Saint Padre Pio: In the Footsteps of Saint Francis

This book is a nice, accessible summary of the story of Padre Pio. It is not really in-depth or world-breaking, but makes the story of this 20th Century mystic, bearer of stigmata, healer, and miracle worker clear and believable. One thing I found extremely valuable was the emphasis on the real challenges and suffering experienced by this humble Capuchin brother and priest. I recall the furor that resulted when information concerning Mother Teresa's "Dark Night of the Soul" was published. One of the misunderstandings of recent times has been the extreme emphasis on the "semblance" of piety which does not take into account what Fr. Richard Rohr, another Franciscan Priest and acclaimed author, calls the "shadowboxing" and suffering that all those on a spiritual path need to undergo. Indeed, as Father Richard said in one of his recent reflections, "Liminality keeps one in an ongoing state of shadowboxing instead of ego-confirmation; it can keep us struggling with the dark side of things, calling the center and so-called normalcy into creative question."This is certainly descriptive of Padre Pio as presented in this brief biography, and gives an important perspective of the development of his mysticism as a spiritual asset for modern-day believers.

A saint who bilocates, levitates and knows your inmost soul yet suffers deeply and still retains a sense of humor. There is so much more than the stigmata to Padre Pio. Miracles were a very small part of his mission, for it was spiritual healing he felt called to. Yet he is known for the miraculous healing of a friend of St. John Paul II and even credited with healing as a child. Even the wash water from his hands is reported to be responsible for the healing of an entire village's herd of cattle.I had no idea how much suffering his detractors had caused by their accusations of adultery, poor management and misuse of funds, faking the wounds of the stigmata and more. Yet it was atheistic doctors that said there was no physical way to inflict his wounds. When the 50 years he had said his sufferings would last came to an end so too did the stigmata. This is a work which leaves you wondering where is that sort of inspiration today that would draw people in that they lined up for confession with a wait of two weeks before they would meet him

To discover the incredible life of this saint leaves the reader forever changed. Thedevotion to Jesus and his order is strong through his physical illness and suffering and theemotional anguish of mistreatment by leaders in the Catholic Church. His spiritualpowers are breath taking. This is a wonderful book.

Even though I am a Protestant, I enjoyed reading about the life of this remarkable man. I admired his total sacrifice to God's will and his humility in seeking to honor Christ in all that he did for others. There are many in some Protestant traditions who would write off any thing that has to do with Catholicism. However, by doing so they are missing out on seeing the power of God at work.

St. Francis, Padre Pio and Pope Francis are highlighted in this brief but thoroughly researched story that draws parallels in their saintly pursuits. Padre Pio suffered as much from his church as he did for his church. Many of his fellow clergy, all the way to the pope, were antagonistic toward him and held little belief in his experience with stigmata. The long-suffering Pio's afflictions, visions and miracle cures follow closely along the paths set by St. Francis, his patron. The saintly connection between St. Francis and Pope Francis has yet to be written. Saint Padre Pio is written in laymen language and is a short but enthralling read.

St Pio is one of the most popular 20th century saints and this short book explains why. First 2 chapters of new book on Pope Francis included.k

An amazing description of a miraculous man. I knew very little I padre Pio before reading this book. It is inspiring and terrifying to know what he endured through his life out I his great devotion and love of our Lord. Evil is real, but so is Christ's love.

Padre Pio is one of my favorite saints along with Saint Francis of Assisi. I believed I was getting two books in one in that this book provided great insight into the lives of both Saints! I will be reading it again as it helps me to cope with any stressors that I encounter in my life! Would highly recommend to all who are seeking direction and meaning for their life. God Bless!!

A very interesting short biography of Padre Pio. I think, perhaps, one might have to be patient with the idea that he could be physically in two places at once, and with the story of him appearing in mid-air to prevent an American air-raid on an Italian town. The Padre, to me, was a very holy man, dedicated to those who needed him and rightfully stern to those who needed putting right. An engaging figure who suffered unnecessarily from those jealous of him and rightly rewarded in the end.

Although relatively short, this book holds a lot of the story of a mans life. It has left me with a lot of questions about the Franciscan order, about the reality of faith and suffering, and about all sorts of supernatural activities. Padre Pio is almost incidental to the story. The telling has made me want to know more of the man....... And as a response to that, more of God and His purpose in our lives. True obedience it seems is always accompanied by pain.

Had no idea of any of this, so good to read books outside our own tradition and learn to appreciate others views and experiences. Would recommend

I had never heard of this saint before and was very inspired after reading this journey in this mortal world. Simple language and a easy read.

I knew nothing about Padre Pio - so this was a useful introduction and would probably have more significance to RC than protestant Christians

Well worth a read.

A very interesting read. Worth a read.

Very interesting very informative about humble holy man of our times

A good balance of the history and actual facts about Padre Pio's life. Far too often hagiography takes over and the person is lost in the drive to prove sanctity.

Excellent. Well researched.

Great insight into the life of one of God's greats..the humility of Padre Pio should be a reflection about what really is important in life.

in short very good

A great read learned a lot about st padre pio.

Spiritually awesome book

I am fortunate to have a third class relic of this awesome saint of our time. He is a must read for all who have the faith and even those who do not have it. A gentle guiding light.