, she continued to testify: “Padre Pio gave me sight when medicine said it was impossible. He taught me that nothing is impossible for God.”
Her case remains one of the most thoroughly documented miracles in modern Catholic history and stands as powerful testimony to Padre Pio’s extraordinary intercessory power with God.
Why pray the novena to Padre Pio?
People around the world pray this nine-day novena seeking Padre Pio’s powerful intercession for:
Physical Healing & Medical Miracles
Padre Pio bore Christ’s wounds for 50 years and understood suffering intimately. He is invoked for chronic pain, terminal illnesses, unexplained medical conditions, and healing when doctors say there is no hope.
Spiritual Healing & Conversion
As a confessor who spent 19 hours daily hearing confessions, Padre Pio has special power to intercede for freedom from sin, healing of spiritual wounds, breaking addictions, and conversion of hearts.
Protection from Evil
Padre Pio fought visible battles with demons throughout his life. He is called upon for protection against spiritual attack, demonic oppression, and deliverance from evil influences.
Guidance in Difficult Decisions
Known for his gift of reading souls and prophetic knowledge, Padre Pio can help guide you through confusion, major life decisions, and times when you don’t know which path to take.
Comfort in Suffering
If you are carrying a heavy cross—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—Padre Pio understands. He teaches us his motto: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
Impossible Causes
Like his fellow saints Jude and Rita, Padre Pio is invoked for situations that seem humanly impossible, when all doors appear closed and hope seems lost.
This novena is especially powerful when prayed:
- Leading up to his feast day (September 14-22, culminating on September 23)
- During times of serious illness or crisis
- When beginning a new spiritual journey
- As a family, for the conversion and healing of loved ones
How to Pray the Padre Pio Novena
- Choose a quiet space and time each day.
- Light a candle or place a small image of Padre Pio nearby.
- Begin each day with intention, offering your petition to God.
- Pray with confidence and hope.
- End each day with the closing prayers and a moment of silence.
You may write down your intentions or repeat the novena for 9 consecutive months for greater spiritual fruit.
Daily Prayers – 9 Days with Padre Pio
Day 1
Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, loving father, you bore the visible wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ on your body. You carried the Cross for all humanity. In bearing the physical and moral sufferings that continually tortured your body and soul, you became a martyr of love for all people. We beg you to intercede for us with our Almighty Father that we may have the courage to accept the great and small crosses of life that transform suffering into a sure link that leads us to eternal life.
Amen
Day 2
St. Padre Pio, together with Our Lord Jesus Christ, you have been able to withstand the temptations of the Devil. You suffered the beatings and the oppression of the demon of hell, who wanted to have you abandon your journey of holiness. Pray for us to God that through your intercession and in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we may find the spiritual courage to renounce sin and be strengthened in faith until death.
Amen
Day 3
Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, virtuous father, you loved Our Blessed Mother deeply. You received daily graces through her intercession. We ask you to present our prayers to her, that like at Cana, she may intercede for us and present our needs to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Day 4
Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, chaste father, you had a deep friendship with your Guardian Angel. May we, like you, learn to appreciate our angel’s guidance and be open to divine inspiration that keeps us from harm.
Amen.
Day 5
Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, prudent father, you loved the souls in purgatory and offered yourself in reparation for them. Teach us to pray and sacrifice for their relief and quick entrance into the eternal joys of heaven.
Amen.
Day 6
Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, obedient father, you loved the sick and suffering because you saw Christ in them. May your powerful intercession help us in our physical and spiritual needs, and may we offer praise and thanks to God for His blessings.
Amen.
Struggling with illness or chronic pain?
Pray the Novena to Saint Peregrine for Healing
Day 7
Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, holy father, you offered yourself as a victim for the salvation of souls. Pray for all those who have no faith, and strengthen those whose faith is weak. May all be converted to the Lord through heartfelt repentance.
Amen.
Day 8
Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, pure father, you loved your spiritual children deeply. We ask to be included among them. At the hour of our death, may we find you waiting for us at the gates of paradise.
Amen.
Day 9
Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, humble father, you truly loved the Church. Intercede that God may send holy priests and bring unity to all who call upon Jesus. May the Church be a beacon of hope in the storms of life.
Amen.
Facing addiction or spiritual battles?
Pray the Novena to Venerable Matt Talbot
Closing Prayers
Oh Saint Padre Pio, crowned with glory, pray for me.
Oh lord, You have heard the prayers of Padre Pio, and have given him the grace of communion with You, have mercy on me in my despair, save me from my misfortunes, because I am unable to bear them. To you honour, praise and thanks forever!
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Prayer to the Sacred Heart
Oh Lord Jesus Christ, to Your most Sacred Heart I confide this intention {name petition}.
Only look upon me, then do what Your love inspires. Let Your Sacred Heart decide.
I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy. Lord Jesus, You will not fail me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked You for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one.
Take it, place it in Your open Heart.
When the Eternal Father looks upon it, He will see it covered with Your Precious Blood.
It will be no longer my prayer, but Yours, Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I place all my trust in You. Let me not be disappointed. Amen.
Why So Many People Trust Padre Pio’s Intercession
Thousands of Catholics around the world pray to Padre Pio for:
- Healing from illness
- Peace during anxiety
- Strength during family struggles
- Miraculous interventions in impossible cases
“Padre Pio helped me during my darkest moments. I truly believe he interceded for me.”
– A devotee from New York
If you feel Padre Pio has helped you, share this novena with someone who needs hope.
Other prayers to Padre Pio
Frequently asked questions
When should I start praying this novena?
The traditional time is September 14-22, ending on Padre Pio’s feast day (September 23). However, you can pray this novena any nine consecutive days, especially during times of urgent need. Some devotees pray it on the 23rd of every month.
Can I pray this novena for someone else?
Absolutely. You can pray this novena for a sick family member, for someone’s conversion, for a friend facing hardship, or for any intention close to your heart. Padre Pio himself spent his life interceding for others
What if I miss a day?
If you accidentally miss a day, simply continue where you left off. God sees your heart and your sincere desire to pray. Some people restart the novena from day one, but this isn’t required.
Can I pray this novena more than once?
Yes. Many people pray this novena repeatedly, especially for persistent intentions. Some pray it nine times in a row (for nine months), a practice Padre Pio himself sometimes recommended for difficult cases.
Do I need to attend Mass during the novena?
While not required, attending Mass during your novena—especially on Padre Pio’s feast day—can deepen your spiritual experience. Padre Pio’s own Mass was a profound mystical experience, and he would encourage this.
What if my prayer isn’t answered the way I hoped?
Remember Padre Pio’s words: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” God always answers prayers, but sometimes the answer is “wait,” “not yet,” or “I have something better planned.” Trust in Divine Providence and continue praying with hope.
Should I make any promises or sacrifices during the novena?
While not required, many people choose to offer small sacrifices during the nine days—such as fasting, giving up a comfort, attending daily Mass, or performing acts of charity—to show their sincerity and unite their sacrifice with Padre Pio’s suffering.
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❤️ May Saint Padre Pio intercede for you today and always.
