Medjugorje Forum

[dunowen70]

In recent times, I have really been struggling on a spiritual level, particulalry with the rosary. The rosary has always been my "pillar" and I've always had great devotion to it. But over the past month or so, I've really struggled. I've wanted to pray, I really have, but I always felt something pullling me away or distracting me. I can attend Mass daily but after that I struggled. I was really disappointed with myself with my efforts over Easter. I tried so much but just couldn't. What scared me most is that I've been very devoted to prayer and Mass and God for many years, but when I decided a month or two ago to enter a seminary in August, it's like I've been turned upside down spiritually.

Anyways, one day last week I said to myself that I'd do one hour of Eucharistic Adoration. After 10 minutes I almost felt clustophobic, but I stuck it out. That night I went to bed and said a special prayer to Padre Pio to help me. The next day, without giving it much thought it was like a light switch had been flicked on. I attended Mass, got my morning prayers done, rosaries, divine mercy and Eucharistic Adoration. (I've been off for the past couple of weeks, hence all my spare time to do all of this in one day). I've even had confession twice over the past few days. (I think I'm making up for the last three or four weeks!!!).

Anyhow, the point I'm trying to get across is that no matter how horrible our struggles are, and no matter how heavy our crosses are, spend just one hour with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. In just 60 minutes, He'll melt your heart and all of your worries. He really touched my heart. I've never felt so good. Even this evening I visited a local church here in Ireland where Marija, the Medjugorje visionary received the monthly message. It all felt wonderful. And don't forget Padre Pio either. Try it out, even if its just a simple prayer to Padre Pio at night, or a simple conversation with Jesus in Adoration, it'll all work out. Try it!!

[Gael]

Sounds like St Pio is watching over you! I think it fantastic that you have decided to enter the seminary? Does this mean you are studying for the priesthood? I am sure God has great plans for you.

St Pio too had his share of dark times and struggles. God won't give us a heavier cross than we can carry...He will always be there with us even when we can't feel His presence.

[OnASpiritualJourney2]

I'm sure Padre Pio well understands the struggles you have come up against. How wonderful that he has interceded and all the graces flowed when you spent time in Jesus' presence. Wonderful!
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God bless you!
Spirit

[dunowen70]

Thanks Gael. Ya, it means I'm going for the priesthood. Has been on my mind for a few years, but always been something stopping me, whether it was relationships I was in at the time, college, etc. I decided to take the next step. It may not work out at all, but as many priests have told me, I won't know until I try it out. And if I only last a year or two in the seminary, it won't be a year or two wasted either. I'm sure I'll be a far better person for it. I'll just have to wait and see how it goes.

[dunowen70]

Thank you Spirit!

[Gael]

[dunowen70]

Thank you Gael. I appreciate that.

[marylover]

that is fantastic that you are considering the priesthood, and yes there are a few of us here that are Padre Pio prayer warriers in that he has helped us in times of great need. Saint Therese of Liseux is my other favorite saint that devouted her life for praying for priests and the Holy Souls in purgatory. So you might want to add her to your list. I just made a pilgrimage to the Padre Pio Shrine in the US, and my girlfriends little boy was with us. He loved it so much there, at supper he kept telling us he wanted to become a priest. I have been praying for him now that God is calling him.

Padre Pio and Saint Therese are 2 saints that promised to send showers of roses to us and wait at the gates of heaven til all of his spiritual children and family enter. ~~@ They sureley have been helping myself and my family.

I have done Eucharsitic Adoration for a few years now, and it has brought me so much closer to God. And it is so quiet in the chapel with the monstrance--the best place to experience Holy Silence. Sometimes when you are there you feel like you could stay for ever.




Imagine Jesus crucified in your arms and on your chest, and say a hundred times as you kiss His chest, "This is my hope, the living source of my happiness; this is the heart of my soul; nothing will ever separate me from His love." Padre Pio....~~@
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"Believe that I shall be your true little sister for all eternity." St. Therese, The Little Flower ~~@

[OHLisa]

I am very honored to be a spiritual child of Padre Pio! I myself have slipped and have not said as many prayers and done as many works of charity etc...that I should have done. Thanks for the reminder to ask for help from Padre Pio!

Praying for you as you discern going into the priesthood. What a wonderful vocation it is! We always need more good priests! God bless and help you always!
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God bless you!
Lisa
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Phil 4-13

[dunowen70]

Thank you all for your great encouragement. It really means a lot.

[Ritacheryl]

This is very encouraging.............
Thank you Lord for using this forum to send us these words of encouragement.

[kim52]

God knows us in our prayers through our love for him. God is with us and hears every word. There is no doubt for those who pray and believe and love. They who love and meet the Lord in prayer I have no doubt know this, because I am not special and he has done great things for me.