Page 49 - Padre Pio

Enrico Del Fante’s tuberculosis
Alberto Del Fante was a journalist who despised Padre Pio. A few years later, Del Fante's
grandson, Enrico, was struck with kidney disease and tuberculosis. The doctors gave little
hope that Enrico would recover. Relatives of Enrico traveled to see Padre Pio and ask him to
pray for him. Padre Pio assured them the boy would recover.
Del Fante himself said: "If Enrico gets well, I will make a pilgrimage to San Giovanni Rotondo
myself." He was convinced that nothing would happen, but the boy was healed. Del Fante
was deeply moved, and went to see Padre Pio who helped him turn to God. After Del Fante's
conversion, he became a dedicated promoter of Padre Pio. 250

Padre Costantino’s tuberculosis
In 1935 Padre Costantino Capobianco told Padre Pio that he had a relapse of tuberculosis,
and had been ordered to report to a sanitarium. Padre Pio: “Don’t worry. This is just an
excursion.” Padre Costantino was soon discharged, and outlived Padre Pio. 251

To Brother Elia De Martino with tuberculosis: You have got a long way to go my son!”
Brother Elia De Martino da Serracapriola, in 1937 was a theology student in Campobasso. He
contracted tuberculosis. After three years the Padre Superiore thought he would be in the
grave in a short time, and sent him to the convent of San Giovanni Rotondo.
Elia told Padre Pio: “Everybody says that I am done, that I have to die soon.” Padre Pio:
”Who has to die?” “Me. I have tuberculosis.” “And you have to die? You have got a long way
to go my son!”
Elia De Martino was ordained Capuchin priest in 1941, and died in San Giovanni Rotondo in
2003, at the age of 87.252

Rosetta Polo Riva’s congenital heart malformation

Rosetta Polo Riva from Bolzaneto, twelve years old, had a congenital painful heart defect.
Her friend wrote a letter to Padre Pio, asking prayers for Rosetta. Two weeks later Rosetta
saw Padre Pio at her bedside. “Rosetta, I am Padre Pio. Instead of writing you a letter I came
in person. You will receive the grace from Madonna on August 28, at eight in the evening.”
On that date she felt better, and few days later she was completely cured. 253

Leonello Marinelli’ son has an heart condition
On February 1950 the 15 years old son of Leonello Marinelli from Montignana near Perugia
was diagnosed with an incapacitating disorder of the heart. The specialists said that it was
beyond medical help.
The child asked the father to go tell Padre Pio. When Lionello’ father approached Padre Pio,
he, before Lionello could open his mouth, said: “I know why you came. The boy is better

250 Mor73, 163
251 Ruf91, 242
252 Ias06, 286-7
253 Gau74, 170

48