Religion: The Stigmatist

(2 of 2)

Padre Pio had long dreamed of having a hospital nearby to help take care of the sick who come to see him. Last week, he suspended his special Advent devotions to watch his dream take form. In the presence of an official committee, which included EGA Deputy Chief M. Leon Dayton, a sunburned Italian bricklayer placed the last tile on the roof of the Fiorello LaGuardia Hospital, which is being built next door to the monastery. Named for New York City's late mayor, the new hospital is expected to be opened next spring with eventual accommodations for 500 beds. It will serve not only the entire district of Gargano, but also the many ailing pilgrims who come to visit Padre Pio.

To pay for the hospital's building, contributions were sent from many countries; the biggest share, $400,600, was from the U.S., which was matched by another $400,600 from the people of Italy.