Pope Francis walks in footsteps of St Padre Pio

Source: Vatican News Service

On the 50th anniversary of St Padre Pio's death, and the 100th anniversary of the appearance of his stigmata, Pope Francis made a pastoral visit to Pietrelcina, the town where the saint grew up. Greeting the crowds, the Pope encouraged them to "preserve as a treasure the Christians and priestly testimony of Saint Pio."

Digressing from his prepared text, the Pope urged those gathered to refrain from arguing or gossiping because, he said. it doesn't help you grow or move ahead in life.

At the end of his address Pope Francis expressed the hope that "this territory" would be able to draw new life from the teachings of Padre Pio in a difficult time like the present one., where the population gradually decreases and ages because so many young people are forced to go elsewhere to look for work."

He also prayed that the intercession of Padre Pio would give young generations concrete perspectives for a future of hope. He advised young people to listen to the wisdom of the elderly. "I would like it if the Nobel prize could be awarded once to the elderly who give memory to humanity."

During his visit Pope Francis visited the local children's hospital, and prayed at the tomb of St Padre Pio before celebrating Mass in the squate outside the Shrine of St Pio at San Giovanni Rotondo - attended by an estimated 30,000 people.

In his homily, Pope Francis focussed on three words: prayer, littleness and wisdom.

In the Gospel text from Matthew 11.25 Jesus prays: "I praise you Father, Lord of heaven and earth." Pope Francis said this prayer flowed spontaneously from Jesus and was not something "optional". The Lord regularly went off by himself to pray because :dialogue with the Father was a priority."

Pope Francis then asked: Do we Christians pray enough? "Instead of making so many excuses and forgetting we should remember that without the Lord we can do nothing. Pope Francis said Padre Pio used to recommend: "Pray often my children. Pray always, Never tire of praying."

Jesus does not say "I need this and I need that" but "I praise you." Pope Francis said. The father cannot be known unless time is dedicated to him alone, unless we adore.."

Prayer can begin with a request, but needs to move to praise, to adoration, to remaining with God in order to bring to world to him. Pope Francis said "who will entrust peole to the Lord unless we do?" That is why Padre Pio founded prayer groups. And he told them, its is prayer, this united strength of all good souls that moves the world, that renews consciences, that heals the sick, the sanctifies labour, that elevates healthcare that gives moral strength that spreads the smile and blessing of God on the fainthearted and the weak."

It is those who are little, whose hearts are humble, open poor and needy that feel the need to pray. Referring to nearby hospital, Casa Sollievo della Soffrenza, called by Padre Pio 'the temple of prayer and science' , Pope Francis said "Jesus is found in those who are sick. And the loving care of those who bend over the wounds of their neighbour is the way of encountering him."

Reflecting on the third word, wisdom, from the first reading (Jeremian 9.22) 'Let not the wise boast of his wisdom nor the strong boast of his strength' - Pope Francis said "Charity animated by faith is the only wise and invincible are because it has the power of disarming the strength of those who do evil." Like Jesus, Padre Pio battled against evil his entire life "humbly, obediently, with the cross, offering that pain out of love."

"Everyone know this and admires Padre Pio for this.. but how many imitate him in this way? Many people are ready to click 'Like' on the pages of the great saints. But who does what they do? Christian life is not 'I like' but 'I give."

"Padre Pio gave himself to others especially as a confessor. It is in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that we begin to live a wide life. ... that is where the healing of the heart begins," Pope Francis said. "And it is to the Sacrament that Padre Pio invites us to return today."

Quoting Padre Pio, Pope Francis said: "Where are you going? "To Jesus or to your own sadness? Where are you going back to? To him who saves you or to your own dejection, your own regrets, your own sins? Come, the Lord is waiting for you. Take courage. There is no reason. No matter how grave, that would exclude you from his mercy."