RADIO VATICANA REPORT: In our journey through the
Gospel of Mark, last Sunday we entered into the second half [of the Gospel], the
last journey towards Jerusalem and towards the culmination of Jesus’ mission.
After Peter, on behalf of the disciples, professed faith in Him, recognizing Him
as the Messiah (cf. Mark 8:29), Jesus began to speak openly about what would
happen in the end. The Evangelist reports three successive predictions of the
death and resurrection, in chapters 8, 9 and 10: in them, Jesus proclaims ever
more clearly the fate that awaits Him and their intrinsic necessity. The passage
for this Sunday contains the second of these announcements. Jesus says: "The Son
of Man,” – an expression that designates Himself – “is to be handed over to men
and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise”
(Mark 9:31). But the disciples “did not understand the saying, and they were
afraid to question him” (v. 32).
In fact, reading this part of the story of Mark, it is clear that between Jesus and the disciples there is a deep interior distance; they are, so to speak, on two different wavelengths, so that the discourses of the Master are not understood, or are understood only superficially. The apostle Peter, after having shown his faith in Jesus, was permitted to reprove Him because He predicted that He must be rejected and killed. After the second announcement of the Passion, the disciples began to discuss who was the greatest among them (cf. Mk 9:34), and after the third, James and John asked Jesus to be able to sit at His right hand and at his left, when He was in glory (cf. Mk 10:35-40). But there are several other signs of this distance: for example, the disciples were not able to heal an epileptic boy, that afterwards Jesus heals with the power of prayer (cf. Mk 9:14-29); or when some children were presented to Jesus, the disciples reproved them, while Jesus, indignant, made them stay, and affirmed that only those who were like them could enter into the Kingdom of God (cf. Mk 10:13-16).
What does all this say to us? It reminds us that God's logic is always “other” with respect to our own, as God Himself revealed through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts / nor are your ways my ways” (Is 55:8). For this reason, following the Lord requires of every person a profound conversion, a change in his or her way of thinking and living, it requires an opening of the heart to listen, in order to allow oneself to be enlightened and interiorly transformed. A key point in which God and man are different is pride: In God, there is no pride, because He is absolute fullness, and is completely given to love and to give live; in us, on the other hand, pride is deeply rooted and requires constant vigilance and purification. We, who are little, desire to appear great, to be the first, while God, who is truly great, does not fear to humble Himself and make Himself the last. The Virgin Mary is perfectly “in tune” with God: Let us invoke her with confidence, that she might teach us to faithfully follow Jesus along the way of love and humility.
After the Angelus:
Yesterday, in the French city of Troyes, the priest Louis Brisson, the founder of the Oblates of Saint Francis di Sales, who lived in the 19th century, was declared blessed. I joyfully join in the thanksgiving of the diocesan community of Troyes and of all the spiritual sons and daughters of the new Blessed.
To the English speaking pilgrims:
I greet all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Angelus prayer. In the Gospel today, our Lord reveals to His disciples that He will be delivered unto death and rise again for our salvation. As we reflect on the call to be “last of all and servants of all”, may Christ’s supreme act of love on Calvary always be our true measure of greatness. God bless you and your loved ones!
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANA
In fact, reading this part of the story of Mark, it is clear that between Jesus and the disciples there is a deep interior distance; they are, so to speak, on two different wavelengths, so that the discourses of the Master are not understood, or are understood only superficially. The apostle Peter, after having shown his faith in Jesus, was permitted to reprove Him because He predicted that He must be rejected and killed. After the second announcement of the Passion, the disciples began to discuss who was the greatest among them (cf. Mk 9:34), and after the third, James and John asked Jesus to be able to sit at His right hand and at his left, when He was in glory (cf. Mk 10:35-40). But there are several other signs of this distance: for example, the disciples were not able to heal an epileptic boy, that afterwards Jesus heals with the power of prayer (cf. Mk 9:14-29); or when some children were presented to Jesus, the disciples reproved them, while Jesus, indignant, made them stay, and affirmed that only those who were like them could enter into the Kingdom of God (cf. Mk 10:13-16).
