Born in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, as Francesco Forgione, Padre Pio even as a child was devoutly religious. By the age of 5, he had decided to devote his life to serving God. His parents, who were local farmers, were also devout Catholics, and as a family they attended Mass daily. Francesco even served as an altar boy and often took on penances to help others. Apparently, even from his early days, he saw and spoke with his guardian angels.
