Sacrifice and Prayer: The Wisdom of Padre Pio 

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (known around the world as “Padre Pio”) was a giant of a man. Thousands flocked to attend his Masses or to receive the sacrament of confession from him. Many who had the opportunity were deeply moved to grow closer to God. Decades after his death, we too can grow in holiness by learning from this great saint’s example.  

An Italian priest known for his deep prayer life, Padre Pio (1887-1968) was insistent that everyone should be dedicated to growing in prayer. He said, “In the spiritual life he who does not advance goes backward. It happens as with a boat, which always must go ahead. If it stands still, the wind will blow it back.” 

Practically speaking, this means that habits of prayer are absolutely necessary for holiness. We must schedule time for prayer each day, ideally in a quiet place. Our prayer ought to be structured around time with Scripture and formal prayers like the Our Father, but it should also leave space for communion with the living God who is truly with us. A good prayer habit opens the door to advancement in the spiritual life and, ultimately, renewal of the entire person.  

Consistent prayer leads away from restlessness and toward peace. Padre Pio advised, “Do not worry over things that generate preoccupation, derangement, and anxiety. One thing only is necessary: to lift up your spirit and love God.” 

It is easy to be drowned by the struggles of life. But if we are consumed by the daily worries of finances, work, and family, we can forget the crucial reality that God is always faithful. This truth does not mean that we will never experience trials; it means that God is near to us even—or perhaps especially—when we are bearing great crosses in life. No pain or trial will ever conquer His love. 

Ultimately, living out this truth requires constant trust in God’s care. We must, as Padre Pio exhorted, learn to be obedient to God. “Where there is no obedience,” he said, “there is no virtue; there is neither goodness nor love. And where there is no love, there is no God. Without God, we cannot reach Heaven. These virtues form a ladder; if a step is missing, we fall down.” 

Growth in goodness and holiness requires us to make sacrifices. We must place others before ourselves, rejecting selfishness and pride. We must grow in virtue so that we can navigate our self-centered inclinations.  

“The best means of guarding yourself against temptation,” Padre Pio said, “are the following: watch your senses to save them from dangerous temptation, avoid vanity, do not let your heart become exalted, convince yourself of the evil of complacency, flee away from hate, pray whenever possible. If the soul would know the merit which one acquires in temptations, suffered in patience and conquered, it would be tempted to say: Lord, send me temptations.” 

Self-control in the face of temptation is crucial for growth in virtue. We must control what we look at, how we act, and what we listen to. Our physical senses help us to receive reality, but if they are undisciplined, they can also open us to what is evil.  

Two of the greatest vices we must battle are pride and laziness. Their opposites, humility and perseverance, grow as we pray because prayer forces us to recognize that we are not God.  

Temptations can be conquered through a commitment to daily prayer and a reliance on the power of God. This is the life that Padre Pio lived, and it is the one that we are called to as well.  

So, consider how you can cling to prayer more consistently and how your actions can be sacrificial above all else.  

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