What does all this say to us? It reminds us that God's logic is always “other” with respect to our own, as God Himself revealed through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts / nor are your ways my ways” (Is 55:8). For this reason, following the Lord requires of every person a profound conversion, a change in his or her way of thinking and living, it requires an opening of the heart to listen, in order to allow oneself to be enlightened and interiorly transformed. A key point in which God and man are different is pride: In God, there is no pride, because He is absolute fullness, and is completely given to love and to give live; in us, on the other hand, pride is deeply rooted and requires constant vigilance and purification. We, who are little, desire to appear great, to be the first, while God, who is truly great, does not fear to humble Himself and make Himself the last. The Virgin Mary is perfectly “in tune” with God: Let us invoke her with confidence, that she might teach us to faithfully follow Jesus along the way of love and humility.
After the Angelus:
Yesterday, in the French city of Troyes, the priest Louis Brisson, the founder of the Oblates of Saint Francis di Sales, who lived in the 19th century, was declared blessed. I joyfully join in the thanksgiving of the diocesan community of Troyes and of all the spiritual sons and daughters of the new Blessed.
To the English speaking pilgrims:
I greet all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Angelus prayer. In the Gospel today, our Lord reveals to His disciples that He will be delivered unto death and rise again for our salvation. As we reflect on the call to be “last of all and servants of all”, may Christ’s supreme act of love on Calvary always be our true measure of greatness. God bless you and your loved ones!
SHARED FROM RADIO VATICANA
NOVENA : FEAST OF THE ANGELS - ST. MICHAEL - GABRIEL - RAPHAEL - DAY 3
September 29th is the Feast of the Archangels. Here are three novenas to the archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael.
Novena to St. Michael the Archangel
Novena Dates September 21 - 29, Feast Day September 29
St. Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His people, I turn to you with confidence and seek your powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who made you so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer. You know the value on my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate your loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and your great love for God and people. And since you are God's messenger for the care of his people, I entrust to you this special request: (Mention your request).
St. Michael, since you are, by the Will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in your prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God's holy Will, my petition will be granted.
Pray for me, St. Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through your powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death, and reach heaven where we may praise and love God with you forever. Amen.
Novena to St. Gabriel the Archangel
Novena Dates September 21 - 29, Feast Day September 29
St. Gabriel the Archangel, I venerate you as the "Angel of the Incarnation," because God has specially appointed you to bear the messages concerning the God-Man to Daniel, Zechariah, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Give me a tender and devoted Mother, more like your own.
I venerate you also as the "strength from God," because you are the giver of God's strength, consoler and comforter chosen to strengthen God's faithful and to teach them important truths. I ask for the grace of a special power of the will to strive for holiness of life. Steady my resolutions, renew my courage, comfort and console me in the problems, trials, and sufferings of daily living, as you consoled our Savior in His agony and Mary in her sorrows and Joseph in his trials. I put my confidence in you.
St. Gabriel, I ask you especially for this favor: (Mention your request). Through your earnest love for the Son of God-Made-Man and for His blessed Mother, I beg of you, intercede for me that my request may be granted, if it be God's holy Will.
Pray for us, St. Gabriel the Archangel. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray. Almighty and ever-living God, since You chose the Archangel Gabriel from among all the Angels to announce the mystery of Your Son's Incarnation, mercifully grant that we who honor him on earth may feel the benefit of his patronage in heaven. You live and reign for ever. Amen.
Novena to St. Raphael the Archangel
Novena Dates September 21 - 29, Feast Day September 29
Holy Archangel Raphael, standing so close to the throne of God and offering Him our prayers, I venerate you as God's special Friend and Messenger. I choose you as my Patron and wish to love and obey you as young Tobiah did. I consecrate to you my body and soul,all my work, and my whole life. I want you to be my Guide and Counselor in all the dangerous and difficult problems and decisions of my life.
