My Experience with St. Padre Pio

Last October 15, 2018, I was one of those who went to San Pedro Cathedral with the intention of seeing and touching the relic of St. Padre Pio that of his incorruptible heart. Sadly, my first attempt at around 9 am was futile. There were already a lot of people waiting for their turn to venerate the relic. Since I was in a hurry then for I was asked by my mother to do an errand, I did not wait for my turn. Instead, I contented myself to venerate the said relic from a distance at the entrance door of the cathedral. I, then offered my petitions to St. Pio, telling him that though I wont be able to touch his relic I believe that he would still intercede for me. One of my prayers was for St. Pio to take care of my eldest daughter who was at that time at school and was scheduled to do a report. Before going to school that morning my daughter was quite anxious and worried about her report. That was just one of my simple request to St. Padre Pio. Then, I went to my mother’s clinic promising to be back at the cathedral for the 12 noon mass.

Later on, as I was preparing to attend the mass I received a text message from my eldest daughter telling me that she was done with her report and that her professor said that she delivered her report calmly and full of substance. I was happy for her and then realized that my prayer was answered, thanks for the intercession of St. Padre Pio on such simple petition.

And so I went to San Pedro Cathedral to attend the 12 noon mass, as I expected the church was crowded. I was not able to take a seat but fortunate enough to stand near the relic. I was just a few meters away and indeed able to see and distinguished the incorruptible heart of St. Pio. I was nearer to the relic compared to my first attempt that morning. I told myself that maybe this time I will have my chance to touch the relic after the mass. Still, I venerated from a far and offer the same petitions I offered earlier.

The mass went on and I was inspired by the homily of the priest. He said that St. Padre Pio gave importance to Mama Mary by praying the rosary. He also cited the significance of the Holy Eucharist for St. Pio. The priest also shared one of Padre Pio’s prayer to the Lord that says “My past to your mercy, my present to your love, my future to your providence”.

After the communion, I hurriedly got out of the church to find the line towards the entrance where the relic was displayed. But then, there was already a long line of people outside. With all the heat and crowd, of which is not good for me because I was still recuperating from an illness I decided to back out and went back to our clinic. Thus, I was not able to touch the glass where the incorruptible heart of St. Padre Pio was placed.

Nonetheless, I’m glad to have participated in the mass in honor of him and venerated his relic from a distance. With all that, I am still thankful as I immediately got answers to my petitions from God through St. Padre Pio. St. Padre Pio please intercede for us. Amen.

“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart.” – St. Padre Pio