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. The articles and recordings are relegated to the following areas:
Throughout the Month of January,
Padre Pio Press Cordially Invites Its Readership to Join In Saying:
Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus
A Message from St. Augustine
Sunday within the Octave of Christmas – Sermon by Fr. Ermatinger
Translation of the Epistle for the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas (Galatians 4:1-7)
Brethren, As long as the heir is a child, he differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all: but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father: so we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time was come, God […]
Sunday Within the Octave of Christmas — A Message From Pope Benedict XVI
Vittore Carpaccio, 1510
Translation of the Gospel According to Luke (2:33-40)
At that time Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning Him, And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His Mother: Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel: and for a sign which shall be contradicted: and thine own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed. And there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe […]
A Message on the Word’s Mission
The Nativity, Altarpiece of the Seven Joys,
cir. 1480
FOR THIS PURPOSE, then, the incorporeal and incorruptible and immaterial Word of God entered our world. In one sense, indeed, He was not far from it before, for no part of creation had ever been without Him Who, while ever abiding in union with the Father, yet fills all things that are. But now He entered the world in a new way, stooping to our level in His love and Self-revealing to us. He saw the reasonable race, the race of men that, like Himself, expressed […]
Christmas Day — Sermon by Fr. Ermatinger
Bartholomäus Bruyn the Elder, cir. 1520
Translation of the Epistle for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord (Hebrews 1:1-12)
God, Who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all in these days has spoken to us by His Son, Whom He appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the world; Who, being the brightness of His glory and the image of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, has effected […]