Devotion to Saint Pius: triduum of prayer to receive graces
DAY ONE
Temptations
From the first letter of Saint Peter (5, 8-9)
Be temperate, watch. Your enemy, the devil, like a roaring lion, goes around trying to devour. Stand firm in faith, knowing that your brothers around the world suffer the same sufferings as you.
From the writings of Padre Pio:
It should not surprise you if the common enemy has made every effort to whom you did not listen to what I wrote to you. This is his office, and there is his advantage; but always despise him by loving you against him with ever more firmness in faith ... Being tempted is an evident sign that the soul is well accepted by the Lord. All then accepted with thanksgiving. Don't think this is my simple opinion, no; the Lord himself committed his divine word to it: "And because you were accepted by God, says the angel to Tobia (and in person of Tobia to all souls dear to God), it was necessary that temptation prove you". (Ep. III, pp. 49-50)
Reflection
O most amiable Saint Pius, who in life suffered constant harassment by Satan and always emerged victorious from it, make sure that we too confident in the divine help and with the protection of the Archangel Saint Michael do not surrender to the abominable temptations of the devil.
Glory to the Father
DAY II
Reconciliation
From the Gospel of John (20, 21-23)
Jesus said to them again: «Peace be with you! As the Father sent me, I also send you ». After saying this, he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit; to whom you forgive sins they will be forgiven and to whom you will not forgive them, they will remain unremitted ».
From the writings of Padre Pio:
I don't have a free minute: all the time is spent in acquitting the brothers from the snares of Satan. Blessed be God. So I pray you to appeal to charity, because the greatest charity is to snatch souls from Satan to earn them from Christ. And this I do assiduously and at night and in the day. Innumerable people of any class and of both sexes come here, for the sole purpose of confessing and from this only purpose I am required. There are splendid conversions. (Ep. I, pp. 1145-1146)
Reflection
O most lovable Saint Pius, you were a great apostle of the confessional and you have torn many souls from Satan's claws, you also lead us and many brothers to the source of forgiveness and grace.
Glory to the Father
DAY III
The Guardian Angel
From the Acts of the Apostles (5, 17-20)
Then the high priest stood up with those of his side, that is, the sect of the Sadducees; full of horror, had the apostles arrested, they had them thrown into the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, led them out and said, "Go and go and preach all these words of life to the people in the temple."
From the writings of Padre Pio:
Your good guardian angel always watches over you, whether he is your leader who guides you on the rough path of life; always keep you in the grace of Jesus, support you with his hands so that you don't set foot in some stone; protect you under his wings from all the dangers of the world, the devil and the flesh.
... Always have it before the eyes of the mind, often remember the presence of this angel, thank him, pray to him, always keep him good company ... Turn to him in the hours of supreme anguish and you will experience its beneficial effects. (Ep. III, pp. 82-83)
Reflection
O most lovely Saint Pius, who in your earthly life have had a special devotion for the angels, and especially for the Guardian Angel, help us to "understand and appreciate this great gift that God in the excess of his love" wanted do to every man entrusting him to his guide and protection.
Glory to the Father ...