CA is proud to add St. Padre Pio to our apparel line-up.
 
St. Padre Pio was born Francesco Forgione, on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy. 
 
When Francesco was fifteen years old, he was admitted to the novitiate of the Capuchin Order of the Friars Minor in Morcone, Italy.
 
At 29, When hearing confessions, after feeling intense pain, he noticed the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, appearing on his hands and feet that smelled of roses. With resignation and serenity, he bore the painful wounds for fifty years.
 
In addition, God endowed Padre Pio with many extraordinary spiritual gifts that included bilocation, prophecy, miracles, discernment of spirits, and the ability to read hearts amongst others.
 
St Pio was known for his piety, charity and the quality of his preaching. He famously advised, "Pray, hope and don't worry."
 
Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968. His funeral was attended by over 100,000 people.
 
Pope John Paul II recognized Padre Pio as a saint on June 16, 2002. His feast day is September 23. He is the patron of civil defense volunteers, adolescents, and the village of Pietrelcina.
 
St Padre Pio Pray for Us!