Exiit qui seminat: St Pio of Pietrelcina

There's been a flurry of activity and preparation over the past few weeks as the parish gets ready for our annual Padre Pio Festival.  I would like to thank Dave Saglimbeni, the parish staff, and all of the volunteers and benefactors who have worked so hard to make the festival happen.  But September 26th is about more than BBQ chicken and porchetta sandwiches (although VERY important).  It's about continuing to foster devotion to St. Pio of Pietrelcina and honor the life of this great saint of God.  That's what Festival Week is all about.  In the throes of a pandemic that seems like it will not end, we prepare ourselves spiritually as we embrace this year's theme of "Pray, hope and don't worry".  For so many of us it has been a tough and long road from March 2019 and it behooves us to mirror the faith and the trust of Padre Pio.  As the example of his life shows us, Francesco Forgione was no stranger to hardship in his life, but it never stopped his pursuit of holiness and following God's plan.  In the rigors of our lives, we take the time to pray together, strengthening our faith and hope, until our festival culminates with Holy Mass in the 26th.  Hust as I asked you to fill out your order forms for food, I even more highly encourage you to come out this week and pray with us and to learn more about the life of our patron saint.  I look forward to seeing you this coming week and at the festival!  St Pio of Pietrelcina ora pro nobis!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

F. Rob Sinatra