Saint Padre Pio is one of the greatest saints of the 20th century.
Known for his deep devotion to Christ, holiness, and wise counseling, he was also a wonderworker, with reports of healing, soul-reading, stigmata, levitation, and even bilocation.
Advanced in age, his health began to deteriorate in the 1960s. On Sept. 21, 1968, the day after his 50th anniversary of receiving the stigmata, he suddenly started feeling very tired.
He was supposed to offer a Solemn Mass the next day for pilgrims but asked his superior if he could celebrate a Low Mass. Though his superior initially granted his request, the huge crowd of pilgrims who came to visit changed his mind.
Weak and fragile, Padre Pio offered a Solemn Mass. Little did he and those present know it would be his last Mass. In fact, he would die within just a few hours of finishing.
That night, he laid down even weaker, and it became clear to those with him that he might reach the end. He made a confession, renewed his Franciscan vows, and mouthed “Hail Marys,” while clutching his rosary.
His last words were, “Jesus, Mary, Jesus, Mary.”
By 2:30 a.m., he died.
According to the Father Guardian of the Monastery where Padre Pio resided, "Ten minutes after Padre Pio’s death, all traces of the stigmata on his hands, feet, and side had disappeared."
Watch clips from Padre Pio's last Mass below:
Here's a short video from the clips above:
"It would be easier for the world to exist without the sun than without the Holy Mass." - Saint Padre Pio