Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

September 23rd is the Feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. Born to an Italian peasant family in 1887, from a very young age St. Pio saw angels and had conversations with Jesus and Mary. He joined the order of Franciscan Capuchins at the age of 15 and was ordained 7 years later. On August 5, 1918, St. Pio received the wounds of Christ (the stigmata) in his body, including a piercing in his  side. These wounds would bleed profusely when he celebrated Mass, for 50 years, until just two days before his death.

St. Pio lived his entire life for God doing good works. He built a large hospital village and performed many miracles, but he was still a victim of controversy. While there were many attempts to oppress him, this holy priest was was able to persevere and overcome. People travelled far and wide to hear St. Pio’s Mass, to receive spiritual direction from him, to confess, and to ask for his prayers. He possessed the ability to bi-locate, and numerous eyewitnesses on various continents attested to his appearance.

St. Padre Pio’s humility was a major aspect of his spirituality. He considered himself to be a humble servant of God, and is quoted as saying “I only want to be a poor monk who prays.”

Saint Matthew

Tradition tells us that St. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a Jewish tax collector in Capernaum when he answered Jesus’ call to follow Him (Matthew 9:9). He was one of the 12 apostles and, being the author of the gospel under his name, he is known as Matthew the Evangelist.

Matthew’s position in society in his day cannot be overlooked. At the time, Capernaum was occupied by Rome, and the Israelites were living under the rule of Caesar Augustus. They were exploited and oppressed by the Roman guards. Matthew was a tax collector and an Israelite working on the side of Caesar. Tax collectors, or Publicans, grew wealthy exploiting their own people and collaborating with Rome. They were considered traitors and extreme sinners by Jewish society. Matthew’s decision to leave that life behind and follow Jesus would have been a complete turn around; a conversion experience and an embracing of God’s mercy. The Feast of St. Matthew is September 21st.