A minute with Christ

31/03/2026

On September 20, 1918, after celebrating Holy Mass, the young Capuchin priest Padre Pio (then 31 years old) went to the choir loft of the church in San Giovanni Rotondo for his usual thanksgiving prayer.

While he was praying before a large crucifix, he suddenly felt a powerful trembling, followed by a deep calm. Then, he saw before him a mysterious Person resembling the crucified Christ—His hands, feet, and side dripping with blood.

Our Lord was lamenting the ingratitude of men, especially the priests and religious consecrated to Him. In that moment, Jesus invited Padre Pio to share in His Passion and to offer his suffering for the salvation of souls.

In a flash, the vision disappeared... and Padre Pio realized that his own hands, feet, and side had been pierced and were bleeding. He had received the visible stigmata—the five wounds of Christ Crucified.

He later wrote to his spiritual director: “The sight of Him terrified me... I thought I would die... The Person disappeared and I became aware that my hands, feet and side were pierced and were dripping with blood.”

These wounds remained with him for the next 50 years until shortly before his death in 1968. They caused him great pain, yet he bore them with humility, love, and total abandonment to God’s will.

Padre Pio used to say: “I am a priest who suffers.”

May the example of this great saint inspire us to offer our own crosses and sufferings in union with the Passion of Jesus for the salvation of souls. 🙏❤️

St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us!

31/03/2026

08/06/2025

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08/06/2025

🙏🙏❤️‍🔥

08/06/2025

❤️‍🔥🙏🙏

30/09/2024

Fellow Nigerians, and children of our beloved motherland,

Today, as we celebrate Nigeria's independence, we also take a moment to turn our hearts and minds to a figure of immense grace and love—Mary, the Queen of Nigeria.

Mary stands as a symbol of maternal care, compassion, and unwavering strength. In a country rich with diversity and vibrant cultures, she embodies the unity we cherish. Her life exemplifies commitment, sacrifice, and service—qualities deeply ingrained in the Nigerian spirit.

As we reflect on our journey as a nation, we recognize the challenges we have faced and continue to face. Yet, in times of struggle, we find solace in her example. Mary, the Queen of Nigeria, invites us to come together, just as she nurtured and united her Son with deep love and devotion.

On this special day, let us seek her maternal care. We ask for her guidance as we navigate the complexities of our society. May she wrap us in her mantle of protection, shielding us from division and strife, and embracing us in her love.

As we look to the future, let us remember the values she represents: love, hope, and resilience. It is through our faith and collective effort that we can rise, building a nation that reflects the abundance of her grace and the richness of our unity as a people.

In this moment of reflection, we express our gratitude for the blessings we have received and seek Mary’s intercession for our leaders, our families, and every Nigerian. May her love inspire us to work towards peace, justice, and prosperity, ensuring that Nigeria remains a land of promise for generations to come.

Let us honor Mary, the Queen of Nigeria, as we journey together in faith, hope, and love especially through this month of October . May she watch over us, guide us, and bless us abundantly.
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