Draw inspiration from Padre Pio

The clergy and the religious should draw inspiration from the life and ministry of Padre Pio.

“The heart of Padre Pio, like that of Jesus, burned with a priestly zeal to save and not to condemn sinners,” said the vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and Bishop of Kalookan Pablo Virgilio David, October 8 during the arrival of the incorrupt heart of Padre Pio.

Saint Padre Pio was born on May 25, 1887. He is known for carrying the stigmata, the sounds of Christ. He is also known for appearing in different places at one time or bilocation.

The beloved saint died on September 23, 1968. He was proclaimed saint on June 16, 2002 and devotion to Padre Pio have caused many miracles for many devotees.

Meanwhile in his homily, the bishop reminded church people to keep the fire of faith burning and kindle it with care, and cautioned them against churches becoming mere houses of business.

“When we have placed price tags on sacraments and because of these the poor already think twice about approaching the church, once they haven’t felt that they’re part of our communities, it means there’s no more fire in our churches,” he said.

“Let us ask prayers from Padre Pio and through his prayer the faith of Filipinos that turned cold will be enlivened,” he added.

PADRE PIO IN DAVAO
On October 14, the incorruptible heart relic will arrive at 10:00 am and will have a motorcade going to Ateneo de Davao Matina Campus for a Eucharistic celebration. Public veneration will begin at 1:00 in the afternoon.

A conference to explain the life of Saint Padre Pio will also be done then a procession from Ateneo going to San Pedro will also happen at night. Public veneration will be at 8:00 pm.

The relic will also be brought to the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary so priests and religious can venerate it. The incorruptible heart will return to the cathedral after that where the public can continue the veneration.

A Holy Mass will culminate the stay of Padre Pio before it will be brought in Batangas.

This year is also the celebration of the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Life and it is fitting that Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church is chosen as model for priests and religious. (with reports from CBCP News)