By Francesca Pollio Fenton
CNA Staff, Dec 7, 2024 / 08:00 am
A documentary drama about the beloved 20th-century friar St. Pio of Pietrelcina, affectionately known as Padre Pio, will be making its television debut on EWTN on Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET.
Co-produced by EWTN and the Saint Pio Foundation, “Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: Man of Hope and Healing” is a compelling docudrama that shares the story of a man whose simple humility and profound faith impacted lives around the world.
The documentary provides an insightful look into the Franciscan friar’s life, featuring testimonies from a variety of notable individuals, including actor Gary Sinise; Elia Stelluto, Padre Pio’s personal photographer; and Renzo Allegri, the journalist who was among the last to interview the saint before his death.
The film also includes never-before-seen photos and letters that provide an intimate view of the saint’s life.
Actor Joe Mantegna — known for his roles in “Criminal Minds,” “Boys Town,” and “The Godfather,” narrates the English version of the film and is one of its executive producers. According to a press release, taking part in this film strengthened the actor’s faith and prayer life.
Luciano Lamonarca, founder and CEO of the Saint Pio Foundation, spoke to CNA about his own personal devotion to St. Pio and what he hopes people will take away from the film.
A native of Puglia, Italy, Lamonarca grew up in the same region as the saint.
Discover the Inspiring Story of Luciano Lamonarca and Padre Pio
From a young age, Luciano Lamonarca was surrounded by the presence of Padre Pio, but it wasn’t until he and his wife experienced a devastating loss that his devotion to the saint truly deepened.
“Fifteen years ago, I was a different man,” Lamonarca shared. “Padre Pio changed the way I look at life.”
In 2010, Lamonarca and his wife, Valentina, were expecting their first child, a daughter named Alma. Tragically, Alma was delivered stillborn, and Valentina faced complications that made future pregnancies unlikely.
“The moment doctors told us that a pregnancy was unlikely, it was devastating for us,” Lamonarca recalled.
In their grief, the couple sought solace in San Giovanni Rotondo, Padre Pio’s hometown. There, they prayed with a relic of the saint—a handkerchief stained with his blood—and turned to him for intercession.
Despite facing more miscarriages, Lamonarca and Valentina continued to pray. In 2014, they received the miracle they had been hoping for when Valentina discovered she was pregnant again. Their son, Sebastian, was born in 2015.
Inspired by their journey and a desire to spread the story of Padre Pio, Lamonarca founded the Saint Pio Foundation in 2014. The foundation aims to educate the public about Padre Pio’s life and teachings.
To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, the foundation launched “The Real St. Pio” initiative. This included the translation of 365 letters written by Padre Pio, the release of never-before-seen images of the saint, and the unveiling of “The Song of St. Pio.”
Lamonarca’s story is a testament to the power of faith and the miracles that can happen through prayer. Through his foundation, he hopes to inspire others to learn about and follow in the footsteps of Padre Pio.
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