ST. PIUS OF PIETRELCINA
Today, we celebrate the feast day of the man affectionately known as Padre Pio. We ponder the gifts, graces and lessons his life might offer.
Well known for carrying the stigmata – bearing visible wounds similar to the excruciatingly painful wounds inflicted on Jesus during his crucifixion – Padre Pio’s life might seem beyond our reach. It is tempting to see him as someone to be admired. He is that, and more. He is someone to imitate.
In prayer, Padre Pio was given to me as mentor, guide and source of support. His name stood out as one to whom I should direct my attention, and to whom I would request prayerful intercession. At the time, I was entering more fully into the ministry of spiritual and palliative care. I was growing in awareness of the wounds carried by those with whom I was privileged to spend time. Most had some kind of official diagnosis of a disease or disorder.
Sometimes, the effects of this were visible. Sometimes, they were not. Even a simple hospital gown can mask the evidence of the physical struggle. While it was helpful information, the diagnosis was not of the greatest importance. My role was to care for the spirit.
There is always something deeper happening beyond the diagnosed medical condition. I asked Padre Pio’s intercession that I would become better at recognizing the hidden wounds. In hindsight, I can report that the next step was obvious. I would need to attend to my own hidden wounds if I was going to be better at seeing and tending to the wounds of others. The term “wounded healer” says it all.
We are told that Padre Pio remained a simple and humble man, even when he became well known for bearing the stigmata. He also suffered hidden wounds: his life was turned upside down. His integrity and mental stability were called into question. He underwent many investigations. He faced challenges from Church authorities. For a time, certain priestly ministries were taken from him.
It cannot have been easy. The pain of the stigmata would have been enough. That he was able to survive the surrounding life-long tumult is clear indication the grace of God was present and active in his life. It is pure grace that Padre Pio, who had never known robust health, would endure the ongoing suffering and the surrounding storms of controversy. That he would still have the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy to create a hospital is something of a miracle. Aptly named: Home for the Relief of Suffering. Howwonderful it would be if all our homes, churches, and other institutions could be worthy of that name.
We ponder the words for which Padre Pio is most well known. They settled deeply into his being, offering him a solidity and stability that saw him through his challenging human journey.
Pray, hope and don’t worry! Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.
-St. Pius of Pietrelcina
These words offer healing and hope to every one of us. Each of us, in our own unique way, carries something of the wounds of Christ. Some are visible, most are hidden. It matters not, the nature of our particular wounds. What matters is that we attend to our spiritual lives – welcoming God deep into our being.
We also remain open to the people and the places that can support and sustain us as these words settle into the depths of our being. We can become still and quiet within – the innermost place that knows the wisdom and truth these words offer.
Pray for us, Padre Pio, that we will be open to receive the graces most needed.
Brenda Merk Hildebrand has a deep passion for lifelong learning, education, and spiritual and palliative care. She appreciates the opportunities that have come her way to share life’s transforming journey with others: one-with-one, through intentional group settings, in animating workshops and retreats, and by way of her writing. Brenda is a long-time contributor for Living with Christ.
