Posts by Padre Pio Devotions

The best preparation I can make for death is to live the reality of the Paschal mystery as fully and as deeply as possible in union with Christ, because Christ will re-live that mystery in me at the hour of my death. If I am following the spirituality of the Paschal mystery, I expect to…

Don’t ever allow yourself to become upset by your misfortunes. In the face of your misery, should you find yourself in this situation by the will of God, remain humble and lowly before God, and be at great peace. Respond to all misfortune, whatever it may be, with gentleness, peace, tenderness, and interior moderation before…

I am the vine and you are the branches . . . and everyone that beareth fruit, he will purge it that it may bring forth much fruit (John 15:1-2). This purging or pruning action of the Father is what disconcerts us. We see an orchard in full bloom, and what has a more delicate…

Dear Lord, free me from my dark past, into which I often find myself falling as if into a deep cistern. . . . Keep showing me your light, and give me the strength to rise and follow you without ever looking back. – Henri J. M. Nouwen    

As a traveler, approaching a river after a long journey, senses how cool the water will be, so you and I are getting nearer to the great time of purification. We should greet every Lent as if it were the last in our lives, so that we stop and think – if only for a…

How does a lamp burn? Through the continuous input of small drops of oil. If the drops of oil run out, the light of the lamp will cease, and the bridegroom will say, ‘I do not know you’ (Mt. 25:1-13). What are these drops of oil in our lamps? They are the small things of…

Your sole concern should be the establishment of God’s reign in your heart, in this life and in the next. In this life your study should be to bring about this reign of God, in your heart by his grace and through the plentitude of his love. You should live for God alone, and the…

To those who are just and upright, trials become helps. Job, a man of discernment, was victorious in trials. Sickness came upon him, but he didn’t complain. Disease afflicted him, but he didn’t murmur. His body failed and his strength left him, but his will wasn’t weakened. By his sufferings he proved himself perfect in…

Your voice, Lord, guides me. Ever since I was a little child, I have heard you call me by name, beckoning me closer to you. . .Your company has brought me joy, Lord. I have felt your presence at every step; I have trusted your shepherding. And yet you have not saved me from pain.…

Prayer never touches us as long as it remains on the surface of our lives, as long as it is nothing but one more of the thousand things that must be done. It is only when prayer becomes ‘the one thing necessary’ that real prayer begins . . . We are called upon to live…