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I prayed a Novena to Padre Pio for the healing of my teen daughter. She had suffered from Pseudotumor Cerebri which, among having to endure several painful spinal taps had damaged her optical nerves. The specialists told us her nerve damage was permanent and irreversible. My daughter had been averaging 2-3 spinal taps a year by this time.
My request in the Novena was that Padre Pio would intervene for us so that our daughter would not have any more bouts of this condition which was making her eyesight progressively worse in addition to having to undergo the spinal taps.
Following my Novena, I felt an immense need to pray a Rosary in front of the tabernacle at church with my daughter and afterward to make the sign of the cross on both of her eyes with Holy Water. I can’t explain why I felt the need to do it so strongly (and I must admit I felt a little weird doing it because I hadn’t previously made those types of outward devotional gestures like that).
At our next follow up with the neurologist, he told us our daughter’s nerves actually looked good-improved even. He even felt confident enough to take our daughter off her medication! Another follow up with her eye specialist revealed the same. Our family gave thanks to God for healing her and to Padre Pio for his intercession.
A week or so later, we found a CD about Padre Pio at our local parish’s Lighthouse Catholic Media stand and listened to it on the way home as a family. In the CD, the presenter told a story of Padre Pio healing a little girl’s eyes by making the sign of the cross on each of them-the same thing I felt so strongly compelled to do! We ALL were completely stunned! It was as if Padre Pio was telling us, “yes, I heard your prayers and interceded”.
It’s been nearly two years now since our daughter’s last bout of Pseudotumor Cerebri and we just had another check up with her eye specialist. Her nerves looked great again and her vision was 20/20 (with her glasses, which she’s always needed anyway). Her vision had deteriorated previously though even with her glasses, so this is still an improvement.
My father had a very strong devotion to Padre Pio and he passed it along to me. In addition to helping me in my spiritual life, I know he interceded for us directly. We are currently saving up for a trip to San Giovanni Rotondo so we can show our devotion to him.
We thank God for the great Saints He has given us through Holy Mother Church. Thank you, St. Padre Pio. Ora Pro Nobis!
As we step into a new year, it’s natural to feel both excitement and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Padre Pio understood that life’s journey is filled with challenges and blessings, and he encouraged his spiritual children to anchor their hopes in God. His timeless wisdom and steadfast faith remind us that with God’s guidance, every new beginning is an opportunity for growth and grace.
Padre Pio often urged his followers to embrace each day as a gift and to trust in Divine Providence. He said, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” These words resonate deeply as we set our resolutions and intentions for the year ahead.
For Padre Pio, the new year wasn’t about grand plans or worldly achievements. Instead, it was a chance to renew our commitment to live as faithful children of God. He believed that small, consistent acts of faith and kindness could transform our lives and the lives of others.
Here are a few ways we can begin the year inspired by Padre Pio’s example:
Padre Pio’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, even in the face of trials. His example inspires us to move forward with courage and trust, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. As we journey through this new year, let’s ask for Padre Pio’s intercession to help us stay rooted in faith and open to God’s grace.
Christmas is a time of joy, reflection, and celebration of God’s greatest gift to humanity: the birth of Jesus Christ. For Padre Pio, Christmas was not just a day of festivity but a profound reminder of God’s humility and love for His people. His devotion to the Nativity and the simple, beautiful truth of the Incarnation offers us lessons that can deepen our faith and enrich our Christmas season.
For Padre Pio, the celebration of Christmas was centered entirely on Christ. He often meditated on the humility of the Savior, born in a lowly manger, and the awe of the shepherds who were the first to witness this holy event. Padre Pio’s love for the Christ Child was evident in his prayers and reflections, as he encouraged others to embrace the simplicity and sacredness of this season.
In his monastery, the Nativity scene held special significance. It wasn’t just a decoration but a focal point for prayer and contemplation. Padre Pio would spend hours in front of the crèche, reflecting on the mystery of God becoming man. He reminded everyone that the true spirit of Christmas lies in our willingness to welcome Jesus into our hearts and homes.
In a world where the season is often overshadowed by materialism, Padre Pio’s life reminds us to focus on what truly matters. His humble, Christ-centered celebrations encourage us to:
This Christmas, let us look to Padre Pio’s example. Set up a Nativity scene in your home and use it as a place for family prayer. Light a candle and reflect on the miracle of God’s presence among us. Above all, keep Christ at the center of your celebrations, remembering that the greatest gift we can give is a heart open to His love.
As Padre Pio once said, “Let us adore Him with great love and deep gratitude.” May we, too, experience the true joy of Christmas by welcoming the Christ Child into our lives.
On March 8, 2019 Becky Gardner was ill with pain and a fever. The next morning she was taken to Urgent Care in Mt Vernon, OH and was diagnosed with influenza A virus. They prescribed Tamiflu to help speed recovery. Becky took 2 tablets for 5 days without eating or drinking very much for the next 8 days. Towards the end of recovery from influenza A anything that she ate or drank would cause pain in the stomach. On March 17th the pain was so severe she went to the Knox Community Hospital Emergency Room.
One of the first ER tests was a rectal specimen that showed blood in the stool. They proceeded todo blood tests, chest x-ray, and a CT scan. The blood tests showed a high white blood cell count suggesting infection and an elevated heart enzyme which showed a stressed heart.
Becky was admitted to the hospital with an “active GI bleed.” She was placed on a liquid diet and scheduled for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EDG) Tuesday morning March 19that 7:30 am. At approximately 9:30, March 18th Becky was given a liquid breakfast of chicken broth, grape juice, and iced jello. She attempted to eat 1/2 teaspoon of iced jello and experienced excruciating pain(9-10) in the stomach. She was given medicine to help alleviate the pain. For the rest of the day she did not eat or drink anything but water.
On Saturday, March 16th I went on a Pilgrimage to Pittsburgh and at The Chapel Shop, St Anthony Chapel I purchased a vial of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Frankincense & Myrrh Devotional Oil. On Monday, March 18th I ask Father Blubaugh to bless it since it was labeled unblessed. Tuesday morning, March 19th I arrived at Becky’s room at 6:55 am and rubbed some of the oil on Becky’s stomach while making the sign of the cross with it. Then Becky recited the Prayer to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: “Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, faithful Servant of Jesus. You suffered the unbearable wounds of Christ and you still served God’s purpose and goodwill. You are honored as the patron of those who suffer from pain and known for your many counts of healing. I ask you through your intercession to grant me the graces of the most blessed sacrament, heal me and alleviate my wounds and suffering so that I may better serve God. Amen” At 7:00 am she was taken downstairs for a 7:30 EDG that ended at 7:54 am.
After the EGD, Dr Heuman told me they did not find any bleeding, ulcers or scars. He had no explanation other than to say she would go back to her room to eat breakfast. If she experienced pain they would do more testing and without pain she would be released. The EGD Report “Findings: SCJ at 36; very small gastric pouch seen.; Widely patent G-J anastomosis without ulcer or scar.; mild schatzky ring.; Estimated Blood Loss: None”
Back in the room Becky ordered breakfast and ate Cherrios with milk, banana,
and blueberry muffin. She experienced no additional pain and was released
before Noon on March 19th.
Witness: Edward J Gardner
This was a Miracle!!!
Praise God, the intercession of Saint Padre Pio, and many prayers!
and then