by Susan Hines-Brigger. Published by Franciscan Media
“Many are ready to ‘like’ the page of the great saints, but who does what they do? The Christian life is not an ‘I like,’ but an ‘I give myself.’”
—Pope Francis on the fiftieth anniversary of Padre Pio’s death
Toward the end of his life and after his death, Padre Pio has become a rather popular saint among Catholics. Last year, Pope Francis made a visit to Pietrelcina to mark the centenary of Padre Pio receiving the stigmata and the fiftieth anniversary of the saint’s death. While there, he invoked the spirit of Padre Pio, encouraging those in atten-dance to put their faith into action. He urged them to follow the saint’s example and seek comfort and solace in prayer and the arms of Christ.
Praying with Padre Pio
St. Pio, help us be active in our faith and be of ser-vice to others in order to help spread the Gospel message.