A Promise of Grace on Heaven’s Ark—Padre Pio

Message from Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina To The Little Apostle on 05/25/25

Saint Padre Pio :

Beloved followers of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Whenever a child of God calls upon Me, I intercede on their behalf.

*Through this apostolate—and only as the Lord Jesus wills—it has been granted to me by His grace in heavenly glory to stand beside all who welcome these messages and support this work as they pass from this life to eternal glory.

(*In a particular way, you will enjoy my special prayers, my spiritual protection, and my presence beside our ever‑virgin, most pure Mother Mary at the hour of death.)*

This privilege, and the graces that accompany it, were bestowed on me by the Lord Jesus, who in His mercy has named me one of the patrons of Heaven’s Ark—a title I accept in the hope that Holy Mother Church may one day confirm it. Should that day come, you will behold the marvel He has prepared.

Farewell, beloved of God Most High!

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Theological Documentary:

Throughout the history of the Church, many saints have made extraordinary promises of grace, protection, and intercession. Among the most revered is Saint Padre Pio, a humble friar whose life was marked by deep suffering, spiritual devotion, and extraordinary gifts of grace. As one of the most powerful intercessors in Heaven, Padre Pio’s promise to stand beside those who call upon him—especially at the hour of death—is a testament to the mercy of God and the communion of saints.

This promise, received through the apostolate of Heaven’s Ark, is not merely a personal vow but an invitation to trust in the intercession of the saints at our most vulnerable moment—when we are called from this life into eternity. Rooted in Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Padre Pio’s assurance is in harmony with the Church’s teachings on the Communion of Saints. Like many other saints, Padre Pio encourages the faithful to rely on the prayers and presence of the saints at the moment of death, as they guide us toward eternal life. This promise is a beautiful expression of God’s grace and mercy, continually dispensed through His saints.

• • CCC 956: "The intercession of the saints: ‘Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness. They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they have acquired on earth through the one Mediator between God and men.'"

  • This supports the idea that saints, in their communion with God, offer intercession for the faithful, especially during significant moments like the hour of death.

• Grace and the Role of Saints:

  • CCC 2003: "Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life."

  • The promise of grace, particularly at the hour of death, is in keeping with the Church's teaching that God freely offers grace to help the faithful in their moments of greatest need.

3. Teachings and Church Documents

• Papal Encyclicals on Intercession and Protection:

  • Pope Leo XIII's "Sapientiae Christianae" (1890): "It is not fitting that men should disregard the saints and their intercessions, for they are our brothers and sisters who have already gained the victory."

  • This affirms the Church's belief in the intercessory role of the saints in the lives of the faithful, especially during trials and at the time of death.

• Pope Pius XII’s "Mystici Corporis Christi" (1943): "We are all part of the Mystical Body of Christ, and in this body, we share in the work of intercession with Christ. The saints, who are the members of that Body, intercede for us."

  • This reinforces the understanding that saints like Padre Pio, as part of the Mystical Body, intercede for the faithful.

4. Doctrine of the Church on the Communion of Saints

• The Doctrine of the Communion of Saints is central to Catholic belief and teaches that all members of the Church—those on earth, in Heaven, and in Purgatory—are united in a spiritual bond. This communion allows the faithful on earth to benefit from the prayers and intercessions of saints. The idea of Padre Pio promising grace and intercession at the hour of death fits within this doctrine.

5. Promises and Graces Given by Saints

Many saints have made promises of intercession and protection for the faithful, especially at the hour of death. Padre Pio’s promise to be present and intercede at the hour of death is rooted in this tradition.

• St. Gertrude the Great was granted by Christ a promise that those who invoke her intercession would receive special comfort and protection at the time of death.

• St. Teresa of Avila also spoke of the importance of calling upon the saints, especially at death, for they bring comfort and intercession to those who are departing this life.