Saint Padre Pio's Body Not Found

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Saint Padre Pio's Body Not Found in His Tomb? Catholic Family News ^ | October 2002 | Anne McGinn Cillis Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 8:20:03 PM by Land of the Irish

Saint Padre Pio's Body Not Found in His Tomb? by Anne McGinn Cillis An astounding piece of news has recently come to light, which very well might be the most spectacular of all the miracles attributed to the now-canonized Saint Padre Pio. [Padre Pio was canonized on June 16, 2002. His feast day is September 23.] Reportedly, an exhumation was conducted by order from the Vatican, preparatory to his Beatification in Rome on May 2, 1999, and overseen by Silvio Cardinal Oddi [+ June 23, 2001] and other required canonical witnesses. Padre Pio's tomb is encased in Italian marble weighing three tons, originally lowered by a crane over the casket of the Saint, and then cemented to the concrete floor of the crypt in the Capuchin church of Santa Maria della Grazie, attached to the monastery where Padre Pio lived for over fifty years, and who died there in his cell. When the coffin in which his body had been laid to rest after lying in state in the church sanctuary, was opened in the presence of witnesses, it was found to be completely empty, except for three notable items. These items were: his robe, his white cincture and his Franciscan sandals. There was no dust, nor residue of deteriorated remains. Nothing. Only the above mentioned items. John McCaffery [R.I.P.], the author of The Friar of San Giovanni: Tales of Padre Pio, was a close friend of Padre Pio. John was also a dear friend of this writer. Once he told me a fascinating story. "I am only a poor monk who prays," Padre Pio used to say to John, and the sight of vast throngs milling about outside his monastery, truly consternated and perplexed him, so great was his humility. "Oh Padre " said John "I know that thousands do come. But after you die, pilgrims coming here will be in the millions!" Apparently, Padre Pio looked at him with a strange expression. "John," he said slowly, emphasizing every word, "Let them come! I will not be here!" I was to have on occasion over the many years that would pass, to ponder, and wonder what these strange words of Padre Pio to my friend, John McCaffery might mean.

This writer has interviewed three prominent and credible traditionalists regarding the origin of this amazing story of the empty tomb in the crypt of Padre Pio's church, in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. All three agree that at the time of the exhumation, "Nothing was said, except they closed the coffin and told everyone nothing." Father Carl Pulvermacher, OFM, Cap., well-known in the United States and Canada, and who will celebrate his Golden Jubilee of Fifty Years of Priesthood on September 3 of this year, has corroborated this story, and referred me to Robert and Christine di Cecco in Connecticut. I have spoken to both these persons, and apparently the late Cardinal Oddi related the facts to a priest named Chamoine de Porta from France who was the Cardinal's close friend. Chamoine de Porta is also a close friend of Christine di Cecco's family, and told the di Cecco's this story. Witnesses were evidently told to remain silent as it appears the monks now occupying Padre Pio's monastery did not want this news to be known. If true, one wonders why. San Giovanni Rotondo is now totally Novus Ordo [against everything that Padre Pio stood for]. Saint Padre Pio is a hero of the restoration of true Catholicism. He wanted nothing to do with the post-Conciliar liturgical revolution and said the Tridentine Mass until the last day of his life. Readers are encouraged to write to Catholic Family News if they have any information that either challenges or confirms this remarkable story. TOPICS: Catholic; Religion & Science KEYWORDS: catholic; padrepio

1 posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 8:20:04 PM by Land of the Irish [ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies] To: Land of the Irish

Wow..During the cannization of St. Pio...one individual sent an email telling of the experience...they also stated St Pio was there but stated that would be for a story another time..never found out..sigh. 2 posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 8:31:54 PM by Irisshlass [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies] To: Irisshlass

Unbelievable. I am speechless. Thank you so much for finding and posting this. 3 posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 8:43:02 PM by american colleen

[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies] To: Siobhan; maryz; saradippity; Theresa; NYer; Polycarp; sandyeggo; narses; JMJ333; heyheyhey; ...

