Under obedience to his superiors, Padre Pio shared a profound account of his experience with the stigmata. This narrative, extracted from "Padre Pio: A Holy Priest," sheds light on the spiritual and physical ordeal he endured.
In his own words, Padre Pio describes the moment of his crucifixion with profound emotion and humility. He recounts a moment of stillness and peace after celebrating Mass, where he is engulfed in a mysterious vision of a figure dripping with blood. Overwhelmed with terror and awe, Padre Pio feared for his life but found strength through divine intervention.
Despite attempts to conceal his wounds, Padre Pio's suffering persisted, both physically and spiritually. In a letter to Fr. Benedetto, he expressed his agony and pleaded for relief.
His stigmata, a reflection of Christ's wounds, remained a constant presence for the next five decades, marking him as the only priest in Church history to bear such a manifestation. Like St. Francis of Assisi, Padre Pio's stigmata served as a public sign and a divine charism.
Initially hesitant to reveal his condition, Padre Pio confided in his superior, Fr. Guardian, who recognized the significance of the situation. This obedience led to the documentation of Padre Pio's stigmata, including a photograph permitted by his superiors.
