ROSES IN SILENCE

A friend went to a talk at a Catholic church. The priest-speaker was rather loud, boisterous and animated throughout his talk which definitely kept the audience captivated, but it was exhausting to listen to him. 

At the end of the talk, the priest-speaker mentioned that he had a Franciscan habit that belonged to St. Padre Pio. The participants were invited to come forth and venerate the habit and touch the plastic bag which housed it. The priest-speaker also blessed each participant with the habit as they left the area. 

As my friend walked away, he noticed a distinct smell of roses. He asked the people around him if they smelled it, and they did not. He says that he has never had such an experience. 

As he left the church following the talk and venerating St. Pio's habit, he noticed an eerie silence. No car noises, no birds, no talk: no sounds at all surrounded him. All he could do was keep walking, alone with his own thoughts. 

But was he really alone? Was the presence of a mystic with him? As the smell of roses lingered, and the serene peace of the outdoors enveloped him, there was no doubt. 

St. Padre Pio, pray for us. 

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