Okay, you’re going to love this episode of The Inner Life! Patrick Conley sits down with Sister Faustina Maria Pia—yep, that middle name “Pia” is a nod to none other than St. Padre Pio himself. 🧡 She’s a Sister of Life living in New York, and let me tell you, her connection to Padre Pio is incredible!
Get this: her parents literally met because of Padre Pio. 😲 They were both at a Mass he was celebrating in 1966, completely strangers standing next to each other. Sr. Faustina’s mom was there because she’d heard about this holy mystic and his incredible miracles, and her dad, who was studying medicine in Italy, had been drawn to the stories too. Here’s where it gets good. Over the next few days, her dad kept noticing her mom but was too shy to approach (classic!), until one night, he saw her alone outside the church, struggling to find a place to stay.
So, what does he do? He swoops in, finds her a place to stay, pays for it, AND gives her food! 😮 But her mom, thinking it’s just Padre Pio answering her prayers, doesn’t even realize that God had way bigger plans in store for her. Fast forward a few weeks: they reconnect, and her dad’s smitten. He even goes to Padre Pio in the confessional and asks, “Should I marry this German girl?” Guess what St. Padre Pio says? “Marry her. Prepare well for marriage.” 💍
It’s like a real-life Catholic romance novel! And get this: they ended up getting married in the very place where they met, with Padre Pio himself blessing their rings just before he passed away. Talk about heavenly matchmaking! 😇
Sister’s storytelling is so heartfelt, especially when she talks about how her mom had a lot of wounds from her own father and how meeting Padre Pio gave her the healing she needed. He became the spiritual father she had always longed for—right there in that church in Italy. She shares how just looking into his eyes filled her with a sense of peace and love that transformed her heart. 💖
Caller Maggie also asks for advice on how to forgive her father after years of estrangement. He has since passed away and the unforgiveness has torn her apart. Sr. Faustina encourages Maggie to ask Padre Pio to help her navigate the deep waters of forgiveness, even when it feels impossible.
It’s such a beautiful reminder that Padre Pio isn’t just a far-off saint in history—he’s right here, ready to be our spiritual guide and friend, helping us heal, trust, and live with hearts open to God’s love. ❤️
Seriously, if you’re looking for inspiration, or even just a reminder that saints are walking with us, guiding us in unexpected ways, you’ll love this podcast episode. And hey, maybe St. Padre Pio’s got some surprises in store for you, too. 🙏✨
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