Padre Pio
Today we lovingly remember Padre Pio, an awesome miracle worker and confessor. Padre Pio is dearly loved by so many people. Many came to his canonization on June 16th, 2002. I read that over 300,000 were in attendance. Saint Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets were packed to see this Capuchin Franciscan canonized by John Paul II. Most folks now call him Saint Padre Pio, but he is listed on the Church calendar more formally as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. I prefer Saint Padre Pio because it is much easier to pronounce. Actually, the name he received at birth on May 25th, 1887 was Francesco.
Throughout the years, many folks have shared with me prayers answered through Saint Padre Pio’s intercession. One friend claimed that Saint Padre Pio helped find her a husband. As a confessor, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina had a gift of helping people remember their sins. He was blessed with a gift of reading souls during Confession. Bishop Anthony Quinn mentioned that when he was in Rome some of his priest friends went to Saint Padre Pio for confession. These priests reported that after they confessed their sins, immediately Saint Padre Pio named other sins they forgot to confess. His popularity as a confessor grew so much that it became necessary to create a "ticket-booking" system. So, those interested in going to confession to Saint Padre Pio had to have their name entered in a log book, and were then given a ticket!
Saint Padre Pio was also known to have the stigmata, which are the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet and side. He was a hard worker. His workday was roughly 19 hours a day, consisting of prayer, hearing confessions, and celebrating Mass. It is said he never took a vacation day. He kept this grueling schedule for 51 years and he didn’t even eat much. He also was instrumental in getting a major hospital built. Plus, he suffered from health problems. Some say his health problems may have started around the age of nine! Saint Pio of Pietrelcina had a deep devotion to the Eucharist and Rosary, and encouraged others to pray the Rosary as well as pray for souls in Purgatory. Saint Pio of Pietrelcina is an amazing saint and a wonderful intercessor. Be sure to ask for his prayers. God bless and stay safe!
In Christ,
Fr. Steve Breck
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene
