The following testimonial was given by a woman blessed with Padre Pio’s intercession. It is cited by Fr. Alessio Parente, who was a close friend of Padre Pio and took care of him during the last six years of the saint’s life. It is a striking example of how Heaven will utilize the daily elements of our lives for our own good; even when things don’t seem to go according to plan.

"This past winter, my conscience was weighing down with things I felt necessary to confess, yet was too embarrassed to do so, especially in my own parish. I prayed and pleaded with our dear Padre Pio to give me the strength and opportunity to go.

"One Saturday, after fervent prayer, I felt his strength behind me, making my way for me to go to confession. I planned to go to a neighboring parish…. How good this first step felt. Then, lo and behold, a terrible snow storm clouded the afternoon. I had to leave by 4 o’clock to be in time for confession. At 3:30 the storm was still not letting up, so I asked my husband to drive me. Unfortunately, at 4:00 he had planned to watch a much-awaited television program… Oh how I despaired! I even vented a little outburst to Padre Pio, saying how much I needed his help….

"Well, at 3:55, our television cable went out. Now my husband could drive me, since he couldn’t watch his program. Minutes after, the whole snow storm stopped completely…. Now I felt comfortable driving myself, since the snow had stopped…. So, since I didn’t need him to drive, I requested that the good padre be kind enough to put the cable back on.

"My confession went very well… Upon arriving home, I asked my husband if he had been able to watch his program. He said yes, and I was a bit surprised. I asked him when the television went back on, and he said, a few minutes after I left!"