Franciscan Spirit

“Stay with me, Lord . . .” That was the prayer Padre Pio often recited—simple, straightforward, to the point.

Padre Pio’s day usually lasted about 19 hours. Each day for him was another opportunity to bring people closer into communion with Christ.

Following a vision in which Christ appeared and pierced the friar in the side with a sword, Padre Pio was left with a physical wound to his side.

All of us have had times when we’ve reacted harshly or unkindly to someone. Padre Pio was not exempt from this either.

Meditate on Padre Pio's words. He sought God's grace during every trial. How might we follow his example this Lent?

When he first received the stigmata—wounds similar to those borne by Christ—Padre Pio begged that the outward signs of it be taken away.