by Susan Hines-Brigger. Published by Franciscan Media
“Make a particular effort to practice sweetness and submission to the will of God, not only in extraordinary matters but even in the little things that occur daily.... And if you should fail in this, humble yourself, make a new proposition, get up, and continue on your way.”—Letters, Vol. 3, 708
Between Masses, hearing confessions, and prayer time, Padre Pio’s day usually lasted about nineteen hours. Not only that but, it began at 2:30 a.m. when he would wake up to begin his morning prayers. He was able to carry on an incredibly busy sched-ule with minimal sleep and while only consuming an average of about 300-400 calories a day. It was noted that he very rarely left the monastery and never took even a day’s vacation from his grueling schedule in fifty-one years. Each day for him was another opportunity to bring people closer into communion with Christ.
Praying with Padre Pio
St. Pio, help us to see our failures as great opportu-nities and encourage us to embrace the lesson and move ahead. For in the little things we can learn the greatest lessons.