A big ping for Saint Padre Pio. Apparently old news that we are just learning about. 4 posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 9:53:29 PM by american colleen [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies] To: Land of the Irish

When the coffin in which his body had been laid to rest after lying in state in the church sanctuary, was opened in the presence of witnesses, it was found to be completely empty, except for three notable items. Is it possible (perhaps at the wish of St. Padre Pio) that only those 3 items were entombed while his body was buried elsewhere? Purely conjecture but a person of such humility might have anticipated the parade of humans to his tomb and requested that he be laid to rest somewhere else. 5 posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 11:00:31 PM by NYer [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies] To: Land of the Irish; Dr Steve; RochesterFan; CCWoody

Thats it he must be Jesus:>) 6 posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 11:09:31 PM by RnMomof7 [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies] To: RnMomof7

sacrilege is funny to you? 7 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 1:38:35 AM by nickcarraway [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies] To: Land of the Irish

Great story and believable especially considering the fact that he was known to bilocate (and also because he bore the stigmata). I'd like to see this corroborated somewhere else though. I can't see why anyone would want to keep this a secret. The Vatican reported the news regarding John XXIII incorrupt body pretty quickly. 8 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 4:41:24 AM by Aquinasfan [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies] To: RnMomof7

Why the snide remarks all the time? 9 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 5:39:30 AM by Litany [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies] To: NYer

This is incredible, a miracle. Can any of you tell me more about Padre Pio. When I was in Rome in 1999 I didn't understand the fervor people felt for him nor did I really know what he has done, can anyone remedy that, since obviously we really have a holy individual present. 10 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 6:28:37 AM by StAthanasiustheGreat [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies] To: NWU Army ROTC

The most reliable information regarding his life can probably be found here at EWTN. I'm sure that he was a very holy monk. He's probably most known for the fact that he bore the stigmata. I've also read that he bilocated many times (seen in two places at once) and had the ability to read souls. I've also read that John Paul II went to him to receive the sacrament of reconciliation back in the 60s. Supposedly Padre Pio told him that he would be a pope someday. Basically, he was a very spectacular holy religious. 11 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 6:48:48 AM by Aquinasfan [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies] To: NWU Army ROTC

Get the book Padre Pio...The True Story...its a must read... You can get books at http://spiritdaily.com/books.htm 12 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 7:05:43 AM by Irisshlass [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies] To: Litany

I doubt she'll be cracking wise during her particular judgment. 13 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:24:15 AM by SMEDLEYBUTLER [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies] Comment #14 Removed by Moderator Comment #15 Removed by Moderator

To: Irisshlass

I'm sitting here reading this thread with my mouth wide open! Absolutely incredible.Thanks for posting it.I'm going to make a copy and send it to some friends of mine.WOW! 16 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:09:33 PM by Lady In Blue [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies] To: nickcarraway

It is sacrilege to assigning the things of God to man..do you believe he was assumed right out of his coffin? Mat 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 17 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:19:22 PM by RnMomof7 [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies] To: Aquinasfan

Pope John XX111's body is incorrupt?! I hadn't heard that.When did the Vatican report that.Any place where I can get a copy to share with friends? Thanks. 18 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:19:58 PM by Lady In Blue [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies] To: Lady In Blue

I'm sitting here reading this thread with my mouth wide open! Absolutely incredible. You should consider the source. Catholic World News is a borderline schismatic publication, as is The Remnant. Notice how it has to get in the dig at the end that the monastery is now Novus Ordo, and that this is almost blasphemous to Padre Pio. Witnesses were evidently told to remain silent as it appears the monks now occupying Padre Pio's monastery did not want this news to be known. If true, one wonders why. If this is true, why does Catholic World News know it? This story is a total fabrication.

19 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:22:50 PM by sinkspur [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies] To: sinkspur

Thanks,sinkspur for the info.I have to admit,I don't know anything about them and I don't remember reading anything about them. 20 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:24:53 PM by Lady In Blue [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies] To: Lady In Blue

Lady In Blue..Land of Irish posted the story...:) 21 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:24:56 PM by Irisshlass [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies] To: sinkspur

Its Catholic Family News 22 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:26:53 PM by Irisshlass [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies] To: Irisshlass

Author --- Anne McGinn Cillis is the Executive Director of the Padre Pio Institute, Canada 23 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:29:33 PM by Irisshlass [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies] To: Irisshlass

Catholic Family News Correct. I misread. Catholic Family News is borderline schismatic. Just go to the website. 24 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:30:28 PM by sinkspur [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies] To: sinkspur

ok..

