The Franciscan and the Carmelite

 I love this comparison I found on the net (Suzie Andres on 'Catholic Exchange') between today’s saint, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, and our St Therese: ‘When asked by her sisters if she would watch over them from Heaven, Thérèse said, “No, I won’t watch over you—I will come down,” and she has kept her promise. Stronger than Steel is a selection from the Lisieux Carmel’s The Rain of Roses, consisting of letters from soldiers involved in World War I who wrote to the Carmel about the “nurse” who saved them on the front lines. This “nurse” turned out to be Sister Thérèse, not yet beatified but busy, as she had promised, doing good on earth until the end of time. Elizabeth Ficocelli’s Shower of Heavenly of Roses is another book which catalogues a variety of more recent miracles brought about through the intercession of St. Thérèse.  As for Padre Pio and his favours, there is a terrific website of testimonials that will convince you to ask for his help (if you haven’t already) and encourage you to keep asking (if you already have). Furthermore, there’s Diane Allen’s Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry, Book I and Book II, which are stuffed with stories of Padre Pio’s kindness to clients. My favorite of his appearances may be the one revealed by the boy who was the subject of his canonization miracle. After being healed of a terminal illness, the boy asked his mom, “But will the man in the brown robe still come visit me?” Padre Pio had been keeping him company, holding his hand at night when the child might have been afraid in the hospital.’

Intercessions:

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Sue B, Theresa K, Fr Jon B

Siena, Elara – sick children

Matthew – six-year old boy dying of bladder cancer

Wojtek – massive heart attack leaving him incapacitated

David OCDS – housebound; Martin Gilham – unable to attend community meetings

Sophia – blind infant

Joy Smith OCDS – seriously ill

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Lucia – Overwhelmed by weariness

 Defence of the unborn and the elderly