Padre Pio: Episode One

Pietralcina, Italy 1902. As a young man embarks on his journey to become a Capuchin monk, he encounters a series of unexpected trials that test his faith. Amidst the serene sounds of his hometown, whispers and warnings loom large, will his steadfast spirit withstand the challenges ahead? This is the story of Pio of Pietralcina. The Saints. Adventures of faith and courage. Padre Pio. Episode 1. The Path. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at TheSaintsPodcast.com. Brought to you by Colby Academy. No matter how your child learns, Colby is here to customize their education to suit their needs. Schedule a free consultation at TheSaintsPodcast.com/Colby. Francesco, is that you? Ciao mamma! Hmm, is that raguana napoletana I smell? Francesco, what took you so long? I heard the church bells almost an hour ago. Padre Salvatore needed help tidying up the chapel and I stay to pray. You left early to pray before Mass and stayed late too? Must you spend half the day in prayer, amore mio? Hmm, this is delicious. Grazie mille, mamma. You'll be leaving in just a few days for the Capuchin monastery in Morconne, Parmigiano. Yes, please. A letter came from your papa. He's coming back from America. See, after three long years, he sacrificed so much for us. And so have you. Give me your hands, mamma. I will take all your worries to the monastery. I don't know what to tell you, Padre. It's unlike him. Do we know who wrote the letter? Good morning, Padre Salvatore. Don't mind me. I'll fetch the linens. Francesco, join us. Yes, Padre? Oh, Padre Agostino. Good morning, Francesco. You know Padre Agostino, the Capuchins? Of course. I met him when we went to Morconne. He accepted my postulancy to the Capuchins. About that. What brings you to Pletercina? I summoned him. About this. What's this letter, Padre Salvatore? Read it. Yes? Out loud, if you may, Francesco. Dear Padre, you should know that the boy Francesco is not to be trusted. Not to be trusted. He has been visiting me for weeks, brought me flowers. He even took me for a walk after sunset. I lied to my parents to go with him. Padre, I don't know who this person is. Please continue, Francesco. But he's not the sweet boy I thought he was. I saw him holding hands with another girl at the train station. A two-timing boy like him should not serve at mass. Let alone become a monk. Who is this girl, Francesco? I don't know, Padre. It's not signed. I wouldn't expect a lady to want her name known if she's admitting to lying to her parents to go on night-time trists with the altar boy. Padre, I don't know who wrote this. Why would someone write lies about you? I don't know, Padre. I only want to serve Jesus and be a capuchin. Padre Salvatore, do we know the origin of the letter? It was left for me in the rectory. We'll have to investigate, Padre Salvatore. Yes. Until then, no serving at mass. Yes, Padre. My Jesus, what does this mean? Who's that? He's wearing a cassock. But I don't know that priest. Francesco. Excuse me, I'm just on my way home. You think your prayers change anything? What are you talking about? Dear double, Francesco, you will never be a capuchin. Pio, my son. My Jesus, is that you? Come, take my hand. Your hands are pierced. It is you, my Lord. What do you see, Pio? A beautiful meadow and a field. Where are we, Lord? And beyond the meadow. Can you see the field? On the right, men and women in white. On the left, this figure, the wicked figures. Don't be afraid. Man, he's coming for me. Lord, protect me. I'm right here with you, Pio. He's coming, Lord. He's coming to hurt me. You must fight him like the warrior that you are. I can't. He will kill me. He won't. Take heart, Pio. I will always remain by your side. Always. Francesco, I've been looking all over for you. Why are you lying in the middle of the street? Get up. Mama, I was fighting. You're drenched in sweat. What happened? I was on my way home. And then I saw Jesus. And I saw a dark man. Come on, Daniele. You need to make this right. I'm scared, padre. What if he hates me? He won't. You'll see. Pio, what are you doing on the ground in the middle of the street? Padre Salvatore, is that you? Hello, Mama Peppa. Francesco, what happened to you? I stumbled and fell on my way home. That's all. You look pretty roughed up. I'm all right. I'm glad I found you. I brought-- where is he? Daniele, come here. Daniele, hello, Francesco. What's wrong? Francesco, there's something Daniele needs to tell you. Francesco, I wrote that letter. The one accusing you of things. You did? Why? I was jealous. You're always so devoted, and everyone admires you. I thought if I made you look bad, I'd get more chances. But I-- I'm sorry. I forgive you, Daniele. Jealousy can make us do foolish things. Thank you, Francesco. I really am sorry. Don't give it another thought. We are brothers in Christ, after all. Good men. Pio, Padre Augustino, heard everything. And he asked me to tell you you're expected at the Capuchin Monastery in three weeks, as planned. [MUSIC PLAYING] [COUGHING] Brother Pio. How are you feeling? It's been a rough three months since you arrived in the friary. Yes. I've been vomiting daily since I became Brother Pio. I'm sorry I missed Mass. Have you had more visions of the devil? Yes. A black dog follows me. It's worse during Mass. Are you afraid? I try not to be. Jesus has his reasons for letting him do this. We'll fetch Dr. Rominelli. Stay strong, brother. I see you, Francesco. Jesus, I need you. Be near me. You are pathetic. [COUGHING] Brother Pio, how long have you had that cough? A few weeks, Dr. Rominelli. Blood when you cough? Yes. I was afraid of that. Let me listen to your lungs. It is OK if I place my bag on your bed. Please. His deathoscope is a bit cold. Breathe in. [COUGHING] Hmm, you're drenched, sweating through your robes. And this fever isn't going away with aspirin, is it? No, it's been the same every day. What do you think, doctor? I drew some blood last time. I was here, remember? Yes, of course. I have the results. You are severely anemic. Your cell count is that of someone whose blood a large portion of blood. What must I do, doctor? You seem to be dying, brother Pio. You should go home and remain isolated. It looks like tuberculosis. Hi, this is Peter Atkinson from the Mary Beggars. Tune in to episode two, A Worth While Suffering, to hear the next installment of Padre Pio. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at thesaintspodcast.com.