Remember, dearest, St. Raphael, that the grace of God preserved you with the good Angels in heaven when the proud ones were cast into hell. I entreat you, therefore, to help me in my struggle against the world, the spirit of impurity, and the devil. Defend me from all dangers and every occasion of sin. Direct me always in the way of peace, safety, and salvation. Offer my prayers to God as you offered those of Tobiah, so that through your intercession I may obtain the graces necessary for the salvation of my soul. I ask you to pray that God grant me this favor if it be His holy Will: (Mention your request).
St. Raphael, help me to love and serve my God faithfully, to die in His grace, and finally to merit to join you in seeing and praising God forever in heaven. Amen.
ASIA : PAKISTAN : 23 KILLED AND OVER 200 WOUNDED
ASIA NEWS REPORT:
The demonstrations which started peacefully, were derailed by militants and activists. In the capital, the rampaging mob burned four cinemas, six banks, four police cars, two restaurants, a lot of cars. Many buildings plundered. Several people embittered by killing "in the name of Allah." Electoral interests and power struggle behind the scandal of the anti-Islam film.
Islamabad (AsiaNews) - "Stupid violence", "we are only hurting ourselves," "destroying our property to criticize a movie made in the USA", "Shame on Pakistan: burning, looting, killing our people in ... name of Allah! ": these are some of the comments in the " The Dawn" the morning after a day of violence and death in the capital and other cities in Pakistan, which have killed 23 people and wounded more than 200.
Yesterday, the Pakistani Government had launched a "day in the love of the prophet," to criticize the anti-Islam film made in the U.S., considered blasphemous towards Muhammad. But various extremist groups of tens of thousands hijacked the event to violently commit, murder, arson and theft in Peshawar, Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and other cities. The previous day, prominent government and religious leaders urged people to protest against the anti-Islam film in a peaceful manner. The shock wave of violence began shortly after Friday prayers. The demonstrations were led by various religious groups like the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Jamaat-i-Islami, Sunni Tehrik and the Majlis-i-Muslimeen Wahdatul. They had promised to maintain peaceful demonstrations. But later militants and activists arrived, to incite the crowds.
In the capital, the rampaging mob burned four cinemas, six banks, four police cars, two restaurants, a lot of cars. For hours they continued to loot banks and other buildings along the route of the parade.
The police had set up blocks and checkpoints to protect the U.S. embassy, but soon groups of militants, armed with sticks and stones, began to attack the police cordons. The police first fired tear gas, then fired into the air, finally they fired live ammunition into the crowd. Tree policemen were among those killed.
In other cities like Lahore and Karachi, the protesters tried to get close to the U.S. consulate, but were pushed back by the police.
According to several analysts, the protests sparked by the anti-Islam film has become an opportunity exploited by religious groups to increase their influence and power in the elections. Along with these, there are also bands only interested in destabilizing the government and marginalizing rival groups.
In other cities such as Cairo and Kuala Lumpur, demonstrations were held in entirely peaceful manner.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS
The demonstrations which started peacefully, were derailed by militants and activists. In the capital, the rampaging mob burned four cinemas, six banks, four police cars, two restaurants, a lot of cars. Many buildings plundered. Several people embittered by killing "in the name of Allah." Electoral interests and power struggle behind the scandal of the anti-Islam film.
Islamabad (AsiaNews) - "Stupid violence", "we are only hurting ourselves," "destroying our property to criticize a movie made in the USA", "Shame on Pakistan: burning, looting, killing our people in ... name of Allah! ": these are some of the comments in the " The Dawn" the morning after a day of violence and death in the capital and other cities in Pakistan, which have killed 23 people and wounded more than 200.
