Once I showed the Padre a very pretty branch of hawthorn in bloom, and pointing out to him the beautiful white flowers, I exclaimed: "How beautiful!" "Yes," said the Padre, "but the fruits are more beautiful than the flowers. " In this way he made me understand that good works are more beautiful than good intentions. (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 9th January)

Once I showed the Padre a very pretty branch of hawthorn in bloom, and pointing out to him the beautiful white flowers, I exclaimed: "How beautiful!" "Yes," said the Padre, "but the fruits are more beautiful than the flowers. " In this way he made me understand that good works are more beautiful tha

Once I showed the Padre a very pretty branch of hawthorn in bloom, and pointing out to him the beautiful white flowers, I exclaimed: "How beautiful!" "Yes," said the Padre, "but the fruits are more beautiful than the flowers. " In this way he made me understand that good works are more beautiful than good intentions. (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 9th January)
In all that you do always be humble, guarding jealously the purity of your heart and the purity of your body; these are the two wings which will raise us to God and make us almost divine. (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 8th January)
We must always strictly observe these two virtues: kindness with our neighbours and holy humility with God. (Padre Pio; Letters III, p. 952)

Love does not tolerate delay and immediately upon arrival, the Magi did everything within their power to make Him known; He who had conquered their hearts through the influence of grace, wounding them with the kind of charity which must overflow, because it cannot be contained in the small structure of the heart and must therefore be communicated. (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 981)

Love does not tolerate delay and immediately upon arrival, the Magi did everything within their power to make Him known; He who had conquered their hearts through the influence of grace, wounding them with the kind of charity which must overflow, because it cannot be contained in the small structure

Love does not tolerate delay and immediately upon arrival, the Magi did everything within their power to make Him known; He who had conquered their hearts through the influence of grace, wounding them with the kind of charity which must overflow, because it cannot be contained in the small structure of the heart and must therefore be communicated. (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 981)

"Let us begin today, my brothers, to do good, because up to now, we have done nothing. " These words, which the Seraphic Father, St. Francis, in his humility applied to himself, should be made ours, at the beginning of this new year. We truly have done nothing to date, or perhaps, very little; the years have followed one another and from beginning to end, we have never asked ourselves how we have spent them, whether there was something to be rectified, to be added or obliterated from our conduct. We have lived thoughtlessly, as if the Eternal Judge were not going to call us to Himself one day and ask us to account for our deeds and for the way we have spent our time. And yet, we must give an exact account of every moment, of every grace, of every holy inspiration, of every opportunity to do good. The slightest transgression of God's holy laws, will be taken into consideration! (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 963)

"Let us begin today, my brothers, to do good, because up to now, we have done nothing. " These words, which the Seraphic Father, St. Francis, in his humility applied to himself, should be made ours, at the beginning of this new year. We truly have done nothing to date, or perhaps, very little; the y

"Let us begin today, my brothers, to do good, because up to now, we have done nothing. " These words, which the Seraphic Father, St. Francis, in his humility applied to himself, should be made ours, at the beginning of this new year. We truly have done nothing to date, or perhaps, very little; the years have followed one another and from beginning to end, we have never asked ourselves how we have spent them, whether there was something to be rectified, to be added or obliterated from our conduct. We have lived thoughtlessly, as if the Eternal Judge were not going to call us to Himself one day and ask us to account for our deeds and for the way we have spent our time. And yet, we must give an exact account of every moment, of every grace, of every holy inspiration, of every opportunity to do good. The slightest transgression of God's holy laws, will be taken into consideration! (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 963)

Oh how precious time is! Blessed are those who know how to make good use of it, because, on the day of judgment, all will have to render a strict account of it to the supreme Judge. Oh, if only all could understand how precious time is, undoubtedly everyone would do his best to spend it in a praiseworthy manner! (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 4 January)

Oh how precious time is! Blessed are those who know how to make good use of it, because, on the day of judgment, all will have to render a strict account of it to the supreme Judge. Oh, if only all could understand how precious time is, undoubtedly everyone would do his best to spend it in a praisew

