Sometimes we have this need to pray where we would like to be in solitude. We can experience solitude taking a quiet walk in the forest; we can journey great distances like a pilgrim; we can even separate ourselves from a crowd and take a moment to be alone. Of course, there is the Church where we can place ourselves in front of the Blessed Sacrament and unite ourselves with Jesus, heart to heart.
This past summer I went to San Giovanni Rotondo to pray before St. Padre Pio’s relics. Even though the crypt had people sitting on the pews, kneeling before the St. Padre Pio’s remains, and standing in prayer, the crypt felt incredibly silent while packed with prayer. Silent prayer. The people arrived with petitions, thanksgiving, and acts of veneration. God has given us a Saint – a Saint in our midst to strengthen us and to guide us. St. Padre Pio does what every Saint is meant to do: lead us to greater sanctity by their intercession and the power of the Holy Spirit. Like each of us, each saint has a story. The story of the Saint is shaped by two fundamental principles: Truth and Love. The prayers from the Vigil of St. Padre Pio (Sept 22) focus precisely on these qualities of the life of the Saint: to burn with love, to be driven by truth.
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It has been a difficult time. Who would think this invisible tiny virus could turn our world upside down? More than 12m people have now tested positive for Covid-19 worldwide. More than 500,000 have died. Schools and shops are closed. Gatherings are limited or not allowed. People are scared to go to restaurants for dine-in. Travels are banned. As a result, almost all our economic activities are halted, people are losing their jobs. For the time being, our new normal includes staying home as much as possible, keeping physical distance from each other and wearing face masks.
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AuthorsPPPG Bloggers the faithful members of St. Mary's Padre Pio Prayer Group list by titlesBlessings from PPPG Archives
January 2021
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