Better known as simply "Padre Pio", St. Pio is one of the most popular saints of modern times. A simple Capuchin Friar, he was graced with extraordinary insight in the confessional, deep communion with God and for fifty years bore the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) in his hands, feet and side. He also bore the suffering of rejection and suppression as Jesus did, from his Capuchin superiors, who forbad him to celebrate Mass publicly. In humble obdience he complied, and offered his enforced seclusion for the repentance of sinners. He was beatified just two weeks after St. Marcellin was canonized in 1999, and himself canonized in 2002, though he was hailed as a saint by popular acclaim even in his lifetime.
As our Junior Class attends Mass in St. Mary's tonight, where they will be welcomed to leadership and responsiblity in our Central Community, it is fitting that this gentle model of holiness be held up as an example to them. He said many a time, "Pray, hope and do not worry", certainly a message for out time.
One of our seniors, whose growth in prayer and relationship with Jesus has been remarkable over four years, stopped in and said, to me, "I'm preaching now." I asked him what he meant, and he simply said, "I'm talking to my friends about God. We went on for an hour last night." Is this not our mission as Marists, and Catholics? Is this not what St. Pio did with his life, his writings and action? Talk about God. There is an audience for such talk. It is good to see that some of our students have gotten the message. We pray that our Juniors might accept that as part of their role as responsible leaders over the next two years. May we and they Pray, hope and not worry.
Bro. Rene
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