Mission of the Work
“Look at the reputation he earned, the global following he gathered around him. But why? Was it because he was a philosopher? Because he was a scholar? Because he had material resources? No, it was because he humbly celebrated Mass, confessed from morning to evening, and, in a way that is difficult to put into words, bore the visible stigmata of our Lord. He was a man of prayer and suffering.”
(Pope Paul VI)
These words, spoken by Pope Paul VI three years after the death of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, present our holy founder as an “epiphany of crucified love,” a man who gave his life so that those who came to him might rediscover the joy of encountering the saving love of God.
The great Work of Padre Pio, the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, is the fruit of a providential design—a design that tenderly reaches out to heal, support, and uplift the suffering, the poor, and the sick.
The merciful Lord chose to work through a humble friar and the support of his spiritual children and devoted followers scattered across the world to bring comfort and solidarity to those bowed down and scarred by physical pain and suffering.
At first, the idea of building a hospital in the rocky, barren, and impoverished terrain of the Gargano seemed like the dream of a visionary, an idealist who dared to hope against all odds.
Faith succeeded in leveling the mountain, paving the way for the creation of the “clinic” that Padre Pio so fervently desired, which he lovingly called “the apple of my eye.”
Alongside the Hospital, Padre Pio established the Prayer Groups, designed to address spiritual needs and to advance the realization of God’s Kingdom through the ministry of intercession.
Together, the Hospital and the Prayer Groups beautifully embody the words Padre Pio spoke on the day of the inauguration of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza:
"A place of prayer and science, where humanity comes together in Christ Crucified as one flock under one shepherd."
Scientific research, publishing endeavors, the “Casa Padre Pio” residence for the elderly, the “Santa Maria della Grazie” Hospitality Center, and the “Cenacolo Santa Chiara” Spirituality Center are among the many fruits of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina’s teachings. These initiatives were brought to fruition over time by those who have carried forward his spiritual and material legacy.
Though different in form and purpose, a single mission drives all these efforts: the relief of suffering. This mission encapsulates the genuine and original essence of his Work.
We are called to continue forward, guided by the words of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:
"Let us not halt our steps; let us respond eagerly to God’s call for the cause of good." At the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, “the sufferer must experience the love of God through the wise acceptance of their pain and the serene meditation on their destiny in Him.”