The well-loved Padre Pio passed away on September 23, 1968. Throughout many of his 81 years, the humble Capuchin friar exhibited the stigmata and had to cope with pain, misunderstanding, controversy, sometimes rejection, and other deep sufferings.
Perhaps it was due to these sufferings that the Italian proved to be such a sought-after confessor, offering spiritual guidance, compassion, and understanding to all those who traveled far to see him.
Throughout his life, Padre Pio dealt was able to contend with his ordeals and embraced everything God had given him, including many visions and the ability to bi-locate.
His complete devotion to the Lord allowed him not only to appreciate the life he'd been given, but enabled him to share so many words of wisdom which are just as important today as they were when he said them five decades ago.
To celebrate the friar's feast day, and get some much-needed inspiration for the sometimes trickier roads ahead, take a look at some of his thought-provoking quotes.