Some notable quotes by Saint Padre Pio, the Capuchin friar and mystic from Pietrelcina, Italy.
The Devil is like a mad dog tied by a chain. Beyond the length of the chain he cannot catch hold of anyone. And you, therefore, keep your distance. If you get too close you will be caught. Remember, the Devil has only one door with which to enter into our soul: our will. There are no secret or hidden doors. No sin is a true sin if we have not willfully consented. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
If you have the courage to imitate Mary Magdalene in her sins, have the courage to imitate her penance! ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Always humble yourself lovingly before God and man, because God speaks to those who are truly humble of heart, and enriches them with His gifts. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Keep close to the Catholic Church at all times, for the Church alone can give you true peace, since she alone possesses Jesus, the true Prince of Peace, in the Blessed Sacrament. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Oh, how precious time is! Blessed are those who know how to make good use of it. Oh, if only all could understand how precious time is, undoubtedly everyone would do his best to spend it in a praiseworthy manner! ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but with your heart. In fact on certain occasions you should only speak to Him with your heart. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Do you not see the Madonna always beside the tabernacle? ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
The longer the trial to which God subjects you, the greater the goodness in comforting you during the time of the trial and in the exaltation after the combat. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Fear not because God is with you. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
In order to attract us, the Lord grants us many graces that we believe can easily obtain Heaven for us. We do not know, however, that in order to grow, we need hard bread: the cross, humiliation, trials and denials. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Who can assure us that we will be alive tomorrow? Let us listen to the voice of our conscience, to the voice of the royal prophet: “Today, if you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.” Let us not put off from one moment to another (what we should do) because the (next moment) is not yet ours. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Prayer is the oxygen of the soul. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Through the study of books one seeks God; by meditation one finds him. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Faith guides even us and we follow its sure light on the way which conducts us to God and His homeland. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Every Holy Mass, heard with devotion, produces in our souls marvelous effects, abundant spiritual and material graces which we, ourselves, do not know…It is easier for the earth to exist without the sun than without the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass! ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
I want to be only a poor friar who prays – if God sees blemishes even in the angels, can you imagine what He sees in me! ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
The life of a Christian is nothing but a perpetual struggle against self; there is no flowering of the soul to the beauty of its perfection except at the price of pain. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Love the Blessed Mother and make her loved. Always say the Rosary. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Some people are so foolish that they think they can go through life without the help of the Blessed Mother. Love the Madonna and pray the rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today. All graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces! ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
Saint Padre Pio, the Capuchin friar and mystic from Pietrelcina, Italy, left behind a legacy of spiritual wisdom and guidance that continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals around the world. His quotes are like beacons of light in the darkness, offering us profound insights into matters of faith, prayer, and the human condition. In this article, we will explore some of the notable quotes by Saint Padre Pio and delve into the profound lessons they contain.
The Devil’s Chain: A Metaphor for Temptation
“The Devil is like a mad dog tied by a chain. Beyond the length of the chain he cannot catch hold of anyone. And you, therefore, keep your distance. If you get too close you will be caught. Remember, the Devil has only one door with which to enter into our soul: our will. There are no secret or hidden doors. No sin is a true sin if we have not willfully consented.”
Saint Padre Pio’s analogy of the Devil as a chained mad dog serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of guarding our free will. He emphasizes that we have the power to resist temptation by maintaining our distance from sinful choices. The devil cannot force us into sin; it is our consent that opens the door to his influence. This quote encourages us to exercise vigilance over our choices and to take responsibility for our actions.
Courage in Sin and Penance
“If you have the courage to imitate Mary Magdalene in her sins, have the courage to imitate her penance!”
Saint Padre Pio’s words echo the story of Mary Magdalene, who transformed her life through repentance and penance. This quote reminds us that no matter how deep our sins may be, we have the capacity for transformation and redemption. It calls us to summon the same courage to repent and seek forgiveness as Mary Magdalene did, understanding that God’s mercy is boundless.
