Matthew was one of the Twelve Apostles and one of the four writers of the Gospels. He was the tax collector, despised by his fellow Jews because he collaborated with the Romans in fleecing his own people. Jesus accepted him and invited him to be one of His followers. He may very well have been appointed by Jesus, along with St. John, to take notes and to write the story of His words and actions.
   
Monday, Sept. 21, is the Feast of St Matthew.

Francesco Forgione (better known as Padre Pio) was born May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina in Italy. He is a remarkable saint who has left quite an impact on the Church. He became a Franciscan friar and spent most of his life in a monastery named San Giovanni Rotundo.
    
Padre Pio is especially known for his great holiness, including several special spiritual gifts. He is most noted for the gift of the stigmata. He bore the wounds of Christ on his hands, his feet, his side and on his head. He was known for hearing confessions several hours a day and being able to “read souls” where God filled him with knowledge of the state of the souls who came to him. He also could bi-locate. One woman was in London, and he came to her even though he was in his monastery in Italy. Padre Pio was also known to go into such deep ecstasy during prayer that he would levitate. The Feast of Padre Pio is this Wednesday, Sept. 23.