Tomorrow, we begin . . .

Tomorrow is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. We will begin our Novena to St. Pio of Pietrelcina tomorrow, ending these nine days of prayers on his feast day.

I encourage you to consider the life of this saint and ask yourself, this saint, and Our Father one question: what petition should I bring with me to this Novena?

According to Catholic.org, "on September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of Church."

It is right and good to begin this Novena on the feast day that lifts high the Cross of Christ. Perhaps you are carrying a cross of your own and Our Lord is asking you to offer it up during these nine days.