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Story of Saint Padre Pio in my life

The Mystery of God Through Saint Padre Pio

May 13, 2025

There are moments in life when we struggle to understand God’s hand in our journey. Many doubt presence of Saints. attributing life’s wonders to science alone, if not a belief that the path to true fulfillment lies in Jesus Christ

. My spiritual journey is a testimony of how the Saints, particularly Saint Padre Pio, play a vital role in building my  faith and to drawing us closer to God. 

As Father Neil said during a retreat recently, May 12, at Saint Basil Church. The Saints are not only witnesses to God’s healing and miracles but also a gateway to the mystery of God’s love and presence.” He called this Mystic as a higher  level of Spirituality 

Feast Day of our Lady of Fatima

On May 13, 2025, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, I attended morning Mass. Afterward, I had a conversation with a parishioner who had recently visited Saint Padre Pio’s tomb in Rome. She shared her profound experience: as she stood by Padre Pio’s tomb, she noticed a distinct floral fragrance, particularly near his head. Despite moving to the opposite end, the scent returned when she stood by his head again. She believed it was a sign of his presence.

She also pointed out a bird perched atop the cross of the church, which we both saw, reminding us of the mysteries of God’s signs and wonders. This encounter affirmed my belief in the Saints’ role in our spiritual journey, not just as intercessors but as living reminders of God’s closeness.

Memories of Fatima

Interestingly, this day reminded me of a Facebook memory I had posted years ago, on May 13, 2017. It was a picture of Saint Padre Pio kissing a small statue of Our Lady of Fatima, symbolizing his devotion to her. 

. It aligns with the messages of peace and transformation often associated with both Our Lady of Fatima and Padre Pio. The Image of Padre Pio and Our Lady of Fatima (May 13, 2016): The image of Padre Pio venerating Our Lady of Fatima underscores their shared mission: to call people back to God through prayer and conversion. Padre Pio had a deep devotion to Mary, especially as Our Lady of Fatima, and she, in turn, pointed always to Jesus.

Scent of Roses: The sweet scent of roses near Padre Pio’s shrine is often considered a sign of his spiritual presence or intercession. It reflects his closeness to God and the Blessed Mother, as roses are symbolic of Mary and divine grace.

The Rose

This is true to the Story of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus which I was able to watch recently June 7, 2025 at the house of my friend who did to my surprised watch it on YouTube TV.

Now I understand why I was able to watched the life of Saint Therese. To give hope to those who are suffering

The Dove

The Dove: The dove is a universal sign of the Holy Spirit. Seeing a bird on the church cross could be a gentle reminder of God’s abiding presence and guidance

Double Rainbow hmmm

Photo i took inside Saint John the Baptist church in Napa 2024

Saint Padre Pio whisper

A week prior, I spoke with a dear friend from the Philippines who was going through severe depression after ending an abusive relationship. She felt hopeless, even contemplating suicide. I reminded her of God’s immense love for her, a message that had once been told to me during my own struggles.

To my surprise, she changed her profile picture to an image of Saint Padre Pio. When I asked her why, she said she had heard a voice whisper, “Change it to Padre Pio,” while we were speaking. 

My Friend from Kabataan Barangay Mel

This was not the first time I encountered such phenomena. Another friend had once gifted me a card containing a relic of Saint Padre Pio, saying she felt compelled to give it to me after hearing his voice. Telling her to give it to John..

There are other phenomena that is unexplainable

Saint Padre Pio and Me

I just check on who watches me on Facebook and this was the result that I got.

The Stigmata, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.

Saint Padre Pio.

. To my surprise, the name that appeared was none other than Saint Padre Pio. At that moment, I felt a rush of emotions—I almost fell off my chair!

This discovery felt profoundly personal to me, as my birthday is September 20, a date that holds great significance in the life of Saint Padre Pio. It was on this day that he received the stigmata, the visible marks of Christ’s Passion, which he bore as a profound sign of his holiness and deep union with Christ.

Saint Padre Pio has always been a figure of inspiration in my spiritual journey. His unwavering faith, humility, and deep devotion to God have touched countless lives, including mine. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from him is not to be afraid of going to confession. Through his writings and the example of his life, he has shown me that confession is not a place of judgment but a source of healing and reconciliation with God.

This experience reminded me that the saints are truly with us, interceding and guiding us even in the smallest, most unexpected ways. It felt like a gentle nudge from Saint Padre Pio, encouraging me to deepen my faith and trust in God’s infinite mercy.”

I almost fell on my chair.

September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was praying in the choir loft in the Church of Our Lady of Grace, when the same Being who appeared to him on August 5, appeared again. It was the wounded Christ.

