by Padre Pio (Author)
The Meditation Prayer on Mary Immaculate is one of Padre Pio's few published writings, penned before he was forbidden by the Church to publish or to engage in correspondence--this for fear a cult would arise around him. Here we encounter a profound spiritual penetration into the mystery of Mary's unique and sublime role in our salvation. Though brief, it can be read over and over with great benefit since it is -just as the title suggests--both a meditation and a prayer on the meaning of Mary. This booklet also contains a brief sketch of Padre Pio's life and numerous edifying pictures of this saintly stigmatist.
Author Biography
St. Pio of Pietrelcina was born as Francesco Forgione in 1877 at Pietrelcina, Italy. At the age of five he reportedly decided to dedicate his life to God, becoming a novice of the Capuchin Friars ten years afterward with the customary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. He received Holy Orders in 1910, and subsequently served many of the faithful as a spiritual director. Though he suffered a great deal both spiritually and physically, he always remained firm in the confidence of Jesus, Mary, and his Guardian Angel. Padre Pio was also a famed Stigmatist, and died on the twenty-third of September, 1968. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002, and his feast is celebrated on the twenty-third of September.