Answered prayer, thanks to Padre Pio

The following letter from Julius Babao, who just came back from a trip to Italy with wife Tintin Bersola, says it all:

Dear Ricky, 

I first heard about The Padre Pio Center in Quezon City through you, Ricky. If you remember, during one of our phone conversations you mentioned it out of the blue, “Pumunta kayo sa Padre Pio Shrine sa Libis (Quezon City); very interesting at miraculous ang lugar na ‘yon, maraming gumagaling.” 

My only knowledge of Padre Pio at that time were from pictures that I have seen in books, and images that I have seen in our trips abroad. I knew that he had the gift of the stigmata (bearing the wounds of Jesus Christ) and that he can heal the sick but we were not devotees yet, back then. With your recommendation, we were curious and went to see the Shrine immediately. 

The moment Tintin and I entered the church, we were beholdened by the silence and beauty of the interiors. There was a distinct calm and serenity inside that we could not help but stay long to pray.

The imposing statue of Padre Pio at the right side of the altar will truly leave a lasting impression on those who visit the Shrine for the first time. Posted on the walls are the testimonies of believers — whose children and family were healed through the powerful intercession of Padre Pio (Among them Lucy Torres’ mom Julie who was cured of breast cancer and movie writer Ed de Leon who recovered from a stroke that sent him to the ICU of the Manila Doctors Hospital— RFL) and all the touching stories of how Padre Pio helped in the fulfillment of their dreams, wishes and prayers. And the stories of conversions.

And then I met Mang Ramon Rodriguez, founder and president of the Philippine Center for St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Inc. Our first meeting was a fruitful one. He told me everything that I needed to know about Padre Pio, his interesting life story, the miracles he performed during his lifetime and the miracles that are still happening to millions of devotees in the Philippines and abroad. Mang Ramon revealed to me how he, like the millions Padre Pio has touched, was also healed of sickness by our Lord through Padre Pio. 

In honor of the miracle of healing that happened to him, Mang Ramon began building The Padre Pio Center which, up to now despite its already beautiful state, is still a work in progress. In fact, Padre Pio’s actual gloves, robe, handkerchief and other relics can now be viewed at the Shrine. 

In one of our conversations, Mang Ramon shared the news with me that Pope Benedict XVI was going to visit San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, for the first time and bless the outstanding mosaic mural that was donated by the Philippine Center for St. Pio of Pietrelcina. 

San Giovanni was the place where Padre Pio served as a priest until he died, the place where he celebrated Holy Mass. Those were the only occasions where his stigmata would be shown to the public. 

The opportunity of seeing Padre Pio’s somewhat incorruptible body and seeing the Pope I would not miss for the world. So I took a week-long leave from TV Patrol World, packed my bags and with Tintin joined Mang Ramon’s group on a pilgrimage to Italy.

On June 19, San Giovanni Rotondo was a haven for the multitude of tourists who flocked to witness the events. 

At 10:30 a.m., the Pope celebrated Mass in front of the new church after briefly visiting and praying at the crypt of Padre Pio. He was also presented the relic of Padre Pio’s heart. 

The Eucharistic Celebration was a story and experience in itself. It rained the day before and the day of the celebration was threatened by thick clouds, ice-cold winds (San Giovanni is a hillside town) and, at times during the Mass, the unpredictable weather alternated  with the unforgiving heat of the sun. 

We took pride that Mang Ramon was one of the few chosen ones who received communion from the Pope himself. And so it went that during the entire two hours the Mass was being held, it was a play between harsh cold and hot, and as soon as the Pope said, “Go in peace and thanks be to God… “ the rain started to fall like there was a storm! As if Padre Pio just allowed the Mass to finish by sheer miracle before allowing the rain to shower upon us. But people ended up laughing at the experience of being soaked in the rain and flood. We all considered this a good sign, a storm of blessings.

Another highlight of the day was the Pope’s blessing of the Mosaic on the life of Padre Pio and St. Francis of Assisi which was designed by Vatican artist Fr. Mark Rupnik. 

The long stretch of mosaic mural leads to the crypt where Padre Pio’s remains will be transferred sometime in September, hopefully to still be seen by the public. 

It will also make you proud to know that the whole mural was donated by the Philippine Center with its name immortalized in the magnificent artwork that observers are now comparing to Da Vinci’s Last Supper and other famous murals. 

But for Tintin and I, the real personal highlight of our pilgrimage to San Giovanni was having the chance to see Padre Pio’s crypt up close. There were just so many tourists, and the lines were so long. But again, by some miracle, we were able to get close, stay not just a while but for 45 minutes near the crypt, take videos, pictures and pray. 

This was really unforgettable and it was such a blessing that the Capuchin Priest allowed us to stay at the elevated portion where the nuns and priests prayed. We have seen photos of Padre Pio, we have heard countless testimonials about miracles that happened through his intercession, but seeing his body up close was a different story. It was a meaningful religious experience that just kept us in awe. It was also our chance to “personally” thank Padre Pio for a prayer answered. It was through his intercession that Tintin and I prayed for our second baby. Tintin is eight weeks on the way (as of July 2) it is also a wonderful birthday gift for me (I turn 41 this July 15). Our first child is a girl, Antonia (named after St. Anthony).

If the Lord will bless us with a baby boy, we will name him Antonio Francesco, named after our three patron saints: Antonio de Padua, Francesco de Assisi and Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. By the way, Francesco, is also Padre Pio’s real name.  

I know that someday you will also have the opportunity to visit this wonderful place, Ricky. 

Again, our sincerest gratitude for introducing us to Padre Pio.

God Bless you always,

— JULIUS BABAO

Fr. Joey Faller’s healing sked

Here’s Fr. Joey Faller’s healing schedule for the rest of July:

• Today, July 6, 9:30 a.m. at the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban, Quezon;

• July 10, Friday, 5 p.m., in Sariaya, Quezon;

• July 11, Saturday, 9:30 a.m., at the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine;

• July 12, Sunday, 9 a.m. in Bacoor, Cavite;

• July 15, Wednesday, and July 18, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. at the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine;

• July 19, Sunday, 8 a.m. at NBN Channel 4;

• July 21, Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at the Buklod ng Pagibig Healing Center, Balete Drive Extension, Quezon City;

• July 22, Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. at the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine;

• July 25, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. at the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine; and 5:30 p.m. at the Graceland Estates, Tayabas, Quezon;

• July 26, Sunday, 9 a.m. in Bacoor, Cavite;

• July 29, Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. at the Kamay ni Hesus Shrine; and

• July 31, Friday, 12 noon at Export Bank on Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City; and 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Hospital on Masangkay St., Sta. Cruz, Manila.

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