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support the shrine
DONATIONS are greatly appreciated and much needed to move forward with the Padre Pio Shrine and Hospital. Please pray about how you can help and click on the link to donate online.
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How did a poor Capuchin priest in ill health establish one of today’s most efficient European hospitals on a rocky hilltop in a remote village in Italy – a project which he called his “earthly work”? Prayer.
He felt the calling to build a hospital beginning in 1918, the year he received the visible stigmata while praying before the crucifix in the choir loft. The first step toward building happened in 1925 with the conversion of an old, small convent into a tiny clinic for those with extreme necessity.
Years passed, and at the end of 1939, Padre Pio formed a prayer group to support the vision. On Jan. 9, 1940, a small group of collaborators each made a small donation toward the realization of the hospital.
"I also want to give my offering," and Padre Pio gave a 10-cent franc he had received that morning.
Construction began in 1947 with only today's equivalent of $2,400 in the bank. People began visiting the tiny village to see the Capuchin friar and his crazy group of supporters who believed that this could happen. Padre Pio said: "The work is not mine...but Providence's."
The Hospital was opened May 5, 1956. At the inauguration, Padre Pio said:
"A seed has been sown on the Earth that [God] will warm with the rays of His love...a place of prayer and science."
Padre Pio also exclaimed, "Without prayer, our Home for the Relief of Suffering is somewhat like a plant without air and sun." Following St. Pio's model, CHI will build a Grotto this year to be a peaceful place of prayer and worship. We encourage you to come out to see the land, as did the visitors to San Giavanni Rotundo when St. Pio began that project.
Dr. Sanguinetti, a good friend and supporter of Padre Pio stated, "The Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza [Home for the Relief of Suffering] should therefore be the first link in a great chain. It should be the model for many other innumerable Casa's with the same name and above all the same spirit, which must bring love to all of humanity. A program which would make us tremble with awe, if it was not inspired by God who is, above all, love!"
This is the seed St. Pio has been preparing since 1956. Please join in this mission of prayer, hope, and relief of suffering.
This week's video is a tourist's walk through of the absolutely stunning Chapel in San Giovanni Rotondo that will be replicated on the grounds in Howell, MI.
(The video link starts at the 6:25 minute mark for the walk through.)
If you are in the area, please visit the land at 3280 Chilson Rd, Howell, and walk, pray, and see the Glory of God!
Are you being called to an active role in this miraculous endeavor?
I hope you had time to check out our new web pages to learn, support, or let us know of a friend who may be interested in helping!
Phase 1: Building the Grotto and Adoration Chapel (with a list of current needs)
Phase 2: The Terri Schiavo Home for the Brain Injured.
May our Immaculate Mother guide and protect you always, and Padre Pio pray for us all!
Jere Palazzolo
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