Good morning RARE Community! Today we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Padre Pio, a well known saint and definitely a favorite among this group! St. Pio was an extremely holy man who was known for many things here are a few that always stand out to me. 1. Padre Pio would stay in a confessional for insane periods of time (18 hours +) listening to confessions of catholics who would come from all over. This clearly showed his intense belief in the sacrament of confession and how important it is for the salvation of souls. 2. His miracles. Throughout his life on earth he was known for bilocation (being in multiple places at once), reading souls, and physical healings 3. His emphasize on spiritual warfare and love for Our Lady. Padre Pio was known for getting into physical altercations with demons who were trying to torment him. He also would pray more than 50 rosaries a day, that's not an exaggeration, 50! 4. The Stigmata, St. Pio bore the wounds of Christ on the form of the Stigmata. A badge of honor which showed his closeness to Jesus Christ. St. Padre Pio is still performing intercessory miracles today from heaven to all who call upon him. Whatever it is you are going through today, I encourage you to bring it to St. Pio and ask for his intercession. St. Padre Pio, pray for us!

Happy Sunday RARE community. Hope everyone had / is having a great day celebrating the Lord. Today was a monumental day in the Catholic Church. We welcomed two officially canonized Saints. St. Carlo Acutis, the first ever millennial to become a Saint. Carlo died at just 15 years old but was known for his love and devotion to the Holy Eucharist and proclaimed to everyone it is the REAL body of Jesus Christ. At the age of 8 years old, Carlo converted his Hindu housekeeper to Catholicism. Along with, Pier Giorgio Frassati a devout faithful Catholic who was known for his joyful spirit and care for the poor. He fought against the Fascist movement. He died in 1925, however his body was incorrupt- meaning it never decayed. When a person who passed away is canonized a saint, it is an official declaration from the Pope that the person canonized is officially in heaven and has the ability to intercede for us on earth. To be canonized there is an extremely thorough investigation of the person’s life. There also must be miracles linked to the deceased person’s intercession. Being canonized a saint is the highest honor a person can receive on earth. Saints are on our side. They help guide us and lead us to heaven through their intercession and the example they set for us. Pray for us St. Carlo & St. Pier!