"All I want is to know Christ – to share his sufferings"
Philippians 3 : 10
Today we celebrate one of our most popular saints – St. Padre Pio. Francesco Forgione was born in 1887 to a very poor but faith-filled family in Italy. As a boy he felt very close to Jesus and His Mother, Mary. Conversing with them came naturally to him. This love of prayer, sown and nurtured by his parents was to become the hallmark of his life..
At the early age of 14 Francesco had already decided to give his life to God so he joined the Capuchins ( Franciscans ) and was given the name Pio. As a Priest Padre Pio spent most of his day in prayer, offering Mass and hearing confessions. Like St. Francis he experienced the wounds of the crucified Christ on his hands, feet and side. He bore these wounds painfully for 50 years.
People came from near and far to receive Padre Pio’s blessing. Many were cured and all received spiritual help. He had great compassion for the sick and for sinners. Prayer was always his weapon. He often described himself as a poor Friar who prays and his advice to others was, ‘never grow tired of praying’. In order to help people to pray, he set up a network of prayer groups in Italy and beyond. These groups which meet monthly are flourishing in several countries today. They are, in St. Pio’s own words ‘a tremendous chorus, linking Heaven to earth, and people to God.’
Prayer
Lord Jesus we thank you for the gift of St. Padre Pio to our church. May his love and prayer and his acceptance of suffering inspire us and may his prayer help us on our pilgrimage of faith. Amen.