Oh how precious time is! Blessed are those who know how to make good use of it, because, on the day of judgment, all will have to render a strict account of it to the supreme Judge. Oh, if only all could understand how precious time is, undoubtedly everyone would do his best to spend it in a praiseworthy manner! (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 4 January)

Make hay while the sun shines. Do not put off till tomorrow what you can do today. It's easy enough to be wise after the event, besides, who can assure us that we will be alive tomorrow? Let us listen to the voice of our conscience, to the voice of the royal prophet: "Today, if you hear the voice of the Lord, do not turn a deaf ear. " Let us arise and make use of the fleeting moment which alone is ours. Let us not put off from one moment to another because the latter is not yet ours. (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 965-966)

Make hay while the sun shines. Do not put off till tomorrow what you can do today. It's easy enough to be wise after the event, besides, who can assure us that we will be alive tomorrow? Let us listen to the voice of our conscience, to the voice of the royal prophet: "Today, if you hear the voice of

Make hay while the sun shines. Do not put off till tomorrow what you can do today. It's easy enough to be wise after the event, besides, who can assure us that we will be alive tomorrow? Let us listen to the voice of our conscience, to the voice of the royal prophet: "Today, if you hear the voice of the Lord, do not turn a deaf ear. " Let us arise and make use of the fleeting moment which alone is ours. Let us not put off from one moment to another because the latter is not yet ours. (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 965-966)

Let us say to ourselves with the full conviction of telling the truth, "My soul, begin today to do the good works which to this day you have not done. " Let us be moved by the presence of God. Let us often say to ourselves, "God sees me, and as He looks at me He also judges me. " Let us act in such a way that He sees only good in us. (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 966)

Let us say to ourselves with the full conviction of telling the truth, "My soul, begin today to do the good works which to this day you have not done. " Let us be moved by the presence of God. Let us often say to ourselves, "God sees me, and as He looks at me He also judges me. " Let us act in such

Let us say to ourselves with the full conviction of telling the truth, "My soul, begin today to do the good works which to this day you have not done. " Let us be moved by the presence of God. Let us often say to ourselves, "God sees me, and as He looks at me He also judges me. " Let us act in such a way that He sees only good in us. (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 966)

Through divine grace we are at the beginning of a new year. God alone knows whether we shall reach the end of it, so we should spend it in reparation for the past and in preparing for the future with good resolutions. Good works go hand in hand with good intentions. (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 966)

Through divine grace we are at the beginning of a new year. God alone knows whether we shall reach the end of it, so we should spend it in reparation for the past and in preparing for the future with good resolutions. Good works go hand in hand with good intentions. (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 966)

Through divine grace we are at the beginning of a new year. God alone knows whether we shall reach the end of it, so we should spend it in reparation for the past and in preparing for the future with good resolutions. Good works go hand in hand with good intentions. (Padre Pio; Letters IV, p. 966)
The palm of victory is reserved only for those who fight up to the end. Therefore let us begin this year our holy battle. God will assist us and crown us with eternal triumph. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, p. 967)

It is difficult to become saints. Difficult but not impossible. The road to perfection is long, just as long as a lifetime. Consolation is rest along the way, but as soon as your strength is restored, you must get up diligently and continue the race. (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 30 December)

It is difficult to become saints. Difficult but not impossible. The road to perfection is long, just as long as a lifetime. Consolation is rest along the way, but as soon as your strength is restored, you must get up diligently and continue the race. (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 30 December)

It is difficult to become saints. Difficult but not impossible. The road to perfection is long, just as long as a lifetime. Consolation is rest along the way, but as soon as your strength is restored, you must get up diligently and continue the race. (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 30 December)

And yet, once our last hour has come, and our hearts have ceased to beat, everything will be finished for us and the time to merit as well as to demerit. We will present ourselves to Christ the Judge just as death finds us. Our cries of supplication, our tears, our sighs of repentance, which while still on earth would have won God's heart, could have made us with the help of the sacraments, saints out of sinners, today is worthless; the time of mercy is passed, now begins the time of justice. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, p. 964)

And yet, once our last hour has come, and our hearts have ceased to beat, everything will be finished for us and the time to merit as well as to demerit. We will present ourselves to Christ the Judge just as death finds us. Our cries of supplication, our tears, our sighs of repentance, which while s

