The Glorious Mysteries - Meditations of St. Padre Pio
The Resurrection
The anniversary of the resurrection of Christ the Lord calls all of us-us who follow Him-to a spiritual resurrection. Resurrexit! He is risen! This is the cry of joy that the Church raises today from every corner of the earth. All Christian nations, joining in brotherhood, solemnly celebrate this holy Day in a special way, responding to the fatherly call of the Church with the words of St. Paul the Apostle: ”Let us also rise to a new, noble, and holy life.”
The Ascension
Our homeland is heaven. Let us always walk the paths of holy love; let us not be stopped on this path by difficulties, which will certainly not be lacking; let us walk with a quickened step, and thus we too will one day arrive at the homeland where we shall see God. Only there will our joy be full and perfect, because we shall see the Bridegroom face to face; only there will all our desires be completely fulfilled.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit of God is a spirit of peace. Even amid the greatest sins, we feel a sorrow, but one full of peace, humility, and trust, for it depends on Divine mercy. Jesus, kindle this fire that You brought to the earth, so that, inflamed by it, I may consume myself on the altar of Your love as a sacrificial victim of love, so that You may reign in my heart and in the hearts of all people, so that a hymn of Your praise, glorification, and gratitude for the love You have shown us may rise everywhere.
The Assumption of Mary
What tongue will be able to worthily depict the triumphant entry of Mary into heaven? If festive celebrations here on earth arouse such great admiration and such great enthusiasm among many peoples, what can be said about the triumphant entry prepared by God for His Mother? St. Anselm claims that the Redeemer ascended into heaven before His Mother was taken there, not only to prepare a worthy throne for Her in His kingdom, but also to make Her assumption into heaven more glorious and more solemn, and to personally go out to meet Her with all the angels and saints in paradise.
The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Christ the Lord, who reigned in heaven with His human nature, having received it from the womb of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, also wished that His Mother be united with Him not only in soul but also in body, and have a full share in His glory. This was entirely just and right. That body, which was not for a single moment a slave to Satan and sin, should likewise not be a slave to the natural law of decay. And Mary hears the voice of Her beloved Son: Come, O Bride, to receive from the Father, from the Son, and from the Holy Spirit the crown that has been prepared for You in heaven.