It was a Memorial day like none other. Rather than indulge in barbecues, party design fan fare that go with the national holiday, we sought a calm collective and reflective day.
As a family, once in a while we take to such trips as a way to step back and think about us, our spiritual and family goals giving thanks for many blessings in our life.
We choose to visit Saint Padre Pio’s home in Pennsylvania (PA), USA. 
It is a place we had visited back in 2009. Even so, time spent at the home of St. Pio’s is valueless! We always bring back lot of blessings, that propel us into stronger renewed faith, hope in our pursuits and more. It is a place we seek to get away from everything, drowning ourselves in meditations, offering prayer requests for ourselves, our families and our friends who request our remembrance. Walking around or sitting on the benches or in the chapel, and reading literature on display at the museum of strong testimonies from faithfuls, atheists, curious visitors etc is an experience we always seek to relive. We are often consumed in gratititude and thanksgiving to our Lord for our family, health, protection, cares and generally for everything!
Who was Saint Padre Pio?
St. Pio is our modern day Saint. He was born May 25, 1887. His parents were Grazio M. Forgione and Maria Giuseppa Forgione, who lived in a small farming town, Pietrelcina, in the southern Italy. His extraordinary way of life not only “touches” practising catholics, but also non catholics. See more here St. Pio’s Home in USA.
He was a strong believer in Catholic meditations. He stated: “Through the study of books one seeks God; by meditation one finds him”. Here is a link to some a link to some of his many devotional prayers, words of wisdom, hope and comfort.
“Anxiety doesn’t help at all. Our Merciful Lord will listen to your prayers.”-Padre Pio
“Many a time have I raised my hand in
the silence of the night and in the solitude of my little cell,
blessing you all and presenting you to Jesus
and to our father, St. Francis of Assisi.”-Padre Pio
“Continue to be patient; it will all be for your good.”-St. Pio of Pietrelcina
“It is necessary to become strong to become great; this is our duty. Life is a struggle from which we cannot withdraw,
but we must triumph.”-Padre Pio