A few days ago, I came across an article relevant to today’s
memorial—about a white 1986 Acura Legend which sits beneath a canopy on the
grounds of Rosa Mystica House of Prayer in Edmeston, New York. (https://www.ncregister.com/features/rosa-mystica-place-of-prayer)
On a rainy afternoon in 1997, a man named Anthony Fuina was
stopped at a traffic light, in his 1986 Acura Legend when he saw a bearded man approach
his car and ask for a ride. He felt compelled to give the bearded man a ride.
Now Anthony Fuina had recently undergone a biopsy for a large tumor in his
colon. And when the bearded stranger asked if he could place his hand over the
area where Fuina had undergone the biopsy, he agreed. As the man prayed Fuina
felt an intense warmth and electricity throughout his body.
“You are healed,” the man told him. Later that day, Fuina
learned that the tumor was benign. Years later, his daughter gave him a prayer
card, bearing a picture of St. Padre Pio. Fuina took one look at the image and
broke down in tears. “This is the man I picked up on Hicksville Road.” That was
the man who healed him in 1997.
Now Padre Pio died in 1968. But I have heard a number of
stories now, where Padre Pio appeared to them and healed, just as he did
throughout his earthly life. The miraculous surrounded Padre Pio. God chose
this humble capuchin Franciscan Friar to be a reminder of the miraculous, of
the saving power of God, of the importance of uniting your life to Jesus
Christ, particularly our sufferings, like Padre Pio, who bore the mystical stigmata of our Savior. And even to this day, God continues to employ Padre Pio for miracles, often
times for people who had no idea who he was in life, and only later and drawn
more deeply to Jesus through him.
By the way, Anthony Fuina, the man who was healed, donated
the White Acura Legend to the Rosa Mystica House of Prayer, where Priests hear
confessions and people like to sit in the car to pray.
Padre Pio famously urged people to “pray, hope, and don’t
worry.” Prayer does not always obtain the answer we want immediately. Sometimes
God heals dramatically; sometimes he gives strength to carry the cross;
sometimes we pray for years before seeing any fruit at all. But prayer is never
wasted. Every prayer offered in faith draws us more deeply into communion with
God and can become an instrument of grace for others.
And that is part of the mission of the Church. We are not
merely spectators of miracles or admirers of saints. We are called to continue
the work of God: to pray for sinners, to encourage the discouraged, to bring
people to confession, to invite people back to Mass, to intercede for the sick,
and to help souls encounter Jesus Christ.
Padre Pio’s life reminds us that God still acts. Grace is
still powerful. Conversion is still possible.
So let us persevere in prayer, even when we do not see
immediate results. Let us pray for our families, for those who have fallen
away, for the sick, for sinners, and for the mission of the Church. And through
the intercession of Saint Padre Pio, may our prayers and sacrifices help bring
souls more deeply to Christ, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
For the Church, that, following the example of St. Padre
Pio, she may be a beacon of Christ’s mercy to all who seek forgiveness and
healing . And that priests may imitate the tireless dedication of Padre Pio in
their ministry of reconciliation, bringing the love and compassion of Christ to
all penitents.
For all Christians, that we may embrace the sufferings and
crosses in our lives as opportunities for holiness, trusting that God’s grace
will sanctify us and strengthen us to do His will.
For those who are sick and suffering, they may experience
healing, both physical and spiritual, and be comforted by the presence of
Christ in their trials.
For all who have
fallen away from the faith, that through the mercy of God and the prayers of
St. Padre Pio, they may be led to conversion, reconciliation, and a deeper
relationship with Christ.
For our parish community, that inspired by Padre Pio’s life
of prayer and devotion, we may grow in holiness, seek God’s will in all things,
and extend His mercy to others.
For all the faithful departed, that through the mercy of God
they may be welcomed into the fullness of eternal life.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord. listen
in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you, and through the
intercession of St. Padre Pio and all the saints, grant us what we truly need.
Through Christ our Lord.
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