The recent article about Padre Pio in the Sept. 16 issue of Catholic News Herald brings to mind his intercession for my father-in-law and my eldest son.
About 25 years ago, my father-in-law was on his death bed. My son was attempting to enter medical school in the U.S. to no avail. My father-in-law’s six siblings were divided as to whether or not to continue life support for Pop. I prayed and asked for Padre Pio’s intercession for Pop and my son. As Pop’s days appeared to be numbered, my wife and I drove to Pennsylvania, hoping to see Pop before he passed. As we were about to enter the hospital, a cream-colored VW bug with darkened windows rounded the corner. Its New Jersey license plate read “Pdre Pio.” I told my wife that Pop would be OK and our son would get into medical school. Pop lived another five years and our son is a practicing physician in Pennsylvania.
William J. Barker lives in Charlotte.