The movement of the human soul, and human society in general, from its fallen chaotic state towards divine order is at the heart of the Blog of Padre Pio Press. Writings, ponderings, and reflections on this movement of the soul are authored by Fr. Cliff Ermatinger and by the occasional Guest Contributor. These are categorized as the below to help assist the reader according to their interests.
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost — Homily by Fr. Ermatinger
Pinned Post 
Flevit super illam, Enrique Simonet, 1892
Transcription of Audio
Translation of the Epistle for the Nine for Sunday after Pentecost
Brethren: We should not lust after evil things even as they lusted. And do not become idolaters, even as some of them were, as it is written, The people sat down to eat and […]
St. Augustine, What Exactly Should We Pray For?
Question 54
If God wants us to ask him for what we need, what precisely is it that we need?
We pray for those things which it is our duty to ask for what we should not hesitate to ask, neither for ourselves, for our friends, and strangers, and yes, even for enemies…If we pray correctly…we pray for nothing except that which makes up the Lord’s Prayer.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
When we pray, we are to pray to God. We may pray to God through a mediator, asking them to obtain for us this or […]
Homily for a Nuptial Mass — by Fr. Ermatinger
Transcription Coming Soon.
The Wedding At Cana, Paolo Veronese, 1562
St. Augustine, How Should We Receive God’s Gifts?
Question 53
How can we receive what God bestows graciously?
The faith-filled man begins to treat this world with indifference. Suddenly he is not lifted up when prosperity comes his way, nor is he crushed under adversity, but he learns to praise God in all things…We should receive it all with God’s praise in our mouths, regardless of the nature of the gift, because we praise the Giver, not the gift.
from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger
Though it be that our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world […]