Yesterday, the Pakistani Government had launched a "day in the love of the prophet," to criticize the anti-Islam film made in the U.S., considered blasphemous towards Muhammad. But various extremist groups of tens of thousands hijacked the event to violently commit, murder, arson and theft in Peshawar, Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and other cities. The previous day, prominent government and religious leaders urged people to protest against the anti-Islam film in a peaceful manner. The shock wave of violence began shortly after Friday prayers. The demonstrations were led by various religious groups like the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Jamaat-i-Islami, Sunni Tehrik and the Majlis-i-Muslimeen Wahdatul. They had promised to maintain peaceful demonstrations. But later militants and activists arrived, to incite the crowds.
In the capital, the rampaging mob burned four cinemas, six banks, four police cars, two restaurants, a lot of cars. For hours they continued to loot banks and other buildings along the route of the parade.
The police had set up blocks and checkpoints to protect the U.S. embassy, but soon groups of militants, armed with sticks and stones, began to attack the police cordons. The police first fired tear gas, then fired into the air, finally they fired live ammunition into the crowd. Tree policemen were among those killed.
In other cities like Lahore and Karachi, the protesters tried to get close to the U.S. consulate, but were pushed back by the police.
According to several analysts, the protests sparked by the anti-Islam film has become an opportunity exploited by religious groups to increase their influence and power in the elections. Along with these, there are also bands only interested in destabilizing the government and marginalizing rival groups.
In other cities such as Cairo and Kuala Lumpur, demonstrations were held in entirely peaceful manner.
SHARED FROM ASIA NEWS
AFRICA : SOMALIA : THOUSANDS FLEE DUE TO VIOLENT TENSIONS
CISA NEWS REPORT:
KISMAYO, September 21,
2012 (CISA) -Over 10,000 people have fled Kismayo since the start of month,
7,500 in last four days
UNHCR is closely following the situation around the Somali port city of Kismayo as thousands of city’s residents flee in anticipation of military activities and new clashes.
In September alone, more than 10,000 people have fled from Kismayo fearing the resumption of fighting. Movements substantially increased on Monday and have been continuing since. Some 7,500 people fled the area in the past four days due to growing tensions and belligerent statements.
Most of the internally displaced Somalis are leaving Kismayo and its surroundings on minibuses. Poorer households undertake the journey in Lorries and trucks, in some cases using donkey carts.
The majority of those displaced are heading to villages in other parts of Kismayo district as well as villages in the neighbouring Jilib and Jamame districts. Some are also moving towards Mogadishu and Dadaab refugee camps.
Most of those fleeing Kismayo say that they are planning to return as soon as the situation stabilizes. There are reports of sporadic militia attacks and looting. The displaced also fear being caught in the crossfire and possible reprisal attacks by armed groups operating in the town.
“Our monitors on the ground report that some civilians fear being used as human shields should fighting erupt in Kismayo, while others also fear possible retribution in the chaotic aftermath of battle,” said UNHCR Somalia Representative Bruno Geddo.
After two decades of conflict and violence Somalia remains one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, generating the largest number of refugees, second only to Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, more than a million Somalis live as refugees in the neighbouring countries. Another 1.3 million are internally displaced across Somalia.
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS
UNHCR is closely following the situation around the Somali port city of Kismayo as thousands of city’s residents flee in anticipation of military activities and new clashes.
In September alone, more than 10,000 people have fled from Kismayo fearing the resumption of fighting. Movements substantially increased on Monday and have been continuing since. Some 7,500 people fled the area in the past four days due to growing tensions and belligerent statements.
Most of the internally displaced Somalis are leaving Kismayo and its surroundings on minibuses. Poorer households undertake the journey in Lorries and trucks, in some cases using donkey carts.
The majority of those displaced are heading to villages in other parts of Kismayo district as well as villages in the neighbouring Jilib and Jamame districts. Some are also moving towards Mogadishu and Dadaab refugee camps.
Most of those fleeing Kismayo say that they are planning to return as soon as the situation stabilizes. There are reports of sporadic militia attacks and looting. The displaced also fear being caught in the crossfire and possible reprisal attacks by armed groups operating in the town.
“Our monitors on the ground report that some civilians fear being used as human shields should fighting erupt in Kismayo, while others also fear possible retribution in the chaotic aftermath of battle,” said UNHCR Somalia Representative Bruno Geddo.
