MEMORIAL OF ST PIUS OF PIETRELCINA, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022

ST PIO OF PIETRELCINA

(1887-1968)

MASS READINGS: (Readings for Memorial Padre Pio)

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Mt 16:24-27

Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay each one according to his conduct."

REFLECTION

" he will repay each one according to his conduct."

The soul that places its trust in God alone has nothing to fear. We hear this from so many of the saints. We are advised to imitate the faith of the saints as we sojourn on this earth.

Father Pio had a deep insight into souls. He was able to read their souls, know their thoughts and knew the sins that they failed to confess. He was a loving and kind man. Many were his friends. Many received letters of instructions from him.

He was born Francesco Forgione in a small village, Pietrelcina, in southern Italy. He joined the Capuchins at the age of 16 and became a priest at the age of 23. He remained in the monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo for 50 years. He was a spiritual advisor, confessor and intercessor.

Padre Pio on September 20, 1918 while saying his thanksgiving after Mass, had a vision of Jesus. When the vision ended he had the stigmata on his hands, feet and the side, the markings of the crucified Jesus. He bore the stigmata for 50+ years until his death in 1968.

The authorities questioned him regarding the stigmata, medical doctors examined him and he was banned from writing, hearing confessions or saying Mass in public. These orders were soon reversed. Bus loads of people would come for confession and Mass. Confessions took 10 hours and the penitents said that Father Pio knew details of their lives that they had not mentioned.

Padre Pio wrote to many friends. His writings emphasized the importance of full surrender into the most holy arms of Jesus, following Him closely on Mount Calvary. He showed how suffering and love lead to holiness. He reminded them that the Lord arranges everything that the soul experiences. The periods when He is hidden from us, He is testing our fidelity and constancy. " Whenever Jesus shows Himself, give Him thanks. If He hides, give Him thanks. All are touches of His love". (St Padre Pio)

Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968. Fortunate and blessed are those who knew him.

At his canonization on June 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II said that he was a witness to the power of suffering. Father Pio accepted his sufferings, the decisions of the authorities with love, with no complaints.

Can we?

God Bless You