Pictured (l-r): Monsignor Richard Oswald, Father Bill Elser, Father Ruben Quinteros, Artist Ed Cudworth, Monsignor Scott Friend, and Monsignor Bernard Malone.

During a recent Christmas open house in the Village, Knight Ed Cudworth presented a portrait of St. Pio of Pietrelcina to Monsignor Scott Friend, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Little Rock.  The portrait will be placed in the Diocese’s new House of Formation, a residence for men discerning their vocations to the priesthood while taking courses in preparation for entering major seminary.  

Ed was inspired to paint Father Padre Pio by Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry, a collection of letters in a book written by Diane Allen and attesting to Pio’s miraculous works.  Ed chose the House of Formation as the beneficiary of his work to serve as a reminder to new candidates and seminarians about the dedication and hardships that Padre Pio endured as a priest, and how he served as an inspiration to millions of Catholics.  

Padre Pio was born in Italy in 1887 and was ordained a Capuchin priest in 1910.  He was known for his stigmata which he experienced for the first time on September 20, 1918.  Padre Pio spent his religious life in the Friary at San Giovanni Rotondo. He had a special ability to read the hearts of the penitents who flocked to him for confession, which he heard 10-12 hours per day.  He died September 23, 1968, and was canonized a Saint by Pope Paul II on June 16, 2002.

In addition to Monsignor Friend, the event was attended by Monsignor Richard Oswald and Father Ruben Quinteros, who are both on the staff at the House of Formation.  Also in attendance were  Father Bill Elser, Monsignor Bernard Malone, and several resident seminarians.  

Grand Knight Bill Roe made a presentation of holiday food items to the seminarians.