On September 20, 1918, while hearing confessions, Padre Pio had his first occurrence of the stigmata: bodily marks, pain, and bleeding in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ. This phenomenon continued for fifty years, until the end of his life. The blood flowing from the stigmata smelled of perfume or flowers, a phenomenon mentioned in stories of the lives of several saints and often referred to as the odour of sanctity. Though Padre Pio would have preferred to suffer in secret, by early 1919, news about the stigmatic friar began to spread in the secular world. Padre Pio’s wounds were examined by many people, including physicians.

People who had started rebuilding their lives after World War I, began to see in Padre Pio a symbol of hope. Those close to him attest that he began to manifest several spiritual gifts, including the gifts of healing, bilocation, levitation, prophechy, miracles, extraordinary abstinence from both sleep and nourishment (one account states that Padre Agostino recorded one instance in which Padre Pio was able to subsist for at least 20 days at Verafeno on only the Eucharist without any other nourishment), the ability to read hearts, the gift of tongues, the gift of conversions, and the fragrance from his wounds.

My Story of Saint Padre Pio

I am very thankful of knowing the life of the Saints, it really help me in my Spiritual Journey.

From reading the story of the life of Padre Pio, it leads me of having courage to confess my sins.

I read about his miracles, collaborated with stories of people,

My spiritual friend and a former officemate Joy Edralin from the Philippines shared with me a story that her mother wrote a prayer request to Padre Pio and to her surprised she got a reply from Saint Padre Pio .

This is the Actual Letter from Padre Pio

Padre Pio reads all the prayers send to him all over the world and pray for them.

May 2024

How I wish and pray that people would be healed but only God knows. God is the healer and he do miracles. On my besties case she did a lot of work for her healing. Healing happens One at a time

Went to Las Vegas to attend our High school reunion February 2025 and brought a book for me to read.

Straight from the hearts and as I opened it I was surprised

It’s from Joy my spiritual best Friend

On my 60th Birthday she gave this to me.

She introduced me to Saint Padre Pio.

There are factors for people to get heal. God’s will. Work of the Holy Spirit likewise desire to listen to the Doctors. Eating right, living a healthy life and praying

Department of Defense Sec. General Ricardo De Leon pray to Saint Padre Pio every day.

Never give up. Go for the best in life.

Amazing Padre Pio answered my prayers

2023 Meeting with Joy at Mary Grace.

Went home to the Philippines and meet with my Spiritual Bestie Joy.

Going there I first went to see my cousin Patchut in Glorieta, Makati and had our breakfast with my wife Carol

Exacto after the Mass they recited the Prayer of Padre Pio

Went to the Philippines in 2023 at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart

On the church announcement is the Feast day of Saint Padre Pio.

As we are waiting for my cousin we were able to connect with a couple from the Midwest likewise member of the Couples for Christ.

Trip to Tagaytay ending up visiting Saint Padre Pio Church July 20,

I am deeply grateful for learning about the lives of the Saints, as they have greatly enriched my spiritual journey.

Reading about the life of Padre Pio, in particular, has inspired me to find the courage to confess my sins.

His miraculous deeds and the testimonies of those who experienced his intercession have profoundly touched my heart and strengthened my faith.

On this day I talked with the Priest for a blessing never did I know it’s his Priesthood Anniversary

Left that place so happy. Indeed God is alive. Another Exacto Moments. Prayed over the Priest for his sacrifice in serving God in the Holy Mass and for the needy in the community

Sanctuario di Padre Pio

Story of my Friend Marie Yap.

Marie send me a message. Exacto she was in Tagaytay

Story of Carlos Campanini who converted as Catholic because of Saint Padre Pio

This is a story of Carlos Campanini

Carlo Campanini went to confession to Padre Pio in 1950.  Padre Pio said: “Begin in 1936.”

‘But I confessed few days ago.’ “I told you to begin in 1936.” Campanini remembered what he had done in 1936 and had been ashamed to confess.

He concluded: ‘That confession changed my life, and I haven’t missed daily Mass since than.’

Padre Pio in the confessional

Close encounters with Padre Pio in the Confessional

Padre Pio spent most of his day hearing confessions.

I believe Not every church is giving this announcements about confession. I was wrong I found a church where there is a confession before and after Mass.

From 1918 to 1923 he heard confessions fifteen to nineteen hours a day. 

During the 40’s and 50’s he confessed about eight hours a day.

In 1962, 83.035 women and 19.837 men  registered for confession with Padre Pio: an average of about 273 per day.

In 1967 Padre Pio confessed about 15.000 women and 10.000 men. An average of 70 people per day.

The average confession made to Padre Pio lasted only three minutes. Padre Pio heard a total of about five million confessions.

Padre Pio demanded that each confession be a true conversion. No excuses, no insincerity, but frankness, honesty, firm resolution.

Thanks for Padre Pio’s encouragement for confession

Some says, Priest are just human and just prefer to confess directly to God.

