Feeling a Loss at Christmas

Christmas can be a period of divine testing, especially for those who have lost a loved one and with this in mind we shouldn’t forget the reassurances of he who speaks to us in the name of God. Believe and hope. As Padre Pio said, “With faith and hope you will arm yourself in order to sustain the struggle in which the heavenly Father’s goodness has involved you. With faith and hope, you will not be without the sweet nectar of love, which unites us more and more to the Supreme Good.”

Please pray

Help me not to waste sufferings in rebellion and self-pity. Today, Lord, I offer you all the pains, toil, and anxieties I experience, (as well as the joys and the beauty of this lovely day) in order that, united to your work of redemption, they may benefit souls, including my own, and hasten the coming of your kingdom.

San Pio of Pietrelcina

Today a Mass was said at San Giovanni Rotondo to commerate the 10th anniversary of the Canonization of San Pio of Pietrelcina.


Here is a translation of a small portion of the  the homily Pope John Paul II delivered during the canonization ceremony of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968).

1. "For my yoke is easy, and my burden light" (Matthew 11:30).

Jesus´ words to his disciples, which we have just heard, help us to understand the most important message of this solemn celebration. Indeed, in a certain sense, we can consider them as a magnificent summary of the whole life of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, today proclaimed a saint.

The evangelical image of the "yoke" recalls the many trials that the humble Capuchin of San Giovanni Rotondo had to face. Today we contemplate in him how gentle the "yoke" of Christ is, and how truly light is his burden when it is borne with faithful love. The life and mission of Padre Pio prove that difficulties and sorrows, if accepted out of love, are transformed into a privileged way of holiness, which opens to prospects of a greater good, known only to the Lord.