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Friends of the Rosary,
Today, September 23, the Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Pius of Pietrelcina (1887-1968), known as Padre Pio, a Capuchin Friar who for fifty years at the monastery of San Giovanni Rotundo was a much sought after spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor.
The Italian priest himself became a point of pilgrimage for both the pious and the curious. He would hear confessions by the hour, reportedly able to read the consciences of those who held back, able to bi-locate, levitate, and heal by touch.
Yet despite such notoriety (and spiritual powers), this saint of the last century, whose life was devoted to the Eucharist and prayer, he would often say, “I only want to be a poor friar who prays.”
On September 20, 1918, while praying before a cross, Padre Pio received the stigmata. He was the first priest ever to be so blessed. However, having this gift of the stigmata was very hard on his life — both physically and emotionally.
In 1956 he founded the House for the Relief of Suffering, a hospital that serves 60,000 a year. Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968 at age 81.
Today there are over 400,000 members worldwide in prayer groups begun by Padre Pio in the 1920s.
Ave Maria!
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
To Jesus through Mary!
Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Please give us the grace to respond with joy!
+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York
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