PPPG Bloggers

Our Catholic Church encourages the faithful to receive frequent Holy Communion. Since the pandemic especially during the full lock down, Holy Masses are offered without attendances and we can participate from home via live streaming without Holy Communion being received. We are asked to make an Act of Spiritual Communion originally written by St. Alphonsus de Liguori. Although it is a beautiful prayer, nothing can be compared to receiving the actual Host.
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Currently in Vancouver, the BC Local Health Authority has only started to re-open businesses in stages and so religious gathering is now yet allowed, although with seats limitation we can come to Mass again. There are new rules or regulations being applied at Church, and if we can attend Masses, we are happy to comply. I could not wait for the day when I could attend Mass.  When that day came, when that moment to receive Communion was upon me, I was full of joy walking towards the altar to receive once again in my hand the Holy Host.  

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.