Blog2026-04-30T22:51:57-05:00

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:

Western
Culture

Order with Chaos

Spiritual
Growth

Chaos Seeking Order

Traditional
Liturgy

Divine Order Offered
to Restore Order

Spiritual
Combat

Resisting Absolute Chaos

Throughout the Month of May,

Padre Pio Press Cordially Invites Its Readership to Join In Saying:

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary


St. Augustine, Who Should Pray For Mercy?

Question 48

Who should pray for mercy?

The righteous also should pray to obtain the remission of sins.  The saint can pray only because God has forgiven him his sins.  Therefore, if we would only recognize our sins, we would find their remedy in prayer.

from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger

Everyone.

– PPP

Old Mirror, Adrian Sinescu, 2016
By |July 24th, 2022|Categories: Spiritual Growth, St. Augustine on Prayer|

St. Augustine, What is God’s Greatest Mercy?

Question 47c

Is God merciful to all who call upon Him?

If [God] gives such [good things] to sinners what must he have reserved for his faithful ones?  No, no the earth, [nor heaven]… he gives himself who made heaven…He gives Himself who made heaven.  Heaven is beautiful, but even more beautiful is its Maker… In the Eucharist, says St. Augustine, the most perfect sacrifice and the most perfect prayer of reparation are offered by Christ, who prays for us, prays in us, and is prayed to by us… In the sacrament […]

By |July 22nd, 2022|Categories: Spiritual Growth, St. Augustine on Prayer|

St. Augustine, How Do I Get God To Be Merciful To Me?

Question 47b

Is God merciful to all who call upon Him?

The scepter of justice is the scepter of the kingdom… It is necessary that for every injustice, great or small, punishment follows – either by the man himself who repents, or by God who distributes justice.  Further, he who repents is already punishing himself.  Therefore let us punish our own sins if we want to obtain God’s mercy.

from St. Augustine Answers 101 Questions on Prayer by Fr. Ermatinger

 

It is unfortunately common in the present age to find mercy and justice as opposed to each other.  At the heart of this is a variant of […]

By |July 20th, 2022|Categories: Spiritual Growth, St. Augustine on Prayer|

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