Day 9: Final perseverance

The ninth and final day of the novena, on the eve of Padre Pio's feast (September 23), asks for the grace of final perseverance.

Padre Pio's words

"The longest journey in life is from the head to the heart. Do not let it remain unmade. Pray, hope, and arrive home."

The final grace any Catholic can ask is the grace of final perseverance: that, having received baptism and the sacraments and the gift of faith, one may persevere in them until death and be received into the company of the blessed.

Reflection

Padre Pio knew that the daily Catholic life is a long walk toward heaven, made up of small acts of faithfulness more than dramatic moments. The novena closes by asking that this faithfulness continue for the petitioner all the days of their life, and that at the hour of death the saints may receive them as Padre Pio is now received in glory.

Prayer

Saint Padre Pio, you who finished your race in faithfulness to Christ, intercede for me at the hour of my death. May I receive the sacraments in time. May I die in the friendship of God. May I be received into the company of the saints to which you now belong.

O Lord Jesus, grant me the grace of final perseverance. Amen.

Conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. The novena is now complete; offer thanksgiving for the intercession of Saint Padre Pio.