(By Fr. Timothy Nelson, M.D. / The Pulse) – On January 9, 1940, Padre Pio announced his grandiose plan to develop a “Home for the Relief of Suffering” (Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza) at San Giovani Rotondo, Italy. The Casa opened its doors on May 5, 1956 as a 300-bed facility.
He also developed an international network of prayer groups called the Padre Pio Prayer Groups for the support of the Casa.
Padre Pio considered the Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza his greatest work, inspired and blessed by God. It is a model community of Catholic health care delivery. Today, with over 1,000 beds, it has grown into a regional referral center of international renown.
Dr. Guglielmo Sanguinetti was Padre Pio’s Director of Implementation for the Casa Hospital. It was his vision that Padre Pio’s hospital would be the first among many such hospitals around the world. CONTINUE