Dear Fellow Parish Bulletin Reps: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, which is celebrated on December 8. The Holy Father’s Intentions for the month of December, 2018: Evangelization: In the Service of the Transmission of Faith: That people, who are involved in the service and transmission of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, a language suited to the conditions of the present time. Feasts for December: Francis Xavier (12/3), Nicholas (12/6), Ambrose, (12/7), Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (12/8), Our Lady of Guadalupe (12/12), Lucy (12/13), John of the Cross (12/14), Christmas (12/25), Stephen (12/26), John (12/27), Holy Innocents (12/28) Holy Family (12/30).
Padre Pio celebrated Christmas with incredible devotion and joy. It was arguably his favorite celebration. He wrote of his spiritual daughter, Raffaelina Cerase: “When the Holy Novena begins in honor of the Baby Jesus, it felt as though my spirit were being borne again to a new life. I felt as though my heart were too small to embrace all our heavenly blessings. My soul felt as though it were disintegrating in the presence of our God who had become man. How can we not love him forever with a fervor that never grows stale? Let us open our hearts to the Baby Jesus whose soul was without the stain of sin and we will taste how sweet and suave it is to love Him.”
Padre Pio’s brother friars recall that he wanted the Christmas crib to be placed opposite the confessional so that he could see it as he administered the sacrament of penance. He would remain in the confessional for hours and hours each day, his gaze fixed on the statue of the Baby Jesus. For Padre Pio, every Christmas was an occasion for spiritual renewal. It helped him and encouraged him to nurture within himself unconditional Love for humanity that the occasion symbolized, above all his love for the most humble, the poor and the suffering.
Building the nativity scene together as a family is a beautiful tradition which can be revitalized today, helping us to keep our true hearts on the Infant Jesus during this holy season.
May we respectfully request that you continue your active support of our monthly Padre Pio Prayer Group gatherings by inserting the following invitation in your FIRST weekend parish bulletin: “Join our Padre Pio Prayer Group (PPPG-CK) each 2nd Saturday (12/8) monthly for the 8 AM Mass, Rosary, discussion, Adoration @ Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo OH 43623. Invite everyone to pray the Rosary daily, as requested by Our Lady of the Rosary @ Fatima, and exemplified by St. Padre Pio. Access ‘www.pppg.org‘ for info. Contact Magdalena Skiles (419-356-4208) or email: ‘magdalena@magdalenaskiles.com