After two decades of conflict and violence Somalia remains one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, generating the largest number of refugees, second only to Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, more than a million Somalis live as refugees in the neighbouring countries. Another 1.3 million are internally displaced across Somalia.
SHARED FROM CISA NEWS
EUROPE : SEMINAR ON DISCRIMINATION OF CHRISTIANS
COMECE REPORT:
For this Seminar, the participation of leading reporters such as the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe, the European Centre for Law and Justice and from the Parliamentary Office of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland are expected. Legal experts hailing from Lithuania, Spain and Vatican are also invited. Finally, MEPs and other EU officials will deliver their own expertise.
The Seminar will offer a reflection on the positive outcome of intolerance and discrimination against Christians in Europe. The Lautsi case was a great success not only because the right to religious freedom was confirmed but also because the public opinion in Europe heard about it, citizens became more conscious of the problem and more active. Another positive result is the establishment of some new institutions working on intolerance and discrimination against Christians in Europe: monitoring the situation, publishing reports and awaking awarenes. The same could be said of the debate on the McCafferty report in the Council of Europe.
Download the Programme
Registration Compulsory. Please register before Wednesday 26 september:
SHARED FROM COMECE
Seminar on
Discrimination of Christians in Europe
For the second consecutive year, COMECE
organises a half-day Seminar on Intolerance and Discrimination of Christians in
Europe in cooperation with the Group of European Conservatives and Reformists
(ECR Group) and the Group of the European People's Party (EPP Group) in the
European Parliament:
Tuesday, 2nd October
9.30 – 13.00
Room: JAN 6Q2
EU Parliament, Brussels
Interpretation : FR, DE, ES, EN, IT,
PL
This year’s Seminar will focus on the
following: Presentation of Reports on the situation of Christians in Europe and
Freedom of Religion in Europe: positive developments and current challenges.
After acquiring a clear overview of the prevailing situation of Christians in
Europe, we would like to learn more of the reaction of MEPs to the aforesaid
situation.
For this Seminar, the participation of leading reporters such as the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe, the European Centre for Law and Justice and from the Parliamentary Office of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland are expected. Legal experts hailing from Lithuania, Spain and Vatican are also invited. Finally, MEPs and other EU officials will deliver their own expertise.
The Seminar will offer a reflection on the positive outcome of intolerance and discrimination against Christians in Europe. The Lautsi case was a great success not only because the right to religious freedom was confirmed but also because the public opinion in Europe heard about it, citizens became more conscious of the problem and more active. Another positive result is the establishment of some new institutions working on intolerance and discrimination against Christians in Europe: monitoring the situation, publishing reports and awaking awarenes. The same could be said of the debate on the McCafferty report in the Council of Europe.
Download the Programme
Registration Compulsory. Please register before Wednesday 26 september:
SHARED FROM COMECE
AMERICA : UKRANIAN GREEK CATHOLIC BISHOPS ELECT NEW MEMBERS
CCCB REPORT:
Ukrainian Greek Catholic Bishops elect new members to their Permanent Synod
The Worldwide Synod of Ukrainian Greek Catholic
Bishops, meeting in Portage la Prairie,
Manitoba
SHARED FROM CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF CANADIAN BISHOPS
Ukrainian Greek Catholic Bishops elect new members to their Permanent Synod
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|
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The Worldwide Synod of Ukrainian Greek Catholic
Bishops, meeting in SHARED FROM CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF CANADIAN BISHOPS
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2012
| Wisdom
2: 12, 17 - 20
| |
| 12 | "Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training. |
| 17 | Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life; |
| 18 | for if the righteous man is God's son, he will help him, and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries. |
| 19 | Let us test him with insult and torture, that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. |
| 20 | Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected." |
| Psalms
54: 3 - 8
| |
| 3 | For insolent men have risen against me, ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before them. [Selah] |
