Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

Today is the memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, more popularly known as Padre Pio.

Besides the fame he bore for bearing the Stigmata, Padre Pio was especially known for his deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist and to our Lady as well as his profound care and compassion for souls. His manifest reverence and deep love for the sacred liturgy is also vivid in our memory. His example of holiness and mortification continues to inspire many to live Christianity to the fullest and heed the Lord's call to take up our crosses and follow him.

And so let us pray to Padre Pio for the grace to follow Jesus faithfully and closely, despite the difficult demands of discipleship. Let us also pray, through his intercession, to become more grateful for the gift of the Lord's Presence in the Blessed Sacrament from which we draw the strength to persevere in our Christian life and ministry.
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