St. Padre Pio: The Matchmaker?

St. Padre Pio the matchmaker? The holy priest who had the stigmata for 50 years led a couple to marriage. The couple, now residing in Somers, Connecticut, met back in the 1960s when visiting the friary of St. Padre Pio. They kept in touch and visited after this original meeting. Germain Bianchi wanted to marry the young woman, Ortrud, but she was not so sure. One more visit to see Padre Pio changed all that. The couple says what happened next was a miracle. During that time, the pilgrims would wait for the holy priest’s blessings in separate parlours: one for men, another for the women. Ortrud and Germain were both pulled from their respective crowd and taken to a private area. Both were surprised that the other was there too. Just then, Padre Pio walked in, placed his hands on both of their heads, and gave them a blessing. They took it as sign they were to marry.

Crossroads Magazine will have the whole story this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on WTXX, and 10:30 p.m. on My TV 9. Tune in for this inspiring story of a Connecticut couple and a modern day saint.

You can read Ortrud's description of this romance story here.

Photo Courtesy: PPPG.org (Padre Pio Prayer Groups).

WJMJ Religious Headlines

Massachusetts Deacon Healed by NewmanCardinals of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints have approved a miracle in Massachusetts. Deacon Jack Sullivan of the Archdiocese of Boston suffered from a severe spinal disorder. He prayed to Cardinal Newman, and was subsequently cured in August 2001. Deacon Sullivan tells the London Times he feels "awe and immense gratitude" to God and Newman. He says without the miracle, he would never have been able to complete studies to become a permanent deacon. While the cardinals approved the miracle at their June meeting, the Pope has the final say on this case. Cardinal Newman was a well known 19th century writer and priest. He converted to Catholicism after serving as an Anglican minister.

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