HOW TO BECOME FATHER PIO'S SPIRITUAL CHILDREN

A WONDERFUL ASSIGNMENT
Becoming a spiritual son of Padre Pio has always been a dream of every devoted soul who has approached the Father and his spirituality.

Deserving this coveted title was everyone's goal since Padre Pio, before accepting a spiritual son or daughter, wanted to find a true conversion of life and the beginning of an ascetic journey, beneficially influenced by his assistance and protection. . In 1956 I was a family at the Capuchin convent in Agnone, a charming town in Molise, and I meditated on the benefits that those who were accepted by the Father as his spiritual children could gain. Then, I thought with regret of all those who could not go to San Giovanni Rotondo to ask Padre Pio for spiritual adoption and those, even less fortunate, who would approach the Father after his earthly transit. In truth, I would have liked everyone to be able to boast, even in the future, of being "spiritual children of Padre Pio".

This desire was added to another that I had tried to achieve since the religious vocation took hold in me: "spread the devotion to Our Lady through the daily recitation of the holy rosary".

In that year, with these two wishes in my heart, I came on holiday to San Giovanni Rotondo to spend a few days close to the Father.

While I confessed to him, in the sacristy, I had an inspiration and, after having been accused of sins, I asked him: "Father, I would like to train his spiritual children in Agnone".

While expressing the intuition of my desire with the sweetness of his large and luminous eyes, Padre Pio replied with indescribable tenderness: "What does what you ask of me consist of?"

Encouraged by that look, I added: «Father, I would like to take on, as your spiritual children, all those who will undertake to recite a rosary crown every day and to have a holy Mass celebrated from time to time according to your intentions. Can I do it or not? ». Padre Pio, spreading his arms, raised his eyes to heaven and exclaimed: «And I, Fra Modestino, can I renounce this great benefit? Do what you ask me and I will assist you ». Back in Agnone I started my new mission with enthusiasm. The holy rosary was spreading and the spiritual family of Padre Pio was now growing also through my poor person. Another time, I approached the Father while praying over the church matron and asked him, "Father, what should I say to his spiritual children?"

And he replied in a tone that revealed an intense love: "Report that I give them all my heart, as long as they are persevering in prayer and good."

Once again, while I was accompanying him to the cell from the choir, I asked him: "Father, the number of your spiritual children is now great!" What should I do, stop or welcome others? ».

And Padre Pio, opening his arms, with an exclamation that made my heart vibrate, replied: "My son, enlarge as much as you can because they are more benefited to them before God than I myself".

On the occasion of the countless meetings I had with the Father, I must say that I had always asked for some of his memories as a gift. However, my wish had never been fulfilled.

In the first days of the month: in September 1968, I was in Isernia when the Father entrusted this assignment to one of my brothers: «Tell Fra Modestino that when he comes to San Giovanni Rotondo I will give him a beautiful thing».

When on September 20 there was the international gathering of prayer groups in San Giovanni Rotondo, I ran to him.

After celebrating the solemn mass, Padre Pio was accompanied to the veranda. Father Onorato Marcucci and Father Tarcisio da Cervinara were present. I hugged her for a long time. He was deeply moved. So many emotions, on that day, had experienced it hard. He barely spoke. Now, she cried silently. Suddenly he motioned for me to come closer. I knelt near. He gently removed the inseparable crown and apple from his wrist and placed it in his hands, open to the gift, with a look that seemed to say to me: «Here, I entrust the holy rosary to you. Divulge it, spread it among my children ».

It was the final ratification of a mandate, a wonderful assignment.

Today, after his death, Padre Pio's spiritual children are counted more. This large family meets, ideally, in spirit, every evening at 20,30, around the tomb of the Father.

There I am, Fra Modestino, leading the recitation of the holy rosary. All those who, from their homes, will join the recitation of the prayer that the Father preferred, from 20,30 to 21,00, and every now and then they will celebrate a holy mass according to the intentions of Padre Pio, will become his spiritual children.

This I assure you under my personal responsibility. They will benefit from the continuous assistance of the Father and my poor prayer at your grave.

How many rosary crowns are now intertwined in the evening around the glorious tomb of Padre Pio!

How many graces, the heavenly Mommy, she gets to the spiritual children of Padre Pio, who in her name unite in prayer from all parts of the world!

Those who commit themselves to reciting the blessed crown will obviously have to repudiate sin and follow, as far as possible, the example of Padre Pio. From this the spiritual sons of the Father will be recognized: they will be united by the bond of the sweet chain that binds us to God, they will love, pray and suffer as Padre Pio loved, prayed and suffered, for the good of their soul and for the salvation of sinners .

The numerous phone calls of graces received, which I receive, testify that Padre Pio, faithful to his promise, protects in a very particular way his spiritual children who, at eight thirty in the evening, do not miss the appointment with the Holy Virgin, through the recitation of his rosary.