He has been a spiritual assistant on the island of Krk for a few years, however, he has been banned from media appearances and public exposure for over 15 years (since 2009). I know very little about him. He used to lead very popular spiritual retreats until then, and afterwards, he turned to art, creating paintings, sculptures, and songs. As a lay believer, I can say that some things didn’t sit well with me — perhaps that “Jesus-like” appearance, the white clothing, that public exposure, almost like American evangelicals in the way he presented himself. On the other hand, he is simple, conservative, and I’ve heard some of his sermons which were very dynamic; he speaks in plain language that’s understandable to everyone. He strongly criticizes left-liberal ideology, opposed joining the EU, the selling of property and land to foreigners, and various ideologies that attack humanity and the family. Our bishops and most priests became who they are during the time of communism. Many went through a thorny path, and most of them are extremely conservative. So, I wouldn’t say his removal came from bad intentions. It may have been done to protect him, to humble him in certain ways, and to have him obey his superiors as part of his vow, while also reducing the media pressure on the Church through him. Now, whether there was profit involved from seminars, books, or perhaps some jealousy from other Church members — I don’t know. I do know that Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 requested that all charismatics and mystics be closely examined, and many were summoned to Rome for evaluations. Father Sudac had already been summoned in the early 2000s when part of the investigation was publicly labeled as unexplainable by science, but in 2009 everything was kept behind closed doors and under secrecy. So, I looked this up a bit online. I really know very little about him. Personally, I’ve only heard a few of his sermons, which I can say were beautiful, and that he’s a good preacher, but thankfully, we have many good preachers. Hope this helps
Speaking of Padre Pio, have you ever heard the story about his fellow friar who lived with him in the monastery — Daniele Natale? Maybe I’ve heard it before, but it’s more likely that the story slipped past me, even though I’ve read a lot about Padre Pio and know most of the stories. Anyway, Daniele Natale was diagnosed with a tumor on his spleen, and in 1952 he barely managed to convince surgeon Riccardo Moretti to operate on him, even though the disease had already progressed significantly. According to some sources, Padre Pio had given him a recommendation. However, after the operation, Daniele fell into a coma that lasted three days, and afterwards, he was pronounced dead. A death certificate had already been issued, people had gathered around his body in the hospital to pray, he was covered with a sheet, and preparations for the funeral were already underway. But then, to everyone’s shock and fear, about three hours after being declared dead, he removed the sheet, got up, and started speaking. Reportedly, there was panic and screaming, and the doctor himself ran in and exclaimed: “Now I believe in God, I believe in the Catholic Church, I believe in Padre Pio!” According to Daniele’s own account, he had stood before the judgment of God, who he described not as a harsh judge but as pure love. He was sentenced to 2 to 3 hours in purgatory because he had kept part of the money he used for good deeds, even though he was supposed to hand it over to his superiors, according to his vow. In purgatory, there is a terrible fire, but the worst torment is the separation from God. He said he felt as if he had a body, and every second felt like an eternity. Then, the Virgin Mary appeared, followed by Padre Pio, who said something to her. She smiled — and at that moment, he suddenly returned to life. He lived for another 42 years in deep devotion, spreading testimony about Padre Pio wherever he was called to. He died in 1994, and in 2012 he was declared a Servant of God, with the process for his beatification officially opened. Even before this "death" in 1952, he was known as extremely humble and self-sacrificing, a close collaborator of Padre Pio, and particularly kind to the poor, the suffering, and the sick during World War II. If I may speak openly — this kind of thing actually scares me a little . If a saint like that ends up in purgatory, what chances do I — or we — have?! I know we haven’t all been given the same graces, but stories like this really make you stop and think — to be more careful with your words, your actions, and to hold back from certain sinful behaviors. Sin is what separates a person from God. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniele_Natale
I too found his presentation of himself as a charismatic preacher very off-putting. For his sake I am glad his superior's reigned him in probably to protect him. There are so many wonderful stories about Padre Pio and particularly about attending his celebration of Holy Mass
I have never heard this story before, how wonderful! But I admit it does scare me too. If he got hit with a hard time in Purgatory what on Earth will become on me. My big out is Divine Mercy Sunday , the Sunday after Easter and the wonderful promises attached. I am really going to break my back to get there no matter how far I have to travel.
I thought something similar myself, but remember that the only person we can be 100% sure is in Heaven was just an ordinary criminal in the eyes of men — the one crucified to the right of Jesus — who recognized his own sinfulness and acknowledged God’s mercy. God can turn our flaws into virtues; that thief repented, and God allowed him to “steal” a ticket to Heaven at the very last moment Luckily, God’s thoughts are not our thoughts... There’s a good, instructive story — I’m not sure if you’ve heard it — called The Lesson of Three Men. At a school, a teacher wanted to show his students that you can’t judge people superficially. He wrote short biographies of three men on the board but didn’t reveal their names. Person A: – Failed in business several times. – Suffered a nervous breakdown. – Lost multiple elections. – Was mocked and underestimated. Person B: – Was a successful public speaker. – Had great charm and charisma. – Was known for his love of animals and art. – People saw him as a leader with vision. Person C: – Was very religious. – Sang in a church choir. – In his youth, wanted to become a priest. – Was disciplined and orderly. Then the teacher asked his students: “Which of these three would you choose to lead your country?” Most students chose Person B or C, since they seemed “the best” and “the most moral.” Then the teacher revealed the truth: Person A was Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest U.S. presidents. Person B was Adolf Hitler. Person C was Joseph Stalin. The teacher concluded: “Do not judge people by their early successes, manners, or outward neatness. What truly defines a person are their actions and what they leave behind.”
This reminds me of an Anglican Minister I knew one time who had multiple nervous breakdowns. Even to talk to he seemed very nervous and jumpy. Although I only met him a couple of times he seemed to have multiple problems coming at him from all directions. To make matters worse he seemed very,very sensitive. But I think in that he was so to speak , crucified this made him a very warm and open person. He had no illusions, there was no hypocrisy in him. He had kind had his face pushed in the fort poor man,
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1aQ6ZksMw2/ Link above to a short clip posted on the Fb page of The Irish Centre for Padre Pio: "Blessings from the National Shrine of Padre Pio in Capuchin Friary, Church Street."
I was just wondering tonight why mothers prayers are so powerful before God. Then I recalled something Saint Paisios said (St Paisios was the Orthodox version of Padre Pio m a modern wonder worker. ) Saint Paisios said that for our prayers to be really effective we need to feel the others persons pain. Mothers of course can feel their children's pain like no one else. In reading the Spiritual Letters of Padre Pio this comes across so well. That he could feel other people' s pain so well and this is what made his prayers for powerful.
Wow. I'm getting chills. The good priest who got us through our son's death said the same thing when I told him if I could know his soul was safe then I could bear this cross. He told me "dont you know a mother's prayers are always answered." And Our Lord showed me this was true by several miraculous and loving signs.
That reminds me of what St Ambrose said when he saw St Monica crying over St Augustine in Church, ' No child of these tears could ever be lost'.
Reading about Padre Pio has caused me to think a lot and pray a lot about him the last few days. He is a huge favourite. Why Padre Pio? Well I love the spiritual fireworks I must admit. The miracles and supernatural/ But the best thing is all he writes and did pints directly to God and in this he reminds me very much of St Therese of Liseaux. Everything for him is about God , everything. He is like a constant compass that points heavenward. I prayed to him for something the other night and to my delight got and answer back at once. Not a promise that what I wanted I would get but an acknowledgment that, so to speak he was on the job. That he was paying attention. All I could ask for.
