Saint Padre Pio was a Capuchin friar, priest, and mystic. From a young age, he experienced visions and had a strong devotion to prayer. After his ordination, he became widely known for bearing the stigmata—the wounds of Christ—which he carried for 50 years. Padre Pio spent long hours hearing confessions, offering spiritual guidance, and celebrating Mass with profound reverence. Countless people reported healings and conversions through his prayers. Despite skepticism and investigation from Church authorities, his humility and holiness prevailed and he was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II.

I’ve always loved Padre Pio for his bold personality and his intense devotion to God in the midst of great suffering. As a girl who tends to speak before she thinks, I feel as though I’ve found a kindred spirit in this man who allowed God to work through his nature to refine him—and thus for God to do incredible things.