The saints are marching in…to Cleveland, that is. On March 4 and 5, the relics (articles a Saint used or touched)  of St. Padre Pio were on display at the St. John Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio.

St. Pio of Pietrelcina was an Italian mystic, priest and miracle worker. He bore the wounds of Christ, or stigmatas, meaning that he had unexplainable marks in his hands and feet, similar to Jesus’ nail marks. Ever since they appeared mysteriously while he was praying one day, they bled at a constant rate and cost him severe pain, concerning and surprising doctors everywhere until his death in 1968.

Because of the many miraculous deeds of his lifetime, his canonization in 2002 occurred relatively quickly after his death. Since then, many have prayed for his intercession, receiving many healings and other miraculous occurrences as a result. All around the world, his relics have drawn thousands and he remains one of the most well-known saints in modern history.

Since September of 2017, Padre Pio’s relics have been making a tour of the U.S. These particular relics include cotton gauze stained with his blood, the crust of his wounds, a lock of his hair, his mantle (the part of his robe that went over his shoulders), his glove and his handkerchief. Their appearances in multiple archdioceses across the country have  attracted thousands.

“It was just amazing to have something the saint used, right there!” said junior Claire Olds, who journeyed to Cleveland to see the relics with her family, “I was so happy and I could not stop smiling.”

All over the country, people have experienced healing and peace from this life-changing experience. In the future, many more lives will be blessed by the intercession of this holy man and many will try to imitate the example he gave us by his life.