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In 1947, in Genoa, Italy, a remarkable miracle unfolded that continues to inspire people to this day. It’s a powerful testament to the faith, prayer, and extraordinary intercession of both Our Lady and Padre Pio. This story, recounted in The Vineyard of Padre Pio by Czeslaw Ryska, centers around a young girl named Rosetta Polo Riva, who faced a life-threatening illness.
In August of 1947, twelve-year-old Rosetta had been suffering for almost a year. What began as a sore throat quickly spiraled into a dire situation involving pleurisy, severe swelling, and ultimately a critical heart condition. Despite the doctors’ relentless efforts, they could do nothing more. They had no hope to offer, leaving Rosetta’s parents devastated and desperate. Clinging to the little faith they had left, her parents turned to prayer, seeking the intercession of Our Lady.
Despite fervent prayers to the Virgin Mary, Rosetta’s health did not improve. Days passed, and despair began to set in. However, a relative had a hopeful idea: write to Padre Pio, a mystic and miracle worker known for his deep spirituality and miraculous interventions, in San Giovanni Rotondo. They sent a heartfelt letter, pleading for his prayers and help.
What happened next can only be described as miraculous. Shortly after sending the letter, Rosetta had a vision. One morning, a Capuchin friar appeared at her bedside. He spoke calmly, introducing himself: “Good morning, Rosetta, don’t be afraid. I am Friar Pio from Foggia. They wrote to me about you, so I am here. If you are good, I will come back again when your parents are home. Then I will bless you all.” This encounter was extraordinary, a sign that divine help was near.
That evening, Padre Pio appeared again, but this time, he showed Rosetta the wounds of Christ on his hands, known as the stigmata. To further comfort her, he displayed photographs of other children he had healed, explaining how each one had been miraculously cured. With immense compassion, he assured Rosetta: “Tell your mother not to cry anymore. I have not come to announce your death, but rather your cure. Our Lady of Grace will bring your health. She will visit you on the 28th of August, around eight o’clock in the evening. Prepare a lovely little altar with her image.”
When the anticipated day arrived, Rosetta followed Padre Pio’s instructions. At the appointed hour, she experienced a vision like no other. A heavenly hymn filled the air, and Rosetta saw a radiant figure emerge from a luminous cloud—Our Lady, holding the Baby Jesus. With love and gentleness, Our Lady assured Rosetta of her healing. As the vision ended, Padre Pio reappeared, joyfully telling Rosetta: “I’ve come to wake you up once more. Wasn’t Our Lady beautiful? You are already healed. Remember what you have seen for the rest of your life.”
Rosetta’s recovery was swift and complete. Medical examinations, which once confirmed a grim prognosis, now attested to her restored health. What was deemed impossible had become a reality—a miracle attributed to the intercession of Padre Pio and Our Lady.
This story illustrates the profound impact of faith and the power of intercessory prayer. Padre Pio, a staunch advocate for praying the Rosary, emphasized its significance in drawing closer to God. As St. Louis de Montfort once wrote, the Rosary offers spiritual benefits, from purifying our souls to bringing us abundant graces.
In moments of desperation, let Rosetta’s story be a beacon of hope. Trust in God’s divine providence, and never underestimate the power of prayer. The intercession of Our Blessed Mother and saints like Padre Pio can bring about life-changing miracles.
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