Against all odds, the hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo was built. But who did Padre Pio rely
on the most? Stay tuned for insights into the challenges and solutions of its construction.
Welcome to our YouTube channel, Following Padre Pio, about the Capuchin fryer,
mystic and miracle worker whose intercession is still very powerful and active today. We
publish videos three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So follow us to find out
more about the life of this fascinating saint, and you will be amazed in what Padre Pio can
do for you, a family member or a friend. The construction of Casa Sollievo della
Sofferenza, in San Giovanni Rotondo, was no easy feat. There were many challenges
and obstacles that had to be overcome. The rocky terrain of the construction site,
situated about 700m or 2,296ft above sea level, made it difficult to transport materials and
equipment. The lack of water and electricity connections also posed a significant challenge.
Additionally, without a railway system or modern highways leading to the area,
all the materials have to be created on-site, including concrete slabs and artificial marble.
Some said it was madness and that the project would never be successful.
If someone were to contemplate the idea of constructing a complex and demanding structure,
like a hospital, on a rocky mountain that lacked any infrastructure, they would likely dismiss it
as highly improbable, if not outright impossible. The daunting task of building such a facility on a
remote and rugged terrain, without the necessary resources or support, would be enough to
discourage even the most ambitious and determined individuals. The many obstacles and challenges
that would need to be overcome, from the lack of adequate transportation and communication
systems to the scarcity of building materials and funding sources, would seem insurmountable.
Despite these daunting odds, however, there was one man who did not give up on this
seemingly impossible task, Padre Pio. Despite all the difficulties, Padre Pio was determined
to build a modern hospital in the Southern Italian region, where the lack of adequate
medical care was causing the deaths of hundreds of children from treatable infectious diseases.
He simply had to do something about it, but he also knew that he could not do it alone.
He knew that he needed to trust in Jesus to make this dream a reality. He believed that with God,
all things were possible. Even the construction of a monumental hospital project in the middle
of nowhere. When the idea was initially ridiculed by many who thought it was impossible, Padre Pio
did not give up. He believed that if it was God's will, the project would succeed, for Jesus said,
"With men, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26.)
Taking refuge in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Padre Pio entrusted the hospital project to
divine providence. He knew that he would need to trust in Jesus to obtain the necessary funding
to make the project a reality. In January 1940, as an act of faith, Padre Pio donated
the only money he had to the project. He gave two friends, who would help him build the hospital,
a small gold coin that someone had just given him. The Second World War postponed the start
of the hospital's construction, but on May 19th, 1947, workers began to flatten the land.
With money only for the initial stage, Padre Pio and the Hospital Construction Committee
promised themselves one thing, they would not ask for financial assistance from anyone. They
trusted in God to inspire people to donate to the project, and they were not disappointed.
Thousands of people responded with donations, even those who had little to give.
A poor widow donated a gold coin. And though it was a very small amount, it was a great
sacrifice for her. With tears in her eyes, she explained how she had saved for the hospital.
"I do not buy matches. I light the fire in my neighbor's fireplace. I turn off my lamp very
early, and sometimes do not even light it." Now, you can just imagine the sweetness and
generosity of this poor widow who was willing to sacrifice that little comfort that she had
to donate for the construction. She is a true hero in my book.
Just as Jesus accepted the two copper coins from the poor widow (Mark 12:41-44), Padre Pio knew
this poor widow had trusted in God and given her best. Her words touched the
saint's heart, and he accepted the donation. With the help of these generous donations, the
hospital construction continued, and on May 5th, 1956, with a crowd of 15,000 people gathered for
an open-air mass in front of the hospital, Padre Pio inaugurated the new and impressive building.
A biographer wrote, "Fervor, improvisation, holy determination,
a will of steel and indestructible faith, these are the main ingredients of an explosive mixture
that can move mountains and achieve, at a dizzying pace, the construction of a monument to charity."
In the end, Padre Pio's trust in Jesus and his faith in Divine Providence paid off. Through his
own example, Padre Pio showed that putting one's trust in Jesus can lead to incredible achievements
and the ability to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. It has been 67 years
since the opening day, and the hospital still serves as a house of the relief of suffering.
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description below. And stay tuned for the next video on the life of Padre Pio.