| 4 | Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. |
| 5 | He will requite my enemies with evil; in thy faithfulness put an end to them. |
| 6 | With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to thee; I will give thanks to thy name, O LORD, for it is good. |
| 7 | For thou hast delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies. |
| James
3: 16 - 18
| |
| 16 | For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. |
| 17 | But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. |
| 18 | And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. |
| James
4: 1 - 3
| |||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | What causes wars, and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war. You do not have, because you do not ask. | ||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | You ask
and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
| ||||||||||||||||||
TODAY'S SAINT: SEPT. 23: ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA
St. Pio of Pietrelcina
CAPUCHIN FRANCISCAN MYSTIC AND STIGMATIC
Feast: September 23Information:Feast Day:September
23
Born:May 25, 1887, Pietrelcina, ItalyDied:September 23,
1968, San Giovanni Rotondo
Canonized:June 16, 2002, Rome, Italy by Pope John Paul IIMajor
Shrine:San Giovanni RotondoLike the Apostle Paul, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
placed at the centre of his life and apostolic work the Cross of his Lord as his
strength, his wisdom and his glory. Inflamed by love of Jesus Christ, he became
like him in the sacrifice of himself for the salvation of the world. In his
following and imitation of the crucified Christ he was so generous and perfect
that he could have said: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I
who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal 2:20). And the treasures of grace
which God had granted him so lavishly he unceasingly passed on through his
ministry, serving the men and women who came to him in ever greater numbers, and
bringing to birth an immense host of spiritual sons and daughters.This worthy
follower of St Francis of Assisi was born on 25 May 1887 at Pietrelcina in the
Archdiocese of Benevento, the son of Grazio Forgione and Maria Giuseppa De
Nunzio. He was baptized the next day and given the name Francesco. At the age 12
he received the sacrament of Confirmation and made his First Holy Communion.On 6
January 1903, at the age of 16, he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars
at Morcone, where on 22 January he took the Franciscan habit and the name
Brother Pio. At the end of his novitiate year he took simple vows, and on 27
January 1907 made his solemn profession.After he was ordained a priest on 10
August 1910 at Benevento, he stayed at home with his family until 1916 for
health reasons. In September of that year he was sent to the friary of San
Giovanni Rotondo and remained there until his death.Filled with love of God and
love of neighbour, Padre Pio lived to the full the vocation to work for the
redemption of man, in accordance with the special mission which marked his
entire life and which he exercised through the spiritual direction of the
faithful, the sacramental reconciliation of penitents and the celebration of the
Eucharist. The pinnacle of his apostolic activity was the celebration of Holy
Mass. The faithful who took part witnessed the summit and fullness of his
spirituality.On the level of social charity, he committed himself to relieving
the pain and suffering of many families, chiefly through the foundation of the
Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (House for the Relief of Suffering), opened on 5
May 1956.For the servant of God, faith was life: he willed everything and did
everything in the light of faith. He was assiduously devoted to prayer. He
passed the day and a large part of the night in conversation with God. He would
say: "in books we seek God, in prayer we find him. Prayer is the key which opens
God's heart". Faith led him always to accept God's mysterious will.He was always
immersed in supernatural realities. Not only was he himself a man of hope and
total trust in God, but by word and example he communicated these virtues to all
who approached him.The love of God filled him, and satisfied his every desire;
charity was the chief inspiration of his day: to love God and to help others to
love him. His special concern was to grow in charity and to lead others to do
so.He demonstrated to the full his love of neighbour by welcoming, for more than
50 years, countless people who had recourse to his ministry and his
confessional, his counsel and his consolation. He was almost besieged: they
sought him in church, in the sacristy, in the friary. And he gave himself to
everyone, rekindling faith, dispensing grace, bringing light. But especially in
the poor, the suffering and the sick he saw the image of Christ, and he gave
himself particularly to them.He exercised to an exemplary degree the virtue of
