DOWNTOWN — Blood, hair and other relics from the famous St. Padre Pio will tour Chicago next week.
St. Pio of Pietrelcina — more commonly known as Padre Pio — is a Catholic saint who is said to have exhibited wounds matching those of Jesus Christ, also known as "stigmata," and to have had visions during his life. The relics will be on display for two days in the city as part of a country-wide tour in honor of the 130th anniversary of Padre Pio's birth.
The relics include a lock of Padre Pio's hair, blood from his wounds, a glove that was used to cover his wounds and part of his religious clothing. Visitors will be able to hear Mass and view the relics 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.
The relics will be on display Monday at St. Francis Borgia Church, 8033 W. Addison St. Bishop John Manz will hold Mass 7 p.m. at the church.
After that, the relics will appear Tuesday at St. Ita Church, 1220 W. Catalpa Ave. Bishop Joseph Perry will hold Mass there at 7 p.m.
Another relic of Padre Pio's — a framed square of cloth with a bloodstain said to have come from when the saint was wounded by a heavenly being — is on display permanently at St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter St.
