BIG C CATHOLICS

The Blessed Virgin Mary presenting the Rosary to St. Dominic: T he Vision of Saint Dominic, Bernardo Cavallino, 1640  According to pious tradition, the Rosary was given to Saint Dominic in an apparition of the Virgin Mary in the year 1214. In the 15th century, it was promoted by Alanus de Rupe (St. Alan of the Rock), a Dominican priest and theologian, who established the " fifteen rosary promises " and started many rosary confraternities . St. Louis de Montfort warns us against both the ignorant and scholars who regard the Rosary as something of little importance..."the Rosary is a priceless treasure inspired by God." "Never will anyone who says his Rosary every day become a formal heretic or be led astray by the devil." Pray the Rosary daily to grow in holiness. The following quotations illustrate the Rosary's power and abundant blessings: When the Holy Rosary is said well, it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is more meritorious than

Days before his death, Padre Pio, thinking of the Audience which the Chapter Members of his Order would have during their General Chapter, wrote a letter to Pope Paul. In it, he expressed his adherence to the Magisterium's teachings, particularly mentioning the recent encyclical, Humanae Vitae . Padre Pio expressed his obedience, devotedness and filial sharing in the anxieties of His Holiness. The full text is as follows: Your Holiness: Availing myself of Your Holiness' meeting with the Capitular Fathers, I unite myself in spirit with my Brothers, and in a spirit of faith, love and obedience to the greatness of Him whom you represent on earth, offer my respectful homage to Your August Person, humbly kneeling at Your feet. The Capuchin Order has always been among the first in their love, fidelity and reverence for the Holy See. I pray the Lord that its members remain ever thus, continuing their tradition of seriousness and religious asceticism evangelical poverty, faithf

Padre Pio was born in 1887 in the Italian village of Pietrelcina. He joined the Capuchin Friars at age sixteen and was ordained a priest seven years later. For fifty years at the monastery of San Giovanni Rotundo he was a spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor. His life was devoted to the Eucharist and prayer. Despite such notoriety, he often said, "I only want to be a poor friar who prays." The Life of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Pio was born Francesco Forgione to a southern Italian farm family, the son of Grazio, a shepherd. At 15 he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars in Morcone; joining the order at 19. He suffered several health problems, and at one point his family believed he had tuberculosis. He was ordained on 10 August 1910. While praying before a cross on September 20, 1918, Padre Pio received the stigmata. He is the first priest to be so blessed. As word spread, especially after American soldiers brought home stories of Padre Pio following WWII

Archbishop Andrea Mugione of Benevento in Italy celebrated Mass Tuesday to mark the 100th anniversary of St. Pio de Pietrelcina's ordination to the priesthood. The prelate noted that Padre Pio's example of complete surrender to the Church of Christ and in service to others should encourage Catholics to “unconditionally respond to the will of God.” Speaking to Vatican Radio, the archbishop recalled that the anniversary is “truly a special moment of prayer, grace and reflection.” After recalling that Padre Pio felt he had a special vocation to “be a sacrificial victim of expiation for the sins of the world and for the conversion of all humanity,” the archbishop said the Italian saint was granted permission to be ordained at the age of 23 because of the various illnesses that afflicted him. Archbishop Mugione said Padre Pio practically “lived eternity” while on earth and learned to live out the Gospel in a life that was transformed in Christ and by Christ. Cou