And yet, once our last hour has come, and our hearts have ceased to beat, everything will be finished for us and the time to merit as well as to demerit. We will present ourselves to Christ the Judge just as death finds us. Our cries of supplication, our tears, our sighs of repentance, which while still on earth would have won God's heart, could have made us with the help of the sacraments, saints out of sinners, today is worthless; the time of mercy is passed, now begins the time of justice. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, p. 964)

The worldly, engulfed in their affairs, live in obscurity and error, nor do they try to learn about God, or give a thought to their eternal salvation, or try to find out about the coming of that longed-for Messiah who was awaited by men and prophesied and predicted by the prophets. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, p. 979)

The worldly, engulfed in their affairs, live in obscurity and error, nor do they try to learn about God, or give a thought to their eternal salvation, or try to find out about the coming of that longed-for Messiah who was awaited by men and prophesied and predicted by the prophets. (Padre Pio; Epist

The worldly, engulfed in their affairs, live in obscurity and error, nor do they try to learn about God, or give a thought to their eternal salvation, or try to find out about the coming of that longed-for Messiah who was awaited by men and prophesied and predicted by the prophets. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, p. 979)

Jesus calls the poor and simple shepherds by means of angels to manifest Himself to them. He calls the learned men by means of their science. And all of them moved interiorly by grace hasten to adore Him. He calls all of us with divine inspirations and He communicates Himself to us with his grace. How many times has He not lovingly invited us also? And with what promptitude have we replied? My God I blush and am filled with confusion at having to reply to such a question. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, pp. 977-978)

Jesus calls the poor and simple shepherds by means of angels to manifest Himself to them. He calls the learned men by means of their science. And all of them moved interiorly by grace hasten to adore Him. He calls all of us with divine inspirations and He communicates Himself to us with his grace. H

Jesus calls the poor and simple shepherds by means of angels to manifest Himself to them. He calls the learned men by means of their science. And all of them moved interiorly by grace hasten to adore Him. He calls all of us with divine inspirations and He communicates Himself to us with his grace. How many times has He not lovingly invited us also? And with what promptitude have we replied? My God I blush and am filled with confusion at having to reply to such a question. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, pp. 977-978)
From the time of his birth Jesus points out our mission, which is to despise what the world loves and seeks. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, p. 973)

Live joyfully and courageously, at least in the upper part of the soul, amidst the trials in which the Lord places you. Live joyfully and courageously, I repeat, because the Angel who foretells the birth of our little Saviour and Lord, announces singing, and sings announcing that he brings tidings of joy, peace and happiness to men of goodwill. So that there is nobody who does not know that in order to receive this Child it is sufficient to be of goodwill. (Padre Pio; Letters III, p. 470)

Live joyfully and courageously, at least in the upper part of the soul, amidst the trials in which the Lord places you. Live joyfully and courageously, I repeat, because the Angel who foretells the birth of our little Saviour and Lord, announces singing, and sings announcing that he brings tidings o

Live joyfully and courageously, at least in the upper part of the soul, amidst the trials in which the Lord places you. Live joyfully and courageously, I repeat, because the Angel who foretells the birth of our little Saviour and Lord, announces singing, and sings announcing that he brings tidings of joy, peace and happiness to men of goodwill. So that there is nobody who does not know that in order to receive this Child it is sufficient to be of goodwill. (Padre Pio; Letters III, p. 470)

Don't let your zeal be bitter, fussy, aggravating or a cause of uneasiness, but let it be free from all defects: Let it be sweet, benevolent, gracious, peaceful and uplifting. Ah, who cannot see the dear little Infant of Bethlehem in the event for which we are preparing? Who does not see his incomparable love for souls? He comes to die in order to save, and He is so humble, sweet and lovable. (Padre Pio; Letters III, p. 469-470)

Don't let your zeal be bitter, fussy, aggravating or a cause of uneasiness, but let it be free from all defects: Let it be sweet, benevolent, gracious, peaceful and uplifting. Ah, who cannot see the dear little Infant of Bethlehem in the event for which we are preparing? Who does not see his incompa

