ST. PIO: EXAMPLE OF LOVE FOR GOD AND SOLIDARITY WITH FELLOW MAN

VATICAN CITY, JUN 17, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received this morning in the Paul VI Hall thousands of pilgrims who participated yesterday in the canonization of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, "a credible witness of Christ and His Gospel," said the Pope. "His example and intercession encourage each one of us to an ever-greater love of God and toward real solidarity with our fellow man, especially those in most need."

The Pope said that St. Pio "was a 'friar of the people'" and "a miracle-worker saint, as the extraordinary events that characterize his life testify. Padre Pio was above all a religious who sincerely loved the crucified Christ. He participated in the mystery of the Cross, even physically, during his entire life."

"His ascetic and spiritual path brought him to deep communion with the Church. Momentary misunderstandings with ecclesiastical authorities did not inhibit his attitude of filial obedience. Padre Pio was at the same time a faithful and brave son of the Church, following the luminous example of St. Francis of Assisi."

John Paul II emphasized that to the numerous faithful who used to go to him, Padre Pio "would convey the consoling and illuminating Word of God, allowing each one to drink from the fonts of grace by his assiduous dedication to the ministry of Confession and the fervent celebration of the Eucharist."

"Holy Mass," concluded the Pope, "was the center and the source of all his spirituality. ... The faithful who gathered around his altar remained deeply impressed by the intensity of his 'immersion' in the mystery and they perceived that 'Father' was participating first hand in the Redeemer's suffering."

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