prudence, acting and counseling in the light of God.His concern was the glory of
God and the good of souls. He treated everyone with justice, frankness and great
respect.The virtue of fortitude shone in him. He understood very early in life
that his would be the way of the Cross, and he accepted it at once with courage
and out of love. For many years, he experienced spiritual sufferings. For years
he endured the pains of his wounds with admirable serenity. He accepted in
silence the many interventions of his superiors, and in the face of calumnies he
always remained silent.He habitually practised mortification in order to gain
the virtue of temperance, in keeping with the Franciscan style. He was temperate
in his attitude and in his way of life.Conscious of the commitments which he had
undertaken when he entered the consecrated life, he observed with generosity the
vows he had professed. He was obedient in all things to the commands of his
superiors, even when they were burdensome. His obedience was supernatural in
intention, universal in its scope and complete in its execution. He lived the
spirit of poverty with total detachment from self, from earthly goods, from his
own comfort and from honours. He always had a great love for the virtue of
chastity. His behaviour was modest in all situations and with all people.He
sincerely thought of himself as useless, unworthy of God's gifts, full of
weakness and infirmity, and at the same time blessed with divine favours. Amid
so much admiration around him, he would say: "I only want to be a poor friar who
prays".From his youth, his health was not very robust, and especially in the
last years of his life it declined rapidly. Sister Death took him well prepared
and serene on 23 September 1968 at the age of 81. An extraordinary gathering of
people attended his funeral.On 20 February 1971, barely three years after the
death of the servant of God, Pope Paul VI, speaking to the superiors of the
Capuchin Order, said of him: "Look what fame he had, what a worldwide following
gathered around him! But why? Perhaps because he was a philosopher? Because he
was wise? Because he had resources at his disposal? Because he said Mass humbly,
heard confessions from dawn to dusk and was—it is not easy to say it—one who
bore the wounds of our Lord. He was a man of prayer and suffering".Even during
his lifetime, he enjoyed a vast reputation for sanctity because of his virtues,
his spirit of prayer, sacrifice and total dedication to the good of souls.In the
years following his death, his reputation for sanctity and miracles grew
steadily and became established in the Church, all over the world and among all
kinds of people.God thus showed the Church his desire to glorify on earth his
faithful servant. In a short time the Capuchin Order took the steps prescribed
by canon law to begin the cause of beatification and canonization. After
examining the case, the Holy See, in accordance with the norm of the Motu
Proprio Sanctitas clarior, granted the nihil obstat on 29 November 1982. The
Archbishop of Manfredonia was thus abled to introduce the cause and set up the
informative process (1983-90). On 7 December 1990 the Congregation for the
Causes of Saints recognized its juridical validity. When the Positio had been
completed, there was the usual discussion on whether the servant of God had
exercised the virtues to a heroic degree. On 13 June 1997 the special meeting of
the theological consultors was held and gave a positive judgement. In the
ordinary session on 21 October 1997, with Bishop Andrea Maria Erba of
Velletri-Segni as the proposer of the cause, the Cardinals and Bishops
recognized that Padre Pio of Pietrelcina had lived to a heroic degree the
theological, cardinal and associated virtues.On 18 December 1997, in the
presence of Pope John Paul II, the decree on heroic virtues was promulgated.For
the beatification of Padre Pio, the Postulation presented to the competent
Congregation the healing of Mrs. Consiglia De Martino of Salerno. The regular
canonical process concerning this case was held at the ecclesiastical tribunal
of the Archdiocese of Salerno-Campagna-Acerno from July 1996 to June 1997, and
the case was recognized as valid by a decree dated 26 September 1997. On 30
April 1998 at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Medical Board
examined the miracle, and on 22 June 1998 the special meeting of theological
consultors gave its judgement. On 20 October 1998 the ordinary congregation of
the Cardinals and Bishops belonging to the Congregation, together with the
proposer, Bishop Andrea M. Erba, was held in the Vatican.On 21 December 1998, in
the presence of Pope John Paul II, the decree on the miracle was
promulgated.
SOURCE http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpioofpietrelcina.asp
SOURCE http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpioofpietrelcina.asp
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