September 23rd St. Padre Pio Saint Day

St. Padre Pio (Francesco Forgione) was born on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy. Even as a child, Francesco had already shown signs of extraordinary gifts of grace. At the age of five, he dedicated his life to God. From his early childhood he showed a kind of recollection of spirit and a love for the religious life. His mother described him as a quiet child who, from his earliest years loved to go to church and to pray. Because he was able to see and communicate with, not only his guardian angel but also with Jesus and the Virgin Mary, as a young boy, Francesco assumed everyone had the same experiences. Once a woman who noticed his spiritual demeanor asked him, "When did you consecrate your life to God? Was it at your first holy communion?" and he answered, "Always, daughter, always." I read this and think to myself... can we all communicate with our Guardian Angel, with Christ Jesus and with Our Blessed Mother??? The answer is undoubtably YES... do we allow our hearts to be that open and vulnerable... I am not sure about that. With childlike innocence we trust, we love, and we seek God... it is natural to do all three together. As we grow in this world of ours, things of this world hold us captive and slowly the voice of God becomes something we seek only in times of need, trouble, illness or extreme joy. What about everyday moments?? If God is your co-pilot...move over. Blessings to you and Thank you Heavenly Family for sending us a perfect example in Padre Pio.