St. Padre Pio and the Healing of the Church – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff In this episode, Monsignor John Esseff shares his profound experiences with St. Padre Pio, offering a unique glimpse into the saint’s life, suffering, and sanctity. Monsignor Esseff recounts his personal encounters with Padre Pio, including a transformative moment during the saint’s Eucharistic celebration in 1959, where he witnessed the bleeding stigmata. Padre Pio’s example of humility, obedience, and faith amidst rejection serves as an inspiring reminder of the cost of following Christ. Monsignor Esseff also emphasizes the grace available to all of us, highlighting the importance of prayer and the Eucharist in staying connected to God’s will. Join Kris McGregor and Monsignor Esseff as they reflect on how we are called to be lights in the world, radiating Christ’s love even through suffering. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions 1. How does the example of St. Padre Pio’s suffering and obedience challenge your understanding of what it means to follow Christ faithfully, even when facing rejection or misunderstanding? 2. In what ways can you embrace the daily crosses in your life, uniting your sufferings with Christ, as St. Padre Pio did through his stigmata and spiritual trials? 3. How can the Eucharist become a more central part of your spiritual life, as it was for St. Padre Pio, who drew strength from it even in the midst of his physical and emotional pain? 4. Are there areas in your life where you feel distant from God or struggle to see His presence? How can you deepen your connection through prayer, as St. Padre Pio’s prayer “Stay with me, Lord” invites us to? 5. What does it mean to be a “light on a lampstand” in your current circumstances? How can you radiate Christ’s love and truth in a world that often rejects or misunderstands the Christian message? The post St. Padre Pio and the Healing of the Church – Building a Kingdom of Love w/ Msgr. John Esseff podcast (https://www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts/memorial-st-padre-pio-reflection-msgr-esseff-2/) appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts (https://www.discerninghearts.com/catholic-podcasts) .