Padre Pio’s devotion to Our Lady of Pompeii and the gift of the rose

May 5 is the feast day of the Saint of Pietrelcina. Discover the evocative birth of devotion to Padre Pio and Our Lady of Pompeii

That Saint Pio of Pietrelcina is one of the most beloved and venerated saints in our country, and not only, is well known. His fame as a miracle worker, in addition to the example of his own life marked by prayer, sacrifice and total dedication to others, have earned him a popular devotion begun when he was still alive. Every year thousands of people visit the Sanctuary of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world. In this article, we want to dwell on Padre Pio and Our Lady of Pompeii, an aspect that on the one hand emphasizes the deep love that the Saint brought throughout his life to the Blessed Virgin, on the other tells a fascinating miraculous event related to his figure.

Padre Pio and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii

Let us remember that throughout his life Padre Pio was an Apostle of the Rosary. He loved immensely this devotional practice, which he recited several times a day, and always carried a Holy Rosary, wrapped around his hand or arm. Even at his death he held the rosary in his hand. As we well know, the Rosary is the most widespread devotional and contemplative prayer recited by Christians all over the world, especially for the possibility attributed to it of receiving indulgences, thanks to the intercession of Our Lady.

During his life, Padre Pio went on pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary in Pompeii, one of the most important and visited Marian shrines in Italy, at least three times, the first barely fourteen years old, together with his teacher then and some fellow students.

He then returned in 1911, when he was a young priest in the convent of Venafro, and again in 1916, during a licentiate.

The correlation between the Madonna and the rose

It was September 20, 1968, and Padre Pio lived his last days in the world. Fifty years had passed since he received the Stigmata and a devotee offered him a basket of red roses to celebrate the anniversary. The Saint moved, took one and handed it to him, asking him to bring it as an offering to Our Lady of Pompeii. The devotee was very happy to satisfy him and worried that the rose would be placed right in front of the picture of Our Lady. Three days later Padre Pio had died, and a nun, removing the flowers in front of the effigy of the Madonna, noticed that, while all the flowers had withered, the rose of Padre Pio was still fresh, indeed, had even returned to close in a fragrant bud. Informed of the miraculous event, the bishop prelate of the Shrine of Pompeii wanted it to be placed in a precious reliquary in which it is still kept today.

In our store, you will find many articles, in particular pictures, rosaries, and statues, which recall this story of devotion and celebrate the link between Padre Pio and Madonna di Pompeii.

Press painting of the Virgin of Pompeii
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Rosary with Padre Pio and Merciful Jesus in wood
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Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei replica
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Padre Pio in resin, Landi 30cm
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The Scent of rose of Padre Pio

Padre Pio’s apparitions and spiritual visits have always been characterized by particular scents and smells. Already in life his person and his clothes emanated different scents, as many people who have known him testify. These scents spread like a scent in their passage, remaining in the environments in which they had stayed. After his death, perfume became his way of conveying messages to his devotees. In particular, the scent of rose would be the one chosen by Padre Pio to manifest his presence to those who invoke his help. However, not everyone can feel this perfume. Many of those who say they have heard him also claim to have benefited by the Saint a grace for themselves or for someone who was dear to them.