Rome exhumes body of Padre PioPDFPrintE-mail
Europe
Written by Chris Perver  
Monday, 03 March 2008 11:10

The Church of Rome is planning to put the body of Padre Pio on public display for his devout followers, who will soon be celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the man's death. Padre Pio was a monk who lived in the town of San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. His followers believe that while he lived, he bore the marks of Christ's crucifixion in his hands and feet, and that he possessed the ability to heal the sick. He was also rumoured to be able to foretell future events, appear in two places at once, and knew in advance the sins of those who were coming to him for confession. The monk was initially opposed by the Roman Catholic Church, but later on, Pope John Paul II made him a 'saint'. Padre Pio's body was exhumed during a three hour service. The Church of Rome said in a statement that the body was in fair condition, and that they planned to exhibit his corpse in a glass coffin, so those wanting to pray to him would be able to see him. 

Quote: "The body had been conserved well, said Archbishop Domenico D'Ambrosio. ''As soon as we got inside the tomb we could clearly make out the beard. The top part of the skull is partly skeletal but the chin is perfect and the rest of the body is well preserved," he said. "If Padre Pio allows me, I might say he looks as though he just had a manicure."

The Church of Rome was once known for its exhumation of corpses, but this honour was usually reserved for those whom the church wanted to destroy. The Church of Rome exhumed the bones of John Wycliffe, the man who translated the Scriptures into the English language, burned them, and had the ashes scattered on the river Swift. One Pope, Steven VI, even had his predecessor's body exhumed from his grave and put on trial. Of course this reminds us of the Scripture, that we shouldn't fear those who have power to kill the body, but afterwards can do no more. We should fear Him who has the power to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28). It also should remind us of the certainty of the resurrection. For although Wycliffe's ashes may be scattered across the world's oceans, John Wycliffe's body will be resurrected with the rest of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Job 19:25-27
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Do you believe that God will somehow have mercy upon you, when he sees you paying homage to a dead man's body? Or like Job, do you know that your Redeemer liveth? Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross for you. He died, and was buried, and the third day He rose again from the dead (1st Corinthians 15:1-4). Truly our Redeemer lives, and is mighty to save (Isaiah 63:1). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source BBC, Wikipedia

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