Lovely to see your blog. I haven’t been in Italy for some years and am now all fired-up and rarin’ to go again, particularly to San Giovanni.

In relation to Padre Pio and the Irish, the connection may indeed go back even before the last war but certainly Irish servicemen fighting in the British Army in Italy would have brought back news (just as Americans did). In any event his name was well established by the 50s and 60s, even before his death, and has grown exponentially ever since. It is very common to see St Pio medallions and windscreen stickers on cars and pilgrimages to San Giovanni are organised in most parishes. Floreat!

With all best wishes from Ireland.

Thank you for all that you do as Archbishop of Boston. I hope that your trip Rome and other parts of Italy was great. I was there myself in June. I loved the Gesu, but I was particularly moved down in the Scavi (Bishop Coleman recommended that one). When I left Rome I spent a week with Augustinian Friars in San Gimignano in the Tuscany Region. I’m praying for you Cardinal Sean, please pray for my vocation. I know myself and the rest of the people in the Fall River Diocese will never forget how much of an influence you had on our lives and how good of a job you did as our bishop. This blog was a great idea, you should keep it going after your trip, I know a few people who find it very interesting. You have some really great pictures, I’ll have to share some from my “European excursion” with you someday. Take good care, and best regards.

In Christ,

Chris Peschel
1st College Franciscan University

Thank you very much for the excellent blog and superb photos of your trip and celebration of the Feast Day of St. Pio at San Giovanni Rotondo. Just this Saturday, I was reading a book about St. Pio and was curious as to what his Shrine looked liked. Your photos and narrative have now convinced me that a visit to this Shrine is a ‘must do’ for me.

Thank you again for your lively narrative and the great pictures (also those of the different churches in Rome which I was unaware of).

Best regards,

John Schmit
Austin, TX

Dr. Tom Shields was stationed in Italy as a U. S. Army Air Corps surgeon during WWII, eventually retiring at the rank of Colonel.

Tom was an agnostic.

During the war, Tom heard about “this Padre Pio” and decided to visit him (more to satisfy his idle curiousity than for any other reason.)

Padre Pio allowed Tom to personally inspect his stigmata. The only words Tom was capable of muttering was, “Oh my God, it’s real!”

When Tom passed away a few years ago, he was an “on-fire” Christian and actually traveled about talking to men’s groups about the Gospel.

God bless,

Gisela

I don’t live in America so I have no idea about the miracles to be investigated in Boston.

I do, however, pray everyday for Ven. Solanus Casey, that one day he too, will become a Saint of the Church!

Greeting’s in Christ

And great to see the San Giovanni Rotondo!

Joe Speechley
DeKalb, IL 60115