- Feb 5, 2002
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(OSV News) — A young man with Down syndrome has been named the first “Angel of St. Pio” by the Saint Pio Foundation for his profound devotion to the beloved saint — and for his faithful perseverance in overcoming extraordinary challenges.
Eric Latcheran received the inaugural honor Dec. 4 at Casa Italiana in Washington, D.C. Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., joined St. Pio Foundation founder and CEO Luciano Lamonarca in placing a white and gold sash on the 37-year-old Latcheran, investing him with the title.
“Angels were always important in Padre Pio’s life,” said Lamonarca, speaking by phone to OSV News Dec. 9, noting that the saint had a particular devotion to guardian angels.
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, the future saint entered the Capuchin order at age 15 and was ordained in 1910. Between 1915 and 1918, he served intermittently in the Italian Army’s medical corps during World War I, but was ultimately discharged due to poor health. He returned to his monastery at San Giovanni Rotondo in southern Italy, and in 1918 received the Stigmata (the wounds of Christ), the first priest to receive such marks in the history of the Catholic Church.
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
Eric Latcheran received the inaugural honor Dec. 4 at Casa Italiana in Washington, D.C. Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., joined St. Pio Foundation founder and CEO Luciano Lamonarca in placing a white and gold sash on the 37-year-old Latcheran, investing him with the title.
“Angels were always important in Padre Pio’s life,” said Lamonarca, speaking by phone to OSV News Dec. 9, noting that the saint had a particular devotion to guardian angels.
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, the future saint entered the Capuchin order at age 15 and was ordained in 1910. Between 1915 and 1918, he served intermittently in the Italian Army’s medical corps during World War I, but was ultimately discharged due to poor health. He returned to his monastery at San Giovanni Rotondo in southern Italy, and in 1918 received the Stigmata (the wounds of Christ), the first priest to receive such marks in the history of the Catholic Church.
Continued below.
Young man with Down syndrome named first 'Angel of St. Pio'
Eric Latcheran, a man with Down syndrome and a lifelong devotee of St. Pio, was named the Saint Pio Foundation's first "Angel of St. Pio."
www.oursundayvisitor.com