The Power of Humility
“Always humble yourself lovingly before God and man, because God speaks to those who are truly humble of heart, and enriches them with His gifts.”
Humility is a recurring theme in Saint Padre Pio’s teachings. He underscores the importance of approaching God and our fellow human beings with humility. It is through humility that we open ourselves to God’s grace and allow His gifts to enrich our lives. Saint Padre Pio’s quote serves as a gentle reminder that true greatness lies in humility.
Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
In a world often filled with anxiety and uncertainty, Saint Padre Pio offers a simple yet profound message of trust in God. His words encourage us to turn to prayer and hope instead of allowing worry to consume us. By entrusting our concerns to God’s mercy, we can find peace and solace in even the most challenging times.
The Importance of the Church
“Keep close to the Catholic Church at all times, for the Church alone can give you true peace, since she alone possesses Jesus, the true Prince of Peace, in the Blessed Sacrament.”
Saint Padre Pio’s deep reverence for the Catholic Church and the Eucharist is evident in this quote. He highlights the Church as the source of true peace because it holds the presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual nourishment and guidance that the Church offers to its faithful.
The Preciousness of Time
“Oh, how precious time is! Blessed are those who know how to make good use of it. Oh, if only all could understand how precious time is, undoubtedly everyone would do his best to spend it in a praiseworthy manner!”
Saint Padre Pio’s reflection on the value of time underscores the importance of living each moment purposefully. Time is a precious gift from God, and he encourages us to use it wisely, focusing on actions that align with our values and faith. This quote serves as a wake-up call to prioritize what truly matters in our lives.
The Power of Prayer
“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but with your heart. In fact on certain occasions you should only speak to Him with your heart.”
Saint Padre Pio’s words on prayer emphasize its centrality in our spiritual lives. He views prayer as a powerful weapon and a means of connecting with God on a profound level. This quote encourages us to engage in heartfelt, sincere prayer, recognizing that it is through this communication that we can draw closer to the heart of God.
The Presence of the Madonna
“Do you not see the Madonna always beside the tabernacle?”
Saint Padre Pio’s devotion to the Virgin Mary is evident in his reference to her as “the Madonna.” He reminds us of the spiritual presence of the Blessed Mother in our lives, especially near the tabernacle where the Eucharist is kept. This quote encourages us to cultivate a deep relationship with Mary, seeking her intercession and guidance.
Triumph in Trials
“The longer the trial to which God subjects you, the greater the goodness in comforting you during the time of the trial and in the exaltation after the combat.”
Saint Padre Pio acknowledges the inevitability of trials and challenges in life. However, he offers a perspective that challenges us to view these trials as opportunities for growth and spiritual development. This quote reminds us that God’s comfort and exaltation await those who persevere through adversity.
The Assurance of God’s Presence
“Fear not because God is with you.”
In times of fear and uncertainty, Saint Padre Pio’s reassuring words provide solace. He reminds us that God’s presence is a constant source of strength and support. Fear need not paralyze us, for God is our steadfast companion in every circumstance.
Embracing the Cross
“In order to attract us, the Lord grants us many graces that we believe can easily obtain Heaven for us. We do not know, however, that in order to grow, we need hard bread: the cross, humiliation, trials and denials.”
Saint Padre Pio challenges the notion that a life devoid of suffering and challenges is ideal. He reminds us that it is through difficulties and crosses that we can grow spiritually. This quote encourages us to embrace the hardships of life as opportunities for transformation and spiritual refinement.
Seizing the Present Moment
“Who can assure us that we will be alive tomorrow? Let us listen to the voice of our conscience, to the voice of the royal prophet: ‘Today, if you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.’ Let us not put off from one moment to another (what we should do) because the (next moment) is not yet ours.”
