after the Vatican. The faithful flock here to pay homage to Padre Pio, a controversial but immensely popular religious figure in Italy who professed to have mystical and supernatural powers and even miraculously got the stigmata in 1918 when five wounds appears on his wrists and started bleeding.
An obvious farud in many ways but one that captivated many Italians. Look in taxis and buses - they often have a picture of Padre Pio up front.
Padre Pio was also accused of sexual misdeeds, one reason his sainthood was held up so long - he died in 1968 but became a Saint only in 2002 after popular demand forced the hand of the Vatican.
Padre Pio anyway is an interesting character who could mesmerize folks.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/san-giovanni-rotondo-padre-pio-shrine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L39T9e34WXk
HAS ANYONE BEEN TO THE SHRINE AND CITY? I was nearby a few weeks ago but did not have time to make the journey but have been regretting it ever since. I'd love to hear a bit about your experiences and the overall atmosphere - is it like Lourdes or Fatima?
Thanks in advance.
San Giovanni Rotondo - World's 2nd Most Popular Catholic Shrine...
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http://www.csicop.org/si/show/padre_pio_scandals_of_a_saint/
a skeptics view of Padre Pio and how the stigmata could 'easily be self-inflicted' and other debunking of Padre Pio's miracles, which nevertheless the Vatican accepted as necessary to gaining sainthood.
It's a real circus. I went there, and I vowed to never go back. Thoroughly honky tonk!!!
Waldo - could you give a bit of elaboration on why it was a circus - souvenir stands everywhere, tacky? Thanks.
PalenQ- You hit the nail RIGHT on the head! Souvenir stands, circus-like barkers, tacky souvenirs everywhere. To get into Padre Pio's tomb, you have to fight off the crowd, which is loud and boisterous. The place is a DISGRACE!!!!
What is the purpose of this posting?
HAS ANYONE BEEN TO THE SHRINE AND CITY? I was nearby a few weeks ago but did not have time to make the journey but have been regretting it ever since. I'd love to hear a bit about your experiences and the overall atmosphere - is it like Lourdes or Fatima?>
to answer 'what is the purpose of this post' - Duh why not read what I wrote?