20 May 2007

Spiritual Child of Padre Pio

Back when I was a young child, my father enrolled our entire family as spiritual children of Padre Pio. A friend recently sent me information on how to enroll and suggested I do so, not knowing I had been a spiritual child for most of my life. It is a wonderful thing to know that Padre Pio will look after us. (You can also check out the American website here for some more info and possibly a link to e-mail instead of corresponding by mail to Italy.) Here is what my friend sent me:

How to become Padre Pio's spiritual child
Padre Pio, during his lifetime, accepted many people as his spiritual children. When assured of their goodwill, he always told them: "I accept you, but don't make me lose face." Today many of his devotees still want to become his spiritual children. What are they to do?

They must comply with the following conditions:
1. Live intensely a life of divine grace
2. Prove their faith by words and actions
3. Desire to remain under the protection of the Servant of God, Padre Pio
4. Imitate the venerable Padre in his love for Jesus Crucified, for the Most Blessed Sacrament, for our Lady, the Pope and the entire Church
5. Practice sincere charity towards all

Application should be made in writing.
Postulation for Padre Pio's Cause
Our Lady of Grace Capuchin Friary
71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, ITALY
Voice Office: (0882) 417294
English Office: (0882) 417214 - Fax: (0882) 417241
Friary: (0882) 4171 - Fax: (0882) 417252

Perpetual Mass remembrance
A Mass is offered daily for all enrolled, both living and dead. The usual offering is $6. Enrollment may be made individually or by family.
_______________________________________________________

The card I have from my enrollment way back when says:

Dear Friend:

In accordance with your request, we are pleased to inform you that we very happily accept you as one of the Spiritual Children of the Servant of God, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.

At the same time, we are presenting the essential conditions for becoming Spiritual Children of the venerated Padre.

These conditions are: (they then list the five points listed above).

While promising you our prayers for your spiritual and temporal welfare, we pray that Padre Pio, from Heaven, will continue to protect you and your family, pleading before our Lord with his intercession.

We send you most cordial wishes and our paternal blessing.

Father Alessio Parente

1 comment:

Michael said...

Thank you for the information, it was so helpful! I just emailed them asking for more details on becoming a spiritual child of Padre Pio. Many thanks!