by Susan Hines-Brigger. Published by Franciscan Media
“If you happen to notice a feeling of impatience arising, immediately have recourse to prayer.... Above all, turn your thoughts to the annihilation that the Son of God suffered for love of us.”
—Letters, Vol. 3, 60
Padre Pio suffered from poor health his entire life, beginning around the age of nine. In his later life, after his ordination to the priesthood he was sepa-rated from his religious community for almost five years because of his health. Although the cause of his prolonged illness remained a mystery to his doctors, Padre Pio did not become discouraged by the difficulties. When impatience arose, he turned to prayer to find peace and meaning in the despair. Reflect on what the suffering in your life looks like. Rather than becoming impatient, think of how you can turn your weakness into a strength and offer up what God has given you for a greater good.
Praying with Padre Pio
St. Pio, let your suffering serve as an example to us that often times in suffering there is a purpose. Help us to be patient in seeking that purpose and embrace it, as you did.