June 16, 2002

Adriatic coast descends…dry
rocky hills – small town gem,
La Madonna delle Grazie.
Tucked in San Giovanni Rotondo
treasures hidden, secrets kept
 
Son of Italy, son of St. Francis
consolation, hope to pilgrims brought.
Gargano’s silence no longer felt –
news spreads – signs…works…
 
Belief – devotion – prayer,
life of a boy united with Christ
Satan rejected, holiness embraced.
Friar’s flesh reveals Divine love.
 
Sacred Heart he probed
in his Capuchin robes, confessional still stands
by humble sinners visited – waiting…
touch of sanctity – peace restored.
 
On this day Pope John Paul II proclaims:
modern mystic, wounded he suffered
to bring Redeemer’s love:
Saint of all people, Padre Pio

Book: Roman Incense - Journey to God | Page 19
Author: Fr. David Bellusci, O.P.

This poem was posted for St. Mary's Padre Pio Prayer Group with permission from the author Fr. David Bellusci, O.P.