Padre Pio and the splendid vision he had every Christmas

Christmas was a favorite date of Father Pio: he used to prepare the manger, set it up and recite the Christmas Novena to prepare himself for the birth of Christ. When he became a priest, the Italian saint began to celebrate Midnight Mass.

“In his home in Pietrelcina, [Padre Pio] himself prepared the manger. He started working as early as October ... When he went to visit his family, he looked for small images of shepherds, sheep ... He created the nativity scene, making it and redoing it continuously until he thought it was right ", said the Capuchin father. Joseph Mary Elder.

During the celebration of Mass, Padre Pio had a unique experience: that of holding Baby Jesus in her arms. The phenomenon was seen by one of the faithful. “We were reciting the Rosary waiting for Mass. Padre Pio was praying with us. Suddenly, in an aura of light, I saw the Child Jesus appear in her arms. Padre Pio was transfigured, his eyes fixed the luminous child in his arms, his face had an astonished smile. When the vision disappeared, Padre Pio noticed the way I looked at him and understood that I had seen everything. But he approached me and told me not to tell anyone, ”said the witness.

Father Raffaele of Sant'Elia, who lived near Padre Pio, confirmed the news. “In 1924 I got up to go to church for Midnight Mass. The corridor was huge and dark, and the only light was the flame of a small oil lamp. Through the shadows, I could see that Padre Pio was also going to church. He had left the room and was walking slowly down the hall. I noticed that it was enveloped in a ray of light. I looked closer and saw that she was holding the baby Jesus. I stood there, paralyzed, in the doorway of my bedroom, and fell to my knees. Padre Pio passed by all radiant. He didn't even realize I was there ”.