Padre Pio was a humble Capuchin priest from Pietrelcina, a little town in Italy. The extraordinary Saint is known for his deep devotion to God, his charity and for suffering the stigmata - wounds of Christ - for 50 years.

In September, a film about the beloved saint, starring embattled Hollywood star 36-year-old Shia Leboeuf, premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Although the film, directed by Abel Ferrara, is receiving less than flattering reviews in movie circles, it’s receiving praise in Catholic circles, at least for the role it played in Laboeuf’s conversion to the Faith.

Padre Pio died in 1968 but miracles attributed to him continue to be reported. Those who knew him personally say the man was a “gift from God” who remains a strong intercessor in the conversion of souls.

The Rev. Pio Mandato, F.M.H.J., in the Scranton Diocese, and his family had a close relationship with the well-known extraordinary Saint Padre Pio. The “padre,” as he was called by all who knew and loved him, “never preached from the podium,” remembers Father Pio. “He drew everyone into the Heart of the Living Lord offered in an act of love to the Father. Absolutely incredible, his whole being preached and proclaimed the living and Real Presence of the Lord Jesus.”

Originally from Pietrelcina, Italy, the Rev. Mandato now lives in Pennsylvania and belongs to the Franciscan Missionary Hermits of St. Joseph. He spends most of his time in contemplative prayer, but every now and then he celebrates Mass at area churches.

What advice would the “padre” give us today?

While alive, Padre Pio urged those who encountered him to live “a good Christian life and to be faithful to the sacraments,” says Rev. Mandato. The mystic saint also advocated the rosary and asked the faithful to “intensify their spiritual lives and to go deeper into repentance.”

The Rev. Mandato believes the saint would remind us that life is “about living for the Lord and allowing HIM to live in us. We are called to be HIS disciples!”

A release date for the movie in the U.S. has not yet been disclosed at this time. Only time will tell whether the film will resonate with moviegoers.

In the meantime, as we continue to live in a climate of political unrest, financial catastrophes, and social unrest, we can take comfort in the saint’s well-known advice when dealing with life’s challenges, “pray, hope and don’t worry.”