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I just finished reading today’s news article about Padre Pio.  Thought you might be interested in the power of prayer to Him.

The second week of Oct. after 9/11, a friend and I went to San Giovanni Rotunda.  I had heard of Padre Pio from a friend who met him after WWII.  We took the “fast train” from Rome which had a problem along the way.  We were put on a bus.  We speak no Italian.  Lots of problems.  The trip took at least 8 hours.  We were the only Americans at San Giovanni,  and received a special tour by an English speaking priest who knew him.  The next day we went to an Italian Mass and knelt at his coffin that was in the chapel.  I prayed for something that I thought was absolutely impossible for a number of reasons.  Upon returning home the impossible was happening!!  Almost at the time I prayed.

Returning to Rome we encountered lots of obstacles.  At the train station we were unable to communicate with the Italian selling tickets.  A “nun” came along who spoke English.  She translated.  Then asked me a lot of embarrassing question that were unsettling and disturbing the peace I found at San Giovanni.  While we were on the train, she said she was going to another car.  When she did not return, we decided to see where she went.  Never saw her again.  There was something about her that did not make sense.  It wasn’t until later that I realized where she came from – evil.

Interesting were the obstacles we encountered going and coming from San Giovanni.   Someone/something did not want us to visit with Padre Pio.  A wish I had had for almost 50 years.  However, at any other time other then after the tragedy of 9/11 would we have had a special tour of San Giovanni Rotunda.

I have great difficulty praying even though I have experienced so many miracles.  Angels have appeared and protected me in NY, Mexico City, the shrine for St. Michael the Archangel, Majorgorie, my life and children.

I enjoy your books and website.

Stephanie