St. Padre Pio, one of the most beloved and mystic saints of the 20th century, was known for his profound spiritual experiences and battles with demonic forces. His life and struggles have been documented in numerous books, providing a detailed account of his encounters with the supernatural.
The Reality of Demonic Attacks
In his biography, “Padre Pio: The True Story” by C. Bernard Ruffin, it is detailed how Padre Pio experienced frequent attacks from demonic entities. These assaults were both physical and spiritual, manifesting as sounds, visions, and physical harm. Ruffin recounts how Padre Pio would often be found bruised and battered, evidence of the nightly battles he endured.
Personal Accounts
Padre Pio himself spoke of these experiences, as documented in “The Agony of Jesus” by Padre Pio. He described the devils as relentless, stating, “These devils don’t stop striking me.” He detailed how they would disturb his sleep, appearing as hideous creatures and causing him great physical pain.
In “Secrets of a Soul: Padre Pio’s Letters to His Spiritual Directors,” his letters reveal a personal glimpse into these spiritual battles. He wrote to his spiritual directors about the intense struggles, asking for their prayers and support as he faced these supernatural trials.
Witness Testimonies
In “Padre Pio: Man of Hope” by Renzo Allegri, testimonies from those close to Padre Pio provide additional insight into his battles. Friars and laypeople who lived alongside him recounted hearing strange noises coming from his cell, sounds of struggles, and seeing inexplicable injuries on his body. These witnesses affirmed the reality of the demonic attacks he described.
Spiritual Resilience
Despite the ferocity of these attacks, Padre Pio’s faith remained unshaken. In “Padre Pio: The Stigmatist” by Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty, it is highlighted how his deep prayer life and unwavering trust in God’s protection served as his main defense. Padre Pio’s reliance on the Eucharist and the intercession of the Virgin Mary were crucial elements in his spiritual arsenal against these dark forces.
A Legacy of Strength
Padre Pio’s enduring faith and resilience in the face of demonic onslaughts are further chronicled in “Saint Padre Pio: In the Footsteps of Saint Francis” by G. A. Caridi. His legacy is one of immense spiritual strength, offering inspiration to those who face their own spiritual battles. Caridi emphasizes how Padre Pio’s life demonstrates the power of prayer, the sacraments, and unwavering faith in overcoming the forces of evil.
The accounts from these books paint a vivid picture of St. Padre Pio’s unseen battles with demonic forces. His experiences and the testimonies of those around him underscore the profound truth that through steadfast faith and spiritual resilience, even the most formidable adversities can be overcome.
According to Fr. Gabriele Amorth, a leading Vatican exorcist, “Padre Pio’s real enemies were the demons who besieged him. […] The great and constant struggle of Padre Pio’s life was with those enemies of God and human souls, the devils who tried to capture his soul.” Even in his youth, St. Padre Pio would enjoy incredible celestial visions, but also suffer demonic attacks. Fr. Amorth explains:
“The devil would appear to him as an ugly black cat, or in the shape of a truly repugnant animal. The obvious intent was to fill him with terror. Other times demons came as young girls, nude and provocative, performing obscene dances, to test the young priest’s chastity. But Padre Pio sensed his greatest danger when the devil tried to deceive him by taking on the form of one of his superiors (his provincial superior or his spiritual director) or in a sacred form (the Lord, the Virgin, or St. Francis).”
This last tactic – of the devil appearing as someone good and holy – was a particular problem. Here’s how St. Padre Pio would discern a vision:
“He noticed a certain timidity when the Virgin or the Lord first appeared, followed by a sense of peace when the vision departed. On the other hand, a devil in sacred form provoked an immediate feeling of joy and attraction, replaced afterwards by remorse and sadness.”
Satan would even sometimes attack St. Padre Pio physically. He describes this in one letter he wrote to a priest confidant:
“These devils don’t stop striking me, even making me fall down from the bed. They even tear off my shirt to beat me! But now they do not frighten me anymore. Jesus loves me, He often lifts me and places me back on the bed.”
Indeed, if we are close to the Lord, we should have no fear of demons.
