On Sept. 22, 1968, St. Padre Pio celebrated what is widely remembered as his final Mass before a large gathering in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
The elderly Capuchin friar was in declining health. Still, thousands had come to the town for the 50th anniversary of his stigmata and the gathering of his Prayer Groups.
His Final Mass
Rare footage captures Padre Pio’s final public Mass. Visibly frail, he required the assistance of fellow friars throughout the celebration.
At the end of Mass, he collapsed at the altar and Br. Bill Martin, an American Capuchin friar, supported him.
Later that day, at approximately 6 p.m., Padre Pio gave what would be his final blessing to the faithful gathered at the church before returning to his cell.
His Final Hours
In the early hours of Sept. 23, Padre Pio called for his superior, made his final confession, and renewed his vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
He received the last sacraments and held his rosary. According to accounts of those who were with him, the names of Jesus and Mary were on his lips:
“Gesù, Maria.” (Jesus, Mary)
At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 23, 1968, Padre Pio died in his cell at the Capuchin monastery in San Giovanni Rotondo. He was 81 years old.
His Stigmata
For decades, Padre Pio bore the wounds of Christ. Accounts from those close to him state that, in the days before and at the time of his death, the visible marks faded and disappeared. Reports say that doctors who examined his body found no scars where the wounds had been.
Padre Pio’s final day reflected the heart of his priestly life: the Mass, prayer, the rosary, sacrifice, and a final blessing for the people entrusted to his care.