Question: What do you think about the stigmata of Padre Pio?

Answer: In the Catholic religion, there seems to be an endless sequence of paranormal occurrences: apparitions, weeping statutes, bleeding hosts, devout people with stigmata and so on. Being preoccupied with these things, Catholics often neglect the simple and pure devotion to Jesus Christ that comes from the understanding and obedience of His holy Word. Though we expect a greater degree of deception just before the coming of Christ, the Bible warns us that the "secret power of lawlessness is already at work" and people were and continue to be deceived by counterfeit miracles and signs (see 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11).

The worst thing about Padre Pio is the conviction that by his sufferings he was collaborating with Christ in the redemption of the world. Can you imagine that? Saved by the blood of Christ and the stigmata of Padre Pio! Maybe we should praise his name too for our salvation! Here are three quotations from the Vatican website making such blasphemous claims (see references below):

• Holy Mass was the heart and the source of his whole spirituality: "There is in the Mass", he used to say, "the whole of Calvary". The faithful who crowded round his altar were profoundly impressed by the intensity of his "immersion" in the Mystery, and perceived that "the Father" participated in his person in the Redeemer's sufferings.

• Inflamed by love of Jesus Christ, he became like him in the sacrifice of himself for the salvation of the world.

• Throughout his life, he always sought greater conformity with the Crucified, since he was very conscious of having been called to collaborate in a special way in the work of redemption.

The Bible states that Christ died for us. He stood alone between heaven and earth, crucified, to reconcile us to God. No other man could "participate" or "collaborate" in the great work of redemption!

Curiosity may entice us to look at strange religious phenomena. But faith would not be tricked by the old liar. Our eyes remain fixed on Jesus, who alone died for our sins. He is the joy, the delight, the fulfillment of our hearts’ desire – and we don’t need anyone else.

References

1. Canonization of St Pio of Pietrelcina, Capuchin Priest; Address of John Paul II, Monday, 17 June 2002
2. Padre Pio da Pietrelcina
3. Canonization of St Pio Of Pietrelcina, Capuchin Priest; Homily of John Paul II, Sunday, 16 June 2002