Mystery of the day: Joyful
Celebration: St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest (1887-1968)
In one of the largest such ceremonies in history, Pope John Paul II canonized Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on June 16, 2002. Born Francesco Forgione, Padre Pio grew up in a family of farmers in southern Italy. At the age of 15, Francesco joined the Capuchins and took the name of Pio. He was ordained in 1910 and was drafted during World War I. After he was discovered to have tuberculosis, he was discharged. In 1917 he was assigned to the friary in San Giovanni Rotondo, 75 miles from the city of Bari on the Adriatic. A number of people have reported cures they believe were received through the intercession of Padre Pio. Those who assisted at his Masses came away edified; several curiosity seekers were deeply moved. Like St. Francis, Padre Pio sometimes had his habit torn or cut by souvenir hunters.
Liturgical Colour: White
Table of the Word
First Reading: Ezra 6:7–8, 12, 14–20
Gospel: Luke 8:19–21
Theme: We are His brothers and sisters if...
And the Lord Whispers:
“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21)Reflection
In today’s Gospel, Jesus widens the bonds of family beyond blood ties, declaring that true kinship with Him comes from listening to God’s word and living it out. To belong to Christ’s family, therefore, is not by human descent but by obedience to God’s detects and ordinances.
The rebuilding of the temple in Ezra being part an extract from today's first reading (cf. Ezra 6:7–8, 12, 14–20), reminds us of this same truth: that faith is not passive but active and it builds, restores, and sanctifies. Just as Israel rose from exile to raise God’s dwelling, so too are we called to let our lives be rebuilt into temples of the Spirit through living God’s Word.
St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) embodied this Gospel kinship. Through his life of prayer, sacrifice, and obedience, he showed that being Christ’s brother is not about privilege but about surrender. Bearing the wounds of Christ (the stigmata), he became a living witness of union with Jesus. His life whispers to us: true brotherhood with Christ means hearing God’s word and giving a radical “yes” in fidelity, charity, and perseverance in suffering.
However, we are being called to
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22). An exhortation which hihhky influenced Padre Pio's reflective thought “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
And the Catechism on the other hand reaffirmed in her teaching that the saints are not just examples but “living witnesses of what it means to be family of God” (CCC 2683).
Fellow beloved brothers and sister of Christ, like Israel rebuilding the temple, let God’s Word rebuild our lives where sin has left ruins.
By being Christ’s brother or sister is not about words but about deeds, faith expressed in action, sacrifice, and love.
Finalky, on this freay festival of the Church St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) challenges us to center our lives on prayer, embrace suffering with faith, and let obedience to God define your deepest identity. As He g3ntmy whispers: "My dear brothers and sisters listen, obey, and embody my Father's Word. Like Padre Pio, let your life be a living temple where my Father presence shines."
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 23092025
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