Eric Latcheran

Eric Latcheran encountered seemingly insuperable difficulties from the very first. He was stillborn upon delivery in 1987, resuscitated, and diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Soon afterward, he was diagnosed with heart and thyroid defects and a myriad of other challenges. Thus began a long journey for this young person, shepherded by his devoted mother Gina. 
 
Both Eric and Gina are ardent devotees of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, more commonly known as Padre Pio, and they have turned to the famous Catholic saint throughout their struggles. When Eric received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation, his grandmother’s and mother’s love of Saint Pio inspired him to choose Saint Pio as his saint. His mother and grandmother agreed, recognizing the common ground of physical suffering experienced by Saint Pio during his lifetime and the health challenges that lay ahead for Eric. Relying on a simple faith in the power of God, Eric and Gina have witnessed God’s grace shaping his extraordinary life. 
 
As an example, Gina recounts that when Eric had heart surgery, it was learned that the available blood donations were of the wrong blood type. She and those gathered around her prayed for the intervention of Saint Pio. After surgery, the surgeon spoke with her to tell her that things took an unexpected turn and that no blood had to be used, sparing Eric the serious complications that would have arisen by being given the wrong blood type.
 
Some would say that Eric’s completion of high school and work in the food service business are his most important accomplishments, but both he and his mother would disagree. Eric’s insight into life has shown him that to find a friend, one must be a friend first. His charitable nature and willingness to help others have earned him accolades, most important among them being selected as a member of the Knights of Columbus, a global charitable Catholic fraternal service order. In 2020 during the pandemic, Eric was selected to serve as a guard of the relics of Saint Pio at the St Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church during the relics tour sponsored by the Saint Pio Foundation. 
 
Eric takes delight in finding images of Saint Pio in books, videos, podcasts, shrines, relics, and statues. Two of Eric’s favorites statues of Saint Pio are the one found in St. Andrews Church where, coincidentally, his Fourth Degree Assembly monthly meetings of the Knights of Columbus are now held, and the one in Arlington Cathedral.
 
Eric became an Angel of Saint Pio of the Saint Pio Foundation on December 4, 2024.