The humility of Padre Pio, inspired by St. Francis, offers us a profound lesson in spirituality and authenticity.
Padre Pio’s Humility: A Gift Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi
Padre Pio’s humility, shaped by the shining example of St. Francis, represents a teaching of extraordinary spirituality and true humanity. Like the “Poverello of Assisi,” Padre Pio lived a humility that went beyond outward appearances. It was deeply rooted in his soul, a constant recognition of his own fragility before the divine majesty. For Padre Pio, humility was not an abstract quality but a daily practice. He believed himself to be the most unworthy among sinners and saw his imperfections as an unavoidable truth. However, this sense of inadequacy never led him to despair; instead, it drove him to a complete surrender to the mercy of God.
Padre Pio: An Example of Submission to God
His confession, “I believe that my past and present life are not worthy in the eyes of God,” reveals this deep awareness. From this understanding, rather than becoming discouraged, he drew a constant drive for spiritual renewal. Padre Pio’s humility showed most clearly in his silence and discretion. His days were marked by long hours spent in the confessional, where he offered spiritual guidance with dedication and without fanfare. The celebration of Mass, the core of his existence, also played a central role. Even the extraordinary gifts he received from God, like the stigmata, did not lead him to vanity. He called them a “terrible gift,” an expression reflecting his desire to avoid any personal glory and remain a humble instrument in the hands of the Lord.
Padre Pio: A Teacher of Spiritual Simplicity
One of the distinguishing features of Padre Pio’s humility was his complete obedience to his superiors. Even in the most difficult trials, when the restrictions seemed harsh or even unjust, he accepted every decision with a Franciscan spirit. He saw suffering and submission as opportunities to align himself more closely with Christ. A universal invitation to practice humility comes from his words: “Let us look up and then look at ourselves. The infinite distance between the sky and the abyss generates humility.” By contemplating the greatness of God, we can diminish our own ego and find joy in living with simplicity and truth. Following in the footsteps of St. Francis, Padre Pio taught that humility is not only the foundation of an authentic spiritual life, but also the path to achieving inner freedom — a freedom deeply desired by every heart.
All rights reserved – © padrepiodapietrelcina.com 2020
Dear brother, dear sisterif you are reading these pages you have felt the need to meet Padre Pio in your heart.
Every day, with this Blog, we comfort those who are experiencing a difficult time or want to strengthen their faith. Unfortunately, management costs and expenses are high. Our commitment alone is not enough. Help us with your support.
If you believe in what we do and if you approve what we publish send your contribution, whatever you can/want. Support: Padrepiodapietrelcina.com Devotional Blog dedicated to Padre Pio.
Your little support is very valuable for everyone. Thank you