Saint Padre Pio’s reflection on the uncertainty of life serves as a poignant reminder to live in the present moment. We are urged not to postpone what we can do today for a future that may never come. This quote encourages us to heed God’s call in the here and now.
The Vitality of Prayer
“Prayer is the oxygen of the soul.”
Saint Padre Pio’s comparison of prayer to oxygen underscores its indispensability in our spiritual lives. Just as oxygen sustains our physical bodies, prayer nourishes our souls. This quote emphasizes the vital role that prayer plays in maintaining our spiritual well-being.
Studying and Meditating
“Through the study of books one seeks God; by meditation one finds him.”
Saint Padre Pio recognizes the importance of both intellectual exploration and contemplative meditation in our quest to draw closer to God. While studying books can provide knowledge and understanding, it is through meditation and reflection that we encounter God on a deeper, more personal level.
The Guiding Light of Faith
“Faith guides even us, and we follow its sure light on the way which conducts us to God and His homeland.”
In this quote, Saint Padre Pio extols the virtue of faith as a guiding light in our spiritual journey. Faith leads us toward God and our ultimate destination—eternal communion with Him. It is through faith that we navigate the path of righteousness and salvation.
The Incomparable Gift of the Mass
“Every Holy Mass, heard with devotion, produces in our souls marvelous effects, abundant spiritual and material graces which we, ourselves, do not know…It is easier for the earth to exist without the sun than without the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass!”
Saint Padre Pio’s reverence for the Holy Mass is evident in these words. He emphasizes the profound impact of participating in the Mass with devotion. This quote reminds us of the immeasurable graces bestowed upon us through the Eucharist, highlighting its central importance in the life of a Christian.
The Humble Friar’s Aspiration
“I want to be only a poor friar who prays – if God sees blemishes even in the angels, can you imagine what He sees in me!”
Saint Padre Pio’s humility shines through in this quote. He aspires to be a humble friar devoted to prayer, recognizing his own imperfections in the eyes of God. This quote encourages us to embrace humility and simplicity in our own spiritual journeys.
The Perpetual Struggle for Perfection
“The life of a Christian is nothing but a perpetual struggle against self; there is no flowering of the soul to the beauty of its perfection except at the price of pain.”
Saint Padre Pio acknowledges the ongoing battle against our own weaknesses and imperfections that characterizes the Christian life. He reminds us that growth and spiritual transformation often come through the pain of self-denial and discipline.
The Rosary: A Devotional Weapon
“Love the Blessed Mother and make her loved. Always say the Rosary.”
Saint Padre Pio’s devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Rosary is evident throughout his life and teachings. He encourages us to embrace the Rosary as a powerful devotional practice. By loving and honoring the Virgin Mary, we can draw closer to her and find spiritual strength in the Rosary’s repetition of prayers.
The Blessed Mother’s Intercession
“Some people are so foolish that they think they can go through life without the help of the Blessed Mother. Love the Madonna and pray the rosary, for her Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world today. All graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother.”
Saint Padre Pio’s profound devotion to the Blessed Mother underscores her role as a powerful intercessor in our lives. He urges us not to underestimate the assistance and graces that flow through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, particularly through the Rosary.
The Essential Nature of Prayer
“Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces!”
In his final quote, Saint Padre Pio passionately advocates for prayer as an essential aspect of the Christian life. He encourages us to approach the Blessed Mother with love and to be persistent in our recitation of the Rosary. According to Saint Padre Pio, prayer has the power to move the heart of God and secure the graces we need.
In conclusion, Saint Padre Pio’s quotes offer us a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and guidance. His words inspire us to live a life of faith, humility, and prayer, and they remind us of the enduring importance of our relationship with God. Whether we are facing challenges, seeking solace, or striving for spiritual growth, the quotes of Saint Padre Pio serve as beacons of light, guiding us on our journey of faith. Let us take these teachings to heart and strive to live by them, finding strength and inspiration in the timeless wisdom of this beloved saint.