I am not here to argue with that, I just want to share the beautiful benefit of it.

After the absolution given by the Priest, I felt with so much peace in my heart. I know that whatever happens to me in this world God is there to welcome me in Heaven.

Life is a battle between good and evil.

Every time we confess we defeat the evil within us.

For the Son of Man has come to save what was lost.

Given by the angel at the time of the Annunciation, the name “Jesus” means “God saves”.

The name expresses his identity and his mission “because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Peter proclaimed that “there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Apostolic succession is the transmission by means of the sacrament of Holy Orders of the mission and power of the Apostles to their successors, the bishops.

Who send this? I forgot but it’s a connection with dreams

Another experience of Padre Pio is battle against satan, How he suffered from them.

Encounter with Evil.

Padre Pio, the Demon-Fighter

The most extraordinary aspect of Padre Pio’s spiritual life was his explicit spiritual warfare with the demonic.

“Padre Pio’s real enemies were the demons who besieged him,” former chief exorcist of Rome Father Gabriele Amorth said. “The great and constant struggle of Padre Pio’s life was with those enemies of God and human souls, the devils who tried to capture his soul.”

Even in his youth, Saint Padre Pio would enjoy incredible celestial visions but also suffer demonic attacks. 

Father Amorth explains:

“The devil would appear to him as an ugly black cat, or in the shape of a truly repugnant animal. The obvious intent was to fill him with terror. Other times demons came as young girls, nude and provocative, performing obscene dances, to test the young priest’s chastity.

“But Padre Pio sensed his greatest danger when the devil tried to deceive him by taking on the form of one of his superiors (his provincial superior or his spiritual director) or in a sacred form (the Lord, the Virgin, or St. Francis).”

Satan would even sometimes attack Saint Padre Pio physically. He describes this in one letter he wrote to a priest confidant:

“These devils don’t stop striking me, even making me fall down from the bed. They even tear off my shirt to beat me! But now they do not frighten me anymore. Jesus loves me, He often lifts me and places me back on the bed.”

Indeed, if we are close to the Lord, we should not fear the spiritual forces of evil.

Ctto

Church POP September 2024

My Real Encounter with demonic possession 1998.

Yes, There is Evil in this world, they are here to get us, they can possess people. But its power is nothing compared to Jesus.

I personally saw people got possessed by the devil near our house in Sampaloc Street, San Antonio Village. Makati city way back in 1998.

I personally saw three people under the power of evil. I got hold of a regular bottled water, put salt on it and prayed the blessings of the Holy Water as what is written on my book of prayers.

Holy water works. It pains the evil one.

I was warned by Father Francis Syquia Chief Exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila not to do it again for the forces of evil will attack me as a consequence of my doing it.

Seek an advise from Father Wannie Cacao 11/29/2024

Is it a divine calling?

Am just a simple parishioner praising God.

I do not know. It just all happens. One at a time.

I also believe that some people who are healed because of their beliefs that there is a powerful God that heals.

From the message of Father Cacao it’s an eye opener.

When you are really called to this mission. You will let go of everything and focus on whatever plan he has in your life. Like the Life of the missionaries.

Servant of God in any capacity. In church and in the community

For if there is a mission of God in our life. He will prepare for it.

Reflect and Listen. Indeed it’s not a moment of feelings.

My Sister Jeanette at the Shrine of Saint Padre Pio. Another instance of being connected with Saint Padre Pio.

11/29/2024.

The phone of my Sister Jnet was stolen in Paris so her friend told me she will not be able to send anything

I just ask for prayers.

Not knowing they were visiting Saint Padre Pio.,

This is what my Sister Jeanette gave me

Do you believe in Saints.

Some says they would just pray directly to God, I respect that.

This phenomenon of me connecting with Saint is not just a coincidence. God allowing it to happen for other to believe.

Saint that they are an instrument of God. Sending His message. Proclaiming God’s words and wisdom to guide us. Saints that do miracles and healing

For Padre Pio. Message is Go Confession

GO TO CONFESSION

24 Hours confession

Many years ago, I discovered a place where there is a 24 Hour confession.

CARMELITE church in Napa. Even in the wee hours of the night I go there. One time I shared my story of the beauty of confession to my friend. Bro Bong

Went there nigh time after our prayer meeting and so surprised we were greeted by a deer from the mountains

What makes me do that. We are human and not perfect. I commits mistake and sin. It’s an attack from the Devil in tempting us to sin. As human we an are weak. It’s a struggle to be Holy. My wife would say. Confess ka uli?

Yes because I am afraid. How many times did I missed death from car accident.

Some of my friends had an unexpected death

I just hope and pray they would be in heaven.

It’s really our choice. People are called but not listening

God is alive in the Holy Eucharist. Believe

But then, there was a realization in my part.

