St. Pio of Pietrelcina (who is commonly known as “Padre Pio”) witnessed plenty evils during his lifetime. He even lived through both world wars and he saw the great violence and hatred which existed in the hearts of many people in Europe. In the face of such deep evil, Padre Pio had a very single weapon.
He once said, “Some people become so foolish that they think they can go through life without the help of the Blessed Mother. Endeavor you love the Madonna and pray the Rosary always, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today. Because all the graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother.”
Padre Pio said the Rosary fervently on a daily basis and he even kept a few rosaries under his pillow. So one night he wasn’t able to find his rosaries, and he called Fr. Onorato of San Giovanni Rotondo and said to him, “Young man, bring my weapon for me; give me my weapon.”
For Padre Pio, the Rosary was not just a rote string of “Hail Marys,” but an intimate offering to his beloved Mother in Heaven. Padre Pio possessed a great love of the Virgin Mary and he remained close to her during his many times of trial. He offered everything to the Blessed Mother and believed her powerful intercession could heal both soul and body.
Though, as many of us might struggle to pray the Rosary every day, Padre Pio would encourage us to persevere. Cause, he believed that when the Rosary is prayed so devoutly and with the heart, anything is possible.
