Reflection: Saint Padre Pio, pray for us!

Today is the Feast Day and the 50th anniversary of the death of Saint Padre Pio Pietrelcina (1887-1968). Francesco was a devout child and felt drawn to the priesthood at an early age. He became a Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and was ordained to the priesthood in 1910 after seven years of study. He became known as Padre Pio.

On September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of Church. He had many spiritual gifts and was known as a great miracle worker. He experienced other mystical phenomenon. The blood from the stigmata had an odor described by many as similar to that of perfume or flowers, and he had the gift of bilocation.

Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of people who came to him for confession. Saint John Paul II called him the Patron of the Confessional. He heard confessions for ten to twelve hours a day. He would know just the right word of counsel or encouragement that was needed. Even before his death, people spoke to him about his possible canonization. His life was devoted to the Eucharist, the Madonna, the Rosary and prayer.

Venerating the heart of Saint Padre Pio...

Two years ago yesterday, my husband and I had an encounter with the Living God. We venerated the heart of Saint Padre Pio. A few days before this blessed moment, my pastor suggested to me that I send my guardian angel to bring my prayer intentions to Padre Pio's guardian angel. Padre Pio had a great devotion to his guardian angel and so do I. Words cannot describe the emotions I felt, being so close to the heart of this powerful saint. Our pastor had the great honor of holding the reliquary which contains Padre Pio's heart. I kissed it and touched my rosaries and prayer cards to the relic. In my heart, I brought all the desires of my heart and all the intentions of the John 10:10 Prayer Ministry and the Kiss of Mercy Apostolate. From my heart to Saint Padre Pio's heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary...

Words of Padre Pio:

Pray, hope and don't worry.

Love Our Lady and make her loved; always recite the Rosary and recite it as often as possible.

The storms that are raging around you will turn out to be for God's glory, your own merit and the good of many souls.

We have close to us an angelic spirit who never leaves us for an instant from the cradle to the grave, who guides and protects us like a friend or a brother.

By means of the angels, Jesus calls the poor and simple shepherds, in order to manifest Himself to them. He calls the learned men by means of their science. And all of them, moved by His inner grace, hasten to adore Him.

Come out of anxiety because it is one of the greatest deceivers of true virtue and sound devotion.

May the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, always smile on your spirit, obtaining for it, from her Most Holy Son, every heavenly blessing.

Saint Padre Pio, pray for us and for all the names we receive through this prayer ministry.