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THE ANGELS AND PADRE
PIO
By Michael P. May
It has been documented by several authors
that Padre Pio once told his confessor, Padre Augustino, that he
had daily encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis of
Assisi, St. Michael the Archangel and his own guardian angel. He
went on to say that this had been occurring for as long as he could
remember. Years before, he thought it not important to mention his
heavenly visitors because he believed this happened to everyone.
Padre Pio had the ability, not only to communicate with, but also
to see into the angelic world almost at will and at any time. This
great gift, which was granted him, was not only attributable to
his outstanding sanctity but also to the power and authority of
the priesthood. Another great Franciscan priest, St. Anthony of
Padua is reported to have said, “Thus will it be with those
who place their entire trust in Jesus Christ. They will be favored
with heavenly visions; they will live in the company of angels.”
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Padre Pio and the Guardian
Angels
There have been many documented cases that verify the famed stigmatist’s
communications with guardian angels. For example, on one occasion
a man and his wife sent their guardian angels with their requests
to Padre Pio. On seeing him sometime later, they questioned him
about whose angel had arrived first. The padre not only answered
correctly, but to the man’s astonishment, was able to give
the exact time the guardian angels were sent and the time they arrived.
Padre Pio said to the man, “You see, your guardian angels are
more obedient than you. When you tell them to do something they
do it.”
Padre Pio was permitted by God on some occasions even to distribute
additional guardian angels to those in special need. He once said,
“You know when I have such pain at Mass that I can hardly turn
the pages of the sacramentary, there are angels who help me with
it.”
Padre Pio and the Prince
of the Fallen Angels
In August, 1975, I accompanied Joey Lomangino’s
annual pilgrimage to the shrines of Europe. During the tour’s
stop at San Giovanni Rotondo, we had the good fortune of dining
with Padre Alessio Parente, who took personal care of Padre Pio
in the last six years of his life. I said to Padre Alessio, “Is
it true that on a few occasions the devil actually came and beat
Padre Pio?” He immediately responded, “This is not true!
The devil came every day and beat Padre Pio.” He said that
when this occurred, the whole monastery would shake. He knew what
was happening and would run to Padre Pio’s room only to find
him lying on the floor severely beaten and often in a pool of blood.
Padre Pio and St. Michael
Padre Pio would suffer these beatings just as Jesus did when beaten
for the salvation of souls. He would endure the punishment for as
long as he could, then he would cry out to Jesus for mercy. At that
moment St. Michael would appear and Satan would be gone. The famed
stigmatist often feared that Satan would kill him. Considering the
frequency of the diabolical attacks, St. Michael might be considered
a special guardian of Padre Pio’s life.
The Blessed Virgin told us at Garabandal to increase devotion to
St. Michael. Padre Pio had recourse to the great heavenly warrior.
We too, therefore, must turn to the Prince of the Heavenly Hosts
for help in these troubled times when the powers of darkness are
running so rampant throughout the world.
A Canonization Date is Set For Blessed Padre Pio
The Vatican announced the canonization of the Capuchin monk, Padre
Pio in Rome on June 16, 2002.
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