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Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Padre Pio has never been a stranger to controversy —even 40 years after his death
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Minster
Tel: (508) 255-4685, ext. 355
karenm@paracletepress.com
Padre Pio has never been a stranger to controversy
—even 40 years after his death
The word from the Vatican is that the exhumed body of Padre Pio will be on display for at least a few months starting on April 24, 2008, to honor the 40th anniversary of the saint’s death. The Italian press focused on the objections of Padre Pio’s family to the exhumation itself, which happened in early March, and the suggestion that the exhumation was being done for the purpose of examining Padre Pio’s stigmata wounds, yet again.
Controversy is nothing new for Padre Pio, and the publication of his letters may add to the fray. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was ridiculed by many last fall because of revelations that she went through dark periods in her life in which she did not feel that God existed. Popular atheists pointed to Mother Teresa’s self-revealing comments as evidence that her life was somehow wasted, or even worse, a fraud.
We now know that Padre Pio went through similar dark times in his spiritual life, made evident in Words of Light: Inspiration from the Letters of Padre Pio (Paraclete Press / March 2008 / Hardcover / 206 pages / $23.95) compiled with an introduction by Father Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household.
“What would be the aim of making available [these letters] that until now have only been diffused locally? I believe that this anthology fills a serious gap. Those who suspect the existence of a Padre Pio different to the one officially ‘divulged’ are ever more numerous, and they wish to know this Padre Pio…. [In these letters] I quickly discovered the same states of soul that were described by the great mystics. Padre Pio’s own ‘dark night’ was in no way inferior to that described by John of the Cross; and equally the ‘living flame’ of his love for God dazzles the reader and allows them to catch a glimpse of another world.” —Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, from the Introduction
Padre Pio (1887-1968) was born Francesco Forgione, lived most of his life as a Franciscan Capuchin friar in Italy, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. He became famous for his piety, counsel to pilgrims, and for the stigmata visible in his hands. He is widely recognized as the most venerated Catholic saint of the last century.
Father Raniero Cantalamessa is a Franciscan Capuchin priest and a retired Professor of the History of Ancient Christianity at the Catholic University of Milan. Pope John Paul II appointed him Preacher to the Papal Household, a position that he still holds.
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Thank you.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Contact: Karen Minster
Tel: (508) 255-4685, ext. 355
karenm@paracletepress.com
Padre Pio has never been a stranger to controversy
—even 40 years after his death
The word from the Vatican is that the exhumed body of Padre Pio will be on display for at least a few months starting on April 24, 2008, to honor the 40th anniversary of the saint’s death. The Italian press focused on the objections of Padre Pio’s family to the exhumation itself, which happened in early March, and the suggestion that the exhumation was being done for the purpose of examining Padre Pio’s stigmata wounds, yet again.
Controversy is nothing new for Padre Pio, and the publication of his letters may add to the fray. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was ridiculed by many last fall because of revelations that she went through dark periods in her life in which she did not feel that God existed. Popular atheists pointed to Mother Teresa’s self-revealing comments as evidence that her life was somehow wasted, or even worse, a fraud.
We now know that Padre Pio went through similar dark times in his spiritual life, made evident in Words of Light: Inspiration from the Letters of Padre Pio (Paraclete Press / March 2008 / Hardcover / 206 pages / $23.95) compiled with an introduction by Father Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household.
“What would be the aim of making available [these letters] that until now have only been diffused locally? I believe that this anthology fills a serious gap. Those who suspect the existence of a Padre Pio different to the one officially ‘divulged’ are ever more numerous, and they wish to know this Padre Pio…. [In these letters] I quickly discovered the same states of soul that were described by the great mystics. Padre Pio’s own ‘dark night’ was in no way inferior to that described by John of the Cross; and equally the ‘living flame’ of his love for God dazzles the reader and allows them to catch a glimpse of another world.” —Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, from the Introduction
Padre Pio (1887-1968) was born Francesco Forgione, lived most of his life as a Franciscan Capuchin friar in Italy, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. He became famous for his piety, counsel to pilgrims, and for the stigmata visible in his hands. He is widely recognized as the most venerated Catholic saint of the last century.
Father Raniero Cantalamessa is a Franciscan Capuchin priest and a retired Professor of the History of Ancient Christianity at the Catholic University of Milan. Pope John Paul II appointed him Preacher to the Papal Household, a position that he still holds.
# # #
If possible, please include our 800 number with your mention or review: 1-800-451-5006.
Thank you.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
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About Religion Press Release ServicesReligion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others. The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
