The Sculpture "I EMBRACE YOU"

Prior to the event in Pietrelcina, a delegation of the Saint Pio Foundation, headed by its founder and President Luciano Lamonarca, had the great privilege and honor of meeting the His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. President Lamonarca presented His Holiness with a miniature replica of the life-size statue "I Embrace You," created by the famous sculptor Timothy Schmalz.

During the encounter, President Lamonarca shared the story of how Grazio Forgione, the father of Padre Pio, went to America to find work so that he could support his son’s education. He explained that the plaza and statue represent a tribute to the 3.2 million Italians that journeyed to America to seek better opportunities for their families. Pope Francis noted that his own father, Mario Jose Bergoglio, immigrated to Argentina for the same purpose. His Holiness was very pleased to know that the sculpture gave recognition to the many Italians, who came to America, by paying tribute to Padre Pio's father as a representative of an entire generation of immigrants.

The sculpture was funded by the Saint Pio Foundation with the support of  Alan and Kathy Guarino and  Vincent and Teresa Viola.

A commemorative plaque installed at the site reads as follows:

“The Municipality of Pietrelcina and the Saint Pio Foundation erect this monument in honor of the United States of America and the American people in gratitude for the opportunity provided to Grazio Forgione, father of Padre Pio, to work and to support the education of his son.”

The site is located near Padre Pio’s birthplace in Pietrelcina, and will be continuously open to the public. The land and sculpture will become important destinations in Pietrelcina, and are expected to draw pilgrims from throughout the world.

Mayor Masone declared, “ It all started there! Jesus was there!’ This is what Padre Pio used to say, referring to Piana Romana where, in fact, he received the first signs of his stigmata.”

“ Grazio Mario Forgione, Padre Pio's own father, traveled to the United States in 1892 to seek work that would support the family and pay for his son’s education for the priesthood. Padre Pio witnessed two world wars in close succession that brought him into contact with American military personnel. It was the American soldiers and sailors, who were among the first to promote Padre Pio’s legacy in the United States, recounting their own meetings with the saint in the village of San Giovanni Rotondo,” said President Luciano Lamonarca.

The replicas donated to His Holiness and the Municipality of Pietrelcina are part of a limited numbered edition of 100 units, which the Saint Pio Foundation will make available to supporters of this unique project. To inquire about supporting this project, send your request via email to office@saintpiofoundation.org.

13-inch replicas that are not part of the limited edition will also be available for purchase at Saint Pio Foundation online gift shop

Next year, which will mark the 20th anniversary of Saint Pio’s canonization, life-size replicas of the statue in Pietrelcina will be made available to American archdioceses, dioceses, and parishes.

Note: Archdioceses, dioceses, and parishes that wish to enquire about obtaining a life-size replica are encouraged to contact the Saint Pio Foundation via email at office@saintpiofoundation.org.

THE STATUE "I EMBRACE YOU" AS EXPLAINED BY ITS CREATOR, ARTIST TIMOTHY SCHMALZ

The small crucifix represents Jesus ascension into the sky.

The blood from Jesus' wounds, flowing down through the gloved hands of Padre Pio, represents the spirit of Jesus descending and “breathing over the whole world.”

Saint Pio’s face is not photographic; instead, it portrays Saint Pio’s response to the pain and suffering of the world while at the same time experiencing the ecstasy of being close to Christ.

His kneeling body depicts him in prayer. He is leaning back and appears almost felled by the weight of the world and the spiritual transformation of the world through the spirit of Christ.

His fringed robe reminds us of Saint Pio’s emulation of St. Francis.

The globe represents all of humanity. Saint Pio assists the movement of God’s love over the Earth. Of all the continents on the globe, North America appears most prominently.