Silent Army of the Suffering

St. Padre Pio considered his hospital to be his work.  He even named his hospital “The Home for the Relief of Suffering” and he said that God would bless those who bless his work.  Padre Pio, on the day of the hospital’s opening on May 5, 1956 stated, “A seed has been sown on the earth that will warm with the rays of His love.  A new army made of sacrifices and love will rise in God’s glory and comfort the souls and bodies of the sick.”  On the first anniversary of the hospital’s opening, May 5, 1957, Padre Pio again stated, “In the House for the Relief of the Suffering we pray constantly for the Pope.”

The sick have much to offer.  In many ways, they are the Church’s most powerful army.  Please know that your suffering is precious and needed for the Church.  Fulton Sheen once said that the greatest tragedy is wasted suffering.  It is critical that you not only pray for the Pope but for all the needs of the Church and world.  Your prayers, united to your suffering, are precious treasures and gems in the sight of God.

Pope Paul VI said on May 5, 1966, the tenth anniversary of the inauguration of the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, “The almighty and merciful Lord, who accepts for Himself every benefit given to his suffering brothers, will repay them many fold with generous measure and great abundance.”  The Pope’s words echo Padre Pio’s words when the Padre Pio said, “God will bless those who bless my work.”

When you offer up your suffering and give from the treasures of your pain, rest assured that God will abundantly bless you for your selflessness.