Father John Aurilia, OFM Cap, former assistant and secretary to St. Padre Pio, died Jan. 13 in Wilmington at age 86, The Dialog reported. He was internationally known for his close association with the Italian Capuchin saint and, most recently, for a record-breaking interview aired last September.
His most recent public appearance was on Catholic Forum, a YouTube podcast produced by the Diocese of Wilmington Office of Communications. Church officials noted the program, recorded Sept. 24, attracted nearly 300,000 views, making it the diocesan YouTube channel’s most-watched video.
Father Aurilia worked alongside Padre Pio in 1967 at San Giovanni Rotondo in Italy, just a year before the saint’s death, according to reports. During the conversation and public retreats, he shared firsthand accounts of Padre Pio’s humility and devotion to the rosary. He also recounted the saint’s extraordinary mystical gifts, including insight into human thoughts and emotions.
Diocesan communications director Bob Krebs said the interview offered a rarely encountered human perspective on St. Padre Pio, and noted that Father Aurilia’s warmth played a key role in its broad reach. The former assistant also authored Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio, a book published by OSV Books.
A wake is scheduled Jan. 20 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Oratory in Wilmington, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. A reception is to be held later at the Francis X. Norton Centre, as reported by The Dialog.