Young man with Down syndrome named first ‘Angel of St. Pio’

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.

Amid sustained physical and spiritual suffering — compounded by austerity and long hours of prayer — he established Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, now a renowned national research hospital located in San Giovanni Rotondo. The Capuchin also devoted himself to the healing of souls, often spending more than 15 hours a day hearing confessions. Padre Pio died in 1968 and was canonized in 2002 by then St. John Paul II, with whom he had been friends since 1947.

Lamonarca told OSV News that his foundation, launched in 2014 to promote awareness of and devotion to the saint, has already honored “so many outstanding individuals,” among them singers Andrea Boccelli and José Feliciano, and actors Joe Mantegna, Gary Sinise and Robert Davi.

But, said Lamonarca, “I wanted to find a way where we could recognize not only those who have a prominent voice, but those who through their particular sufferings. They can teach us and bring us close to St. Pio.”

Latcheran, who said in a press release issued by the foundation that he felt “very blessed” to have been selected for the honor, certainly can speak to the power of faith in the face of tremendous odds.

Resuscitated after being delivered as stillborn, he was diagnosed at an early age with Down syndrome, heart and thyroid issues, and other medical challenges.

Yet he and his mother Gina have resolutely turned to St. Pio to confront each hardship — and with results. In one instance, available blood donations for Latcheran’s heart surgery were of the wrong type, prompting Gina and supporters to seek the saint’s intercession. After the operation, the surgeon reported that no blood transfusions had been required.

Latcheran, who took the saint’s name at confirmation, said he is actually continuing a family tradition of devotion to St. Pio.

“I know my grandmother would be so very proud of me since she supported the construction of St. Pio’s hospital,” he said in the press release.

Latcheran affirmed he intends to carry on his grandmother’s legacy of devotion to St. Pio.

“I am very active in my Knights of Columbus council and assembly, and I pray that my Brother Knights find peace in the teachings and prayers of Saint Pio,” said Latcheran. “I will continue to participate in as many gatherings as possible dedicated to Saint Pio and share my love of my patron saint, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.”

Quoting a beloved maxim of the saint, Latcheran added, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”

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