Later this week, on September 23^rd, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Padre Pio, a saint celebrated for his extraordinary spiritual gifts. St. Pio (1887-1968) was an Italian Capuchin friar known for his mysticism, healing abilities, miraculous bilocation, and the ability to read souls during confession. Perhaps the spiritual gift for which St. Pio is most revered is that of bearing the stigmata — the visible bleeding wounds of Christ’s crucifixion — that we will learn about today. Let’s explore the definition of stigmata, what they mean within the Catholic tradition, and how the Church approaches claims of stigmata, ending with a few other stigmatists who have been recognized and honored by the Church.