Saint Padre Pio a Modern Day Mystic

Saint Padre Pio is a great Catholic Saint who lived in the 20th Century. He was an extremely holy man and was one of the few Saints privileged to receive the stigmata of Christ, that is the wounds of Our Blessed Lord. He also had a great devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is said that he was so united with Our Lord during Mass that he felt the pain of the passion of Christ. He encouraged faithful Catholics to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with great devotion and reverence, so that they are properly disposed to the graces poured out by God at the Mass. The following is taken from a letter written by the Holy Saint on attending Mass properly.

The following is an excerpt from a letter to Annita Rodote by the Saint

“The Divine Master calls the church a house of prayer. In order to avoid irreverence and imperfections I exhort you in the Lord—

Enter the church in silence and with great respect.

Take holy water and make the Sign of the Cross carefully and slowly.

Before God in the Blessed Sacrament genuflect devoutly.

At your own pace, kneel down and render to Jesus the tribute of your presence.

Confide to him all your needs, and those of others.

Speak to him with filial abandonment.

Be very composed when standing up, kneeling down, and sitting.

Carry out every religious act with the greatest devotion.

Be modest in your glance; don’t turn your head here and there to see who enters and leaves.

Don’t laugh.

Don’t speak to anybody, except when requested to perform some act of charity or another strict necessity.

Say the words of the Mass distinctly, observe the pauses, and never hurry.

Behave in such a way that all those present are edified by you.

Don’t leave without asking Jesus for his blessing, and forgiveness for your shortcomings.

Leave the church recollected and calm.” – St Padre Pio