Don't let your zeal be bitter, fussy, aggravating or a cause of uneasiness, but let it be free from all defects: Let it be sweet, benevolent, gracious, peaceful and uplifting. Ah, who cannot see the dear little Infant of Bethlehem in the event for which we are preparing? Who does not see his incomparable love for souls? He comes to die in order to save, and He is so humble, sweet and lovable. (Padre Pio; Letters III, p. 469-470)
Faith also guides us and we follow securely in its light the way which leads to God, His homeland, just as the holy Magi, guided by the star, symbol of faith, reached the desired place. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, p. 980)
May the Child Jesus be your guiding star in the desert of this present life. (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 22 december)

Stay very close to the crib of this most beautiful Child, especially during these days of his birth. If you love riches, here you will find the gold the Kings left Him. If you love the smoke of honours, here you will find that of incense. And if you love the delicacy of the senses, you will smell the perfumed myrrh which perfumes the entire holy stable. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, p. 868)

Stay very close to the crib of this most beautiful Child, especially during these days of his birth. If you love riches, here you will find the gold the Kings left Him. If you love the smoke of honours, here you will find that of incense. And if you love the delicacy of the senses, you will smell th

Stay very close to the crib of this most beautiful Child, especially during these days of his birth. If you love riches, here you will find the gold the Kings left Him. If you love the smoke of honours, here you will find that of incense. And if you love the delicacy of the senses, you will smell the perfumed myrrh which perfumes the entire holy stable. (Padre Pio; Epist. IV, p. 868)

Poverty, humility, degradation, contempt surround the Word made flesh. But from the darkness in which this Word made flesh is enveloped, we understand one thing, we hear a voice, we catch a glimpse of a sublime truth. All this He has done out of love, and He does nothing but invite us to love; He speaks of nothing else but love; He gives nothing but proof of love. (Padre Pio; Epistolario IV, pp. 972-973)

Poverty, humility, degradation, contempt surround the Word made flesh. But from the darkness in which this Word made flesh is enveloped, we understand one thing, we hear a voice, we catch a glimpse of a sublime truth. All this He has done out of love, and He does nothing but invite us to love; He sp

Poverty, humility, degradation, contempt surround the Word made flesh. But from the darkness in which this Word made flesh is enveloped, we understand one thing, we hear a voice, we catch a glimpse of a sublime truth. All this He has done out of love, and He does nothing but invite us to love; He speaks of nothing else but love; He gives nothing but proof of love. (Padre Pio; Epistolario IV, pp. 972-973)
May the Holy Family never withdraw its loving gaze from you and your family. Model yourselves on it and you will have peace, and spiritual and temporal well-being. (Padre Pio; Epistolario IV, p. 1000)
All the feasts of the Church are beautiful. Easter, yes, is glorification but Christmas has a tenderness, a child-like sweetness that completely captivates my heart. (Padre Pio; Have a good day, 18 December)

As regards your reading there is very little to be admired and hardly anything by which to be edified. It is absolutely necessary for you to add to such reading that of the holy books (Sacred Scripture) so highly recommended by all the holy Fathers of the Church. I cannot dispense you from such spiritual reading, for I have your perfection too much at heart. If you want to gain the quite unhoped-for fruit from such reading, it will be well to rid yourself of the prejudice you have with regard to the style and form in which these holy books are set forth. Get to work then. Make an effort in this respect and don't neglect to ask the divine assistance with all humility. (Padre Pio; Letters II, p. 153)

As regards your reading there is very little to be admired and hardly anything by which to be edified. It is absolutely necessary for you to add to such reading that of the holy books (Sacred Scripture) so highly recommended by all the holy Fathers of the Church. I cannot dispense you from such spir

As regards your reading there is very little to be admired and hardly anything by which to be edified. It is absolutely necessary for you to add to such reading that of the holy books (Sacred Scripture) so highly recommended by all the holy Fathers of the Church. I cannot dispense you from such spiritual reading, for I have your perfection too much at heart. If you want to gain the quite unhoped-for fruit from such reading, it will be well to rid yourself of the prejudice you have with regard to the style and form in which these holy books are set forth. Get to work then. Make an effort in this respect and don't neglect to ask the divine assistance with all humility. (Padre Pio; Letters II, p. 153)