36 
0 
St. Pio of Pietrelcina is a well-known saint among Catholics worldwide. He was renowned for his holiness, mystical gifts, and fierce devotion to God. However, the woman who played a memorable role in Pio’s spiritual journey is often overlooked – his grandmother.
Maria Grazia Forgione, Pio’s maternal grandmother, was a devout Catholic who instilled the love of God in her family, especially in her grandson, Pio. Born in 1839, Maria Grazia prayed fervently throughout her life. She often led the rosary in her local church and would visit the sick and dying in her village daily.
Pio’s mother, Maria Giuseppa, inherited her mother’s devotion and became an exemplary Catholic. Much of what she learned and practiced, she passed on to Pio. Hence, the future saint’s spiritual journey began under the influence of his pious family, especially his grandmother.
Since an early age, Pio was drawn to prayer. He would spend hours in silence in the church, experiencing mystical phenomena, such as apparitions of Jesus, Mary, and angels. By age five, Pio convinced his parents to take him to meet Padre Alessio, a Capuchin friar, and become a friar himself. But at that young age, Pio’s request was denied. Nonetheless, he continued to pray and grew stronger in his faith, much to the pride of his grandmother and family.
Maria Grazia was Pio’s confidant. He would often visit her and share his spiritual experiences. She listened attentively, and though clearly impressed, cautioned him to stay humble and obedient to God and authority. In retrospect, one can see how her voices of wisdom and moderation helped shape Pio’s character and prepared him for his future ministry.
On many occasions, Pio credited his grandmother for his vocation to priesthood. Pio himself had once said: “I learned from my grandmother what it means to have a deep faith, to live in the presence of God every day, and to make the gospel the guiding principle of my life.”
Throughout Pio’s life, his grandmother has continued to be his source of strength. When he entered the Capuchin Order, his grandmother wrote him letters of encouragement and advice. She would also visit him at the friary, bringing him food, and cheering him. In one of her letters, she encouraged him always to be obedient to his superiors and never to despise God’s will.
In 1918, when Pio was gravely ill and recovering, his grandmother passed away at the age of 79. Though saddened, Pio was consoled by the fact that his grandmother had lived a holy life and was now with God.
Maria Grazia Forgione remains an unsung hero in Pio’s story. Still, her influence has helped shape his character, deepen his faith, and prepare him for his remarkable life and ministry. Her humble, devout, and prayerful life is an example to us all.
Conclusion
The role of grandmothers in family and society cannot be overemphasized. They are bearers of tradition, culture, values, and wisdom. Moreover, they inspire, guide, and support the young. The grandmother of St. Pio of Pietrelcina is a perfect example of such women. Her faith, devotion, and love had an indelible impact on her grandson, one that has lasted centuries and will continue to inspire generations to come. Maria Grazia is a reminder that the impact of grandmothers cannot be measured in terms of material possessions, academics, and career success, but in terms of spiritual growth, character formation, and moral values.
0 | 
0