More than anyone, I should be ashame with the Lord. He is watching me 24 hours a day.

Longest Line for Confession.

I remember going to Saint Paul church in San Pablo and was amazed the confession line was so long.

The Hispanic go together as a family in confession

The Line is so long. From confessional box almost up to the altar

Unfortunately to some churches . It’s a challenge because in this days to even just bring our children to church is already something very difficult to do.

I learned that it seems like many believe that catholic just need to confess at least two times a year.

Confession it needs to be always. until you will be able to win against your repetitive sins.

It’s hard not to sin. I tried my best not to be angry. am not Holy.

Lord have mercy.

when you win and overcome your sins in this battle against evil in your life we will be sanctified. God will give you grace. God will be ready to use you to be his hands in this world.

When was the last time you went to confession. It’s about time. It’s hard but fulfilling.

Life is not just about helping and doing good.

We are all called to evangelized and be purified.

It should start from us. God is alive and he talks us in a lot of ways.

He keeps on knocking in our hearts, listen, God wants to talk to us.

God can literally talk in our hearts but it needs to be purified. It start in our hearts.

So if you want to have peace in your Heart, Confess.

Confess and receive blessings and grace

God bless

Shortest Line in Confession

Father Percy of Saint Catherine announced that there will be a confession on a particular day in preparation of Advent if not lent.

On that day Father waited

Our Sister Edna shared to us in a CFC meeting that Father told everyone in his homily that only one went to confession

In silence of my heart. I feel so blessed. It was only me who went to confession

I just smiled. Thanking God for his mercy and grace.

“He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in Him” (John 6:52).

Mystery after Saint Paul Church after confession

This is my story after Confession

Many years ago i went to confession at St. Paul Church in San Pablo during our afternoon break, went back to work and left the clinic around 5:30 pm for home.

Just so happened that while driving home I thought of passing by Pinole to buy some pillow, don’t know what happened but accidentally i exited Hilltop mall and instead went to Walmart.

As I look around the pillow section, I was surprise to see the lady infront of me at the confession some hours ago. she was assigned in that section to where I am going.

She told me that everything is an answered prayer when i told her that i am a member of couples for christ.

Days later I introduced her to a group of singles for christ

As i reflect on whats going on in my life, our Lord is connecting me to a lot of people and together we becomes a witness of Gods presence today..

There are more stories to tell about me and Padre Pio.

A lot more., I’ll share it next time in a book I’ll be writing

God is alive .

2019 Philippine Vacation visiting Shrine of Padre Pio

Sep 14, 2019 • C

The National Shrine and Parish of Saint Padre Pio (Filipino: Pambansang Dambana at Parokya ni Santo Padre Pio), is in Brgy. San Pedro, Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippines.

Some friends told me that its traffic, lot of people coming in. It’s not. It’s so peaceful when we came in.

As we entered the church, there was a prayer for our Youth. It’s like the message being send to me as it reminds of my work with the youth and a way telling me continue to evangelize our youth.

We are in time with the mass. Exacto

End of the mass I was prayed over by the priest and people were surprised as I fell down, rested in the Holy Spirit.

My journey continues

Thank you Jesus.

Gift of Statue of Saint Padre Pio

Went to Paete Laguna visited my friend Obet and got a gifts. Saint Padre Pio, Saint Anthony de Padua statue

9.14.2021 – in London- My sister was so surprised to see this yesterday morning out of the blue.-California 9.14.21 at around 8pm one of our Charismatic Prayer meeting member from St.Vincent’s (John Atilano) said that it was the first day novena to Padre Pio. Amazing.

What a coincidence.This definitely explains that the power of prayer is really definitely a MIRACLE!All you have to do is just BELIEVE!Don’t ever loose HOPE.The fact that you’re still breathing, have food on top of your table and eat three times a day, a roof above your head, these in itself are miracles.Be thankful for you are blessed.All you must do is to just HAVE FAITH in GOD.Work on it all throughout your journey.The journey of the exciting adventures called LIFE.

May 25 2025 birthday of Saint Padre Pio I was given a gift his Relic in his Shrine

When I took a picture of it

Confession as a Family

40 days for life

I went to Pray in front of Planned Parenthood. There was a car in the site where a family is praying.

I went outside the car and was surprised it stopped raining. Hmmm.

It just make me smile.

After around 30 mins of my prayers they left.
I asked one of them where they are from

The lady said she is from Saint Dominic

Wednesday morning I went to Mass at Saint Dominic and made my confession

I was so happy to see them.

What amazing is. They are all in front of the line for confession. One family.

One big family. I said it’s now happening that I am seeing one family going to confession. Alleluia

I am writing this to inspire others to do the same

Confession as a Family

Anne asked for prayers. Worried about his fiancee

2024 they got married in the Philippines now they are now in the US

She shared a story to my daughter Joyce