Padre Pio: The True Story

by C. Bernard Ruffin, Bernard Ruffin, Mike Fraser (Narrator)

St. Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us.

Before his death in 1968, Padre Pio was known throughout the world as a very holy man—many even called him a living saint. This humble Italian priest who bore the wounds of Christ received thousands of letters and visitors each year, seeking his spiritual counsel, healing, and prayer. Padre Pio’s intense spirituality and holiness remain legendary and life-changing.

This is the comprehensive life story of the priest who became world famous for his stigmata, miracles, and supernatural insights. Listen in detail about the many miracles of Padre Pio, and discover how knowing this powerful saint can change your life, too. By far the best biography of Padre Pio ever written—newly updated with more details!

This audio edition is deftly narrated by Mike Fraser, a favorite amongst listeners.

Produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Genres: Christianity, Catholic

Audible Audio

Published June 4, 2024

Reviews

[Matthew Stout]

Currently listening to this on Audiobook through Spotify.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no doubt that Padre Pio was a very devoted and loving man; and that he totally dedicated his life to the Capuchin Order, Catholic Church, Christ/God, and to humanity. The most interesting aspect of this story is the appearance of such a Christian saint in modern and contemporary Europe; along with all the inherent mass hysteria and all kinds of unexpected conflict. The masses - especially women - went crazy because of him, while the Catholic Church did not know what to do with him and alternatively banished, investigated, and praised him. It started by unleashing the Inquisition on him and ended with declaring him a saint. “The pious women” - thousands of them - got him in trouble continuously with the Catholic Church; by disregarding most of the monastic and priestly rules and behaving around him similar to how the modern fans behave around a rock star. In fact the term “groupies” was used here in reference to these “pious women”. I can’t help recollecting Dostoevsky's Father Zossima and all the crazy issues surrounding him: miracles, masses of hysterical women, the ability to anticipate confessions, controversies regarding his person outside and inside the monastery, and not lastly the issue of an expected saint’s smell (i.e., “the smell of heaven”). Even if this book pretends to be “the objective/true story” of Padre Pio; I found the author and his account here plain, journalistic, and rather naively enthusiastic.

[Lisa Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I was heading to San Giovanni, Italy on a pilgrimage, I wanted to get to know this man a little better. Fascinated by saints who have received the stigmata, I yearn to know more on what their life was like. This is a 20th century saint unlike those that seemed to live so very long ago. Another reason to dig in. This detailed book was an interesting read as it contained many details of St Padre Pio’s life. The controversy surrounding him was believable as the Church questioned (as she is responsible for doing) and the people sometimes got out of hand as people do. I found the details in the testimonies interesting and believable. The testimonies - and there are many - made the book an extra read. I’d recommend for anyone who doubts his story or who wants to know more about what happened during his life. I’ve picked up another book to study more his spirituality although this was discussed in the book as well with some notable quotes of this holy man.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptionally well researched. A very thorough look at this saint's life from birth to death and cannoniztion.

[Lillian FullerMoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

It amazes me that the man who wrote this stayed a Lutheran Priest.