Why the town of Pietrelcina was so dear to Padre Pio

It is known that Padre Pio held Pietrelcina very dear to his heart. Even if he was not able to visit his native town after he left for San Giovanni Rotondo at the age of 29, there are numerous accounts that attest to the Saint's love for his hometown. Padre Pio himself acknowledged that Pietrelcina was particularly important to him because it was there that he first met Jesus. One such instance was Padre Pio’s request to his closest friend Mary Pile to support the construction of the Convent and Church in Pietrelcina, dedicated to the Holy Family. He is known to have said that one day Pietrelcina would be better known than San Giovanni Rotondo.