Reflection

"Challenging... Inspiring...Faith Building!"

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish

Weekend Mass Times:

Saturday Vigil - 6pm

Sunday - 8am, 10 am and 5.30 pm

Please following the social distancing directions at the Cathedral.

REFLECTION

FEAST DAY OF ST PADRE PIO

Padre Pio (Francesco Forgione) was born in1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy, to a family poor in material wealth but rich in faith and love of God. He dedicated his life to God at the age of 5 and loved to attend church, spending time in prayer. Francesco became a novitiate of the Capuchin Order of the Friars Minor in Morcone and at age 23 he was ordained to the priesthood.

Padre Pio was known for his lengthy Masses filled with long contemplative silences. His parishioners were deeply impressed by his piety and pilgrims came to him for counsel. He was a man of prayer, loving the Rosary which he wished to leave as his legacy to all. A strong focus of his prayers were the souls in Purgatory, encouraging everyone to pray for them.

On Friday 20th September 1918 the marks of stigmata appeared on his body. He was the first priest to be stigmatized. He serenely bore the painful wounds in his hand, feet and side for fifty years. Padre Pia died, aged 81, on September 23rd, 1968.

St Pio's life may be summed up in the words of St Paul to the Colossians, "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the Church".

WE PRAY

Prayer of Pope John Paul II to St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Pope John Paul II recited this prayer on the occasion of the canonization of Padre Pio, June 16, 2002.

Teach us, we pray, humility of heart, so that we may be counted among the little ones of the Gospel to whom the Father promised to reveal the mysteries of His Kingdom. Help us to pray without ceasing, certain that God knows what we need even before we ask Him. Obtain for us the eyes of faith that will help us recognize in the poor and suffering, the very face of Jesus. Sustain us in the hour of trouble and trial and, if we fall, let us experience the joy of the Sacrament of forgiveness. Grant us your tender devotion to Mary, mother of Jesus and our Mother. Accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage toward the blessed Homeland, where we too, hope to arrive to contemplate forever the Glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen