Day 7: Conversion and amendment of life

The seventh day turns to the lifelong work of conversion, the heart of Padre Pio's pastoral direction.

Padre Pio's words

"It is not enough to begin a good work. We must persevere in it to the end. The just man falls seven times a day and rises seven times. The work of conversion is the work of every day."

Padre Pio held his spiritual directees to a high standard. He was not soft. He saw clearly the sins and unhealed wounds of those who came to him; he named them; he asked for amendment. But always within an ocean of mercy.

Reflection

The novena would not be honest if it asked God for what we want without also asking God to change what is unworthy in us. The petition becomes the occasion for the petitioner's own conversion: not as a price for the grace, but as the disposition the grace requires.

Prayer

Saint Padre Pio, you who called souls back to God, intercede for me. Show me what in my life is contrary to God's will. Give me the courage to amend my life. Help me to begin again today.

O Lord Jesus, create in me a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. Amen.

Conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.