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Thursday, April 2nd
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The Lenten Recovery Challenge

Module 44 of 47

Thursday, April 2nd

To complete today's challenge, find time to prayerfully read through the reflections below, attend a recovery meeting, and share what's on your heart and mind on today's discussion board.

REFLECT

Good evening, Friend
September 23
Daily Reflection
Saint of the Day
Daily Reflection
Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
Saint of the Day
Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest
Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest

Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest

To those troubled, afflicted, or in need, the saint we celebrate today, Saint Pio, offers a simple formula for life: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” These five short words provide a potent remedy for our own troubles and struggles. Saint Pio prayed continually throughout his life, turning to the rosary as a continual source of support. He also reached the highest levels of contemplative prayer through the celebration of Holy Mass. These are the same basic means to which we all have access. We merely need to take action and put prayer into practice.

As for hope, there were countless events in Saint Pio’s life that would have left anyone without hope. His physical sufferings were one thing, but he was also persecuted by his own brethren in the monastery, probed by scientists, and called a fraud. He was not permitted to preach at Mass and essentially lived under house arrest for years. But amid this, he joyfully carried out his duties with hope in God’s care.

The fruit of a hopeful attitude is, therefore, not to worry. When we have hope in the power of God and in the presence of Jesus, we can surrender our fears, anxieties, and concerns and live without the nagging worries that drag us down. Saint Pio’s ministry did not end with amazing miracles. His care for the sick moved him to build a hospital and his care for the faithful put in him the confessional for many hours every day. He is a great model who shows us how hope, prayer, and action can work together for the glory of God. Saint Pio, pray for us!

 

Reflection Questions

  • How can you hope, pray, and not worry as much today?
  • How do you balance hope, prayer, and action in your life?

 

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Proverbs 30:5-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163
Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Reflection by Bill B.

View Full Reflections Calendar

Saint Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest

Audio Reflection

(1887-1968) — Born as Francesco Forgione to a southern Italian farming family, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans at 15 and was ordained at 22. Saint Pio is one of the most well-known saints today. He had extraordinary mystical gifts of the stigmata, reading of consciences, bilocation, miraculous healing, interpretation of languages, physical fights with the demonic, and much more.

“Prayer and charity, this is the most concrete synthesis of Padre Pio’s teaching” (Pope Saint John Paul II, canonization homily, June 16, 2002). His life was a model for blending Steps 11 and 12. Prayer and charity. Can you authentically have one without the other as a Catholic?

“Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life and without You I am without fervor. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light and without You I am in darkness. Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will” (Prayer of Saint Padre Pio after Communion).

Reflection by Brad Farmer

Other Saints

Saint Maurice and Companions, Martyrs
Saint Maurice and Companions, Martyrs
September 22, 2025
Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
September 21, 2025
Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest and Martyr, Paul Chong Hasang, Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs
Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest and Martyr, Paul Chong Hasang, Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs
September 20, 2025
Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr
Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr
September 19, 2025
Saint Joseph of Cupertino, Priest
Saint Joseph of Cupertino, Priest
September 18, 2025
Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Saint Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
September 17, 2025
Saint Cornelius, Pope and Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr
Saint Cornelius, Pope and Martyr and Saint Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr
September 16, 2025
Saint Catherine of Genoa
Saint Catherine of Genoa
September 15, 2025
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
September 14, 2025

Discuss

Share your thoughts and connect with others on this journey.

Richard LaPilusa 6 months ago
The Holy Eucharist has most certainly deepened my relationship with Christ and strengthened my recovery, and I am trying to receive Him daily while I can. When I do, I am undergoing a spiritual and substantial union with Him and increases the grace within Jo which makes it more and more difficult to, in the context of addiction recovery, relapse.
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