A Prayer by St. Pio

 The feast of St. Pio of Pietrelcina is celebrated on September 23. Ordained in 1910 as an Italian Capuchin priest, St. Pio was widely known for his virtues, his devotion to the Eucharist, prayer and sacrifice, and his desire to help souls. St. Pio received the visible stigmata on both of his hands in 1918 while humbly praying before the crucifix. He also was able to read the hearts of the penitents who flocked to him for the sacrament of confession; St. Pio spent ten to twelve hours in the confessional daily! Despite his popularity, he would state, "I only want to be a poor friar who prays."

St. Pio spent hours during the day and night in prayer. He once said, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry! Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips but with your heart. In fact, on certain occasions, you should speak to Him only with your heart.” He was canonized by St. John Paul II in 2002.

A Prayer for Trust and Confidence in God's Mercy

O Lord, we ask for a boundless confidence and trust in Your divine mercy, and the courage to accept the crosses and sufferings which bring immense goodness to our souls and that of Your Church. Help us to love You with a pure and contrite heart, and to humble ourselves beneath Your cross, as we climb the mountain of holiness, carrying our cross that leads to heavenly glory. May we receive You with great faith and love in Holy Communion, and allow You to act in us as You desire for Your greater glory. O Jesus, most adorable Heart and eternal fountain of Divine Love, may our prayer find favor before the Divine Majesty of Your heavenly Father. Amen.

--By St. Pio of Pietrelcina

“Kneel down and render the tribute of your presence and devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Confide all your needs to Him, along with those of others. Speak to Him with filial abandonment, give free rein to your heart, and give Him complete freedom to work in you as He thinks best.”  --St. Pio

God bless!

+JMJ+