Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
The readings for Mass on Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time seem deliberately chosen for this commemoration of Padre Pio. It is possible to imagine Padre Pio writing words in the Book of Proverbs: “Say not to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again; tomorrow I will give.’” Or, “The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but the dwelling of the just he blesses; to the humble he shows kindness.”
Try to picture Padre Pio offering spiritual counsel to the countless pilgrims who came to his monastery seeking his advice and absolution, reflecting with a visitor on Jesus’ words in the Gospel, particularly his warning to “take care, then, how you hear.” Jesus is saying, be sure that you accurately understand what a speaker is saying; take the time to know where the speaker is coming from without distorting his words through your own biases.
Francesco Forgione (1887-1968; canonized 2002) was born in the Italian village of Pietrelcina. He was ordained a Capuchin Franciscan, and after receiving the Stigmata in 1918, he spent most of his life helping people suffering from various spiritual ills through the Homes for the Relief of Suffering he founded. Despite suffering constantly from the Stigmata, Padre Pio was a joyful man. He urged those who came to him for counseling and absolution to find joy in their lives and remember that the Lord is merciful no matter how unworthy they feel.
When we pray the Responsorial Psalm today, we might recognize Padre Pio in the Just One described in the Psalm and strive to let our light shine before others. Padre Pio liked to say, “Pray; hope; don’t worry.”
Prayer:
Almighty ever-living God, who, by a singular grace, gave the priest Saint Pius a share in the Cross of your Son and, by means of his ministry, renewed the wonders of your mercy, grant that through Saint Pius’ intercession, we may be united constantly to the sufferings of Christ, and so brought happily to the glory of the resurrection, through Christ Our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Feast of Padre Pio)