25 posted on Friday, October 18, 2002 8:38:33 PM by Irisshlass [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies] To: Land of the Irish

I wonder why this thread only drew 20-some replies.

26 posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 9:22:53 PM by dsc (LIBERALS: If we weren't so darned civilized, there'd be a bounty on them.) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies] To: dsc

It's a phony story.

27 posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 9:47:01 PM by sinkspur ("It is a great day to be alive. I appreciate your gratitude." God Himself.) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies] To: dsc; sinkspur

I wonder why this thread only drew 20-some replies. Sunlight hurts the eyes. 28 posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 9:49:58 PM by Land of the Irish [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies] To: sinkspur

Well, let me see if I can estimate the likelihood that you are (for once) correct, just as a preliminary exercise before investigating further. If it's a phony story, then somebody made it up. Conservatives don't make up stories; leftists do. But here we have a theological leftist calling it a phony story. Hmmm. So, why would leftists make up this story? Well, possibly in the hope that some conservatives would believe it, then be made to look foolish when it was discredited. That seems possible.

If it were true, though, the theological left would certainly be saying it wasn't. Are there any reasons that a theological leftist would admit that it was true, if it were? Can't think of a one. So, whether it is true or not, a theological leftist can be counted on to deny it. Sorry, Sinky, as usual your input is useless to the search for Truth.

29 posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 10:06:28 PM by dsc (LIBERALS: If we weren't so darned civilized, there'd be a bounty on them.) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies] To: dsc

The reason this story is phony is that it is the only story, anywhere, anytime, from any source, that says that Padre Pio's tomb was found empty. That's a dead giveaway. 30 posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 10:08:40 PM by sinkspur ("It is a great day to be alive. I appreciate your gratitude." God Himself.) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies] To: dsc

I love Padre Pio. I have received some extraordinary favors through his intercession.

31 posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 10:14:06 PM by Palladin (Proud to be a FReeper!) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies] To: sinkspur

"The reason this story is phony is that it is the only story, anywhere, anytime, from any source, that says that Padre Pio's tomb was found empty." There was a point at which there was only one source alleging the existence of a stained blue dress, too.

32 posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2004 11:12:17 PM by dsc (LIBERALS: If we weren't so darned civilized, there'd be a bounty on them.) [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 30 | View Replies]

To: sinkspur; Lady In Blue; american colleen

Today we'd like to take a look at a few issues around this great saint -- along with certain intriguing reports that have been in circulation. What about rumors, via e-mail, that St. Pio's body is missing from its tomb? That it was recently opened and found to contain only his habit and sandals? That has been the wildest rumor, and as far as we can tell, there's no truth to that. We checked through a foundation in Connecticut devoted to the new saint, and they in turn were in consultation with the Franciscans who administer his shrine in Italy. From what we understand, the tomb has not even been opened. Rumors that his body has been shown to be incorrupt are also (at least at this point) without foundation. But it's understandable that there would be such spectacular rumors. He was a spectacular man. There were so much phenomena around this great mystic that just the cures alone -- just the miraculous healings attached to him -- are literally beyond count. The same is true of those who have reported visions, dreams, and bilocations related to the saint (who died on September 23, 1968). Recently there was an uproar when reports over the BBC and other major networks said that blood was oozing from a statue of St. Pio in Messina, Sicily. Almost immediately, the reports were discounted and even ridiculed -- seen as bufala (news without grounds) -- when a woman phoned a local newspaper called the Gazzetta del Sud and said the blood had been placed on the statue as a trick by her son, who at the time was a 17-year-old "drug addict." When we contacted the local diocese, a spokesman said the bishop was convinced there was no merit to the reported "miracle." Spirit Daily

33 posted on Thursday, November 04, 2004 5:31:09 AM by GirlShortstop [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies] Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

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