Francesco Forgione (1887–1968), known as Padre Pio, was a Capuchin priest of Pietrelcina. For fifty years he heard confessions, celebrated Mass, and bore in his body the marks of the Passion. Crowds came; he pointed them to the sacraments, not to himself. The Church keeps his memorial on 23 September. He wanted souls, not a following, and the wounds he bore were never a spectacle he chose. Ask today for a hidden life of prayer, and for the courage to bring sin into the light of mercy.
Original – Prayer on Fire.
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Gospel
Mass Lectionary · Gospel
Luke 9:1–6
Then calling together the twelve Apostles, he gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases.
And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the infirm.
And he said to them: “You should take nothing for the journey, neither staff, nor traveling bag, nor bread, nor money; and you should not have two tunics.
And into whatever house you shall enter, lodge there, and do not move away from there.
And whoever will not have received you, upon departing from that city, shake off even the dust on your feet, as a testimony against them.”
And going forth, they traveled around, through the towns, evangelizing and curing everywhere.
Gospel of the Day · Text: Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV) · Mass Lectionary · Gospel
The Mass of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina may also use this Gospel. (Matthew 11:25–30)
Optional memorial Gospel
Matthew 11:25–30
At that time, Jesus responded and said: “I acknowledge you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the prudent, and have revealed them to little ones.
Yes, Father, for this was pleasing before you.
All things have been delivered to me by my Father. And no one knows the Son except the Father, nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and those to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.
Come to me, all you who labor and have been burdened, and I will refresh you.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is sweet and my burden is light.”
Not the weekday Gospel of the day · Text: Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV) · Matthew 11:25–30