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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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.