Saint Padre Pio: In the Footsteps of Saint Francis

by Michael J. Ruszala, Wyatt North

In an age that smirks at the mention of miracles, sin, angels, and demons, St. Pio of Pietrelchina has emerged as a figure of immense popularity, attracting fascination, veneration, and also emulation. Padre Pio, who once wrote in a letter, “I am a mystery to myself,” is certainly a mystery to all who know of him. To those who moved beyond mere credulity, he became an inspiration to embrace the fullness of faith. Perhaps that is why his shrine in outlying San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, is second only to the Vatican itself in annual number of pilgrims and why Italian Catholics now report to praying more for St. Pio’s intercession than for that of any other saint.This book is a concise introduction to Padre Pio’s life, especially as compared to the example and journey of his spiritual father, St. Francis of Assisi. If St. Francis is said to be the most popular saint of all time, Franciscan Capuchin Padre Pio is perhaps the most popular saint of our times.Given that he passed only in 1968, it is remarkable to think that such a spiritual “superhero” could exist in our modern age. Through not spared from misfortune, he was spared those things that cloud us from perceiving the world in a truly spiritual way. Perhaps that is why Padre Pio offers us just the message we need to hear.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Biography, Catholic, Religion, Christianity

147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2014

About the author

Michael J. Ruszala holds an M.A. in Theology & Christian Ministry and a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology summa cum laude from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Michael is the author of several religious books and is an adjunct lecturer in religious studies at Niagara University in Lewiston, NY, where he has taught on Christian Ministry and Popes in the Modern World. Certified as a parish catechetical leader by the Diocese of Buffalo, he served for over five years as Director of Lifelong Faith Formation at a parish within the diocese. He is an active member of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, has served in the past on catechetical committees for the Diocese of Buffalo, and is the recipient of the 2016 Christian Service Award from the Canisius College Sodality of Our Lady in Buffalo. Michael has been published in religious journals including the Social Justice Review, the Catholic Social Science Review, Lay Witness online edition, and the Great Adventure Bible Blog by Ascension Press. In addition to his work, Michael has interests in music, art, tennis, and kayaking. Please visit www.michaeljruszala.com for more information.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is reading like a glorified term paper! Almost as if the author is just reciting facts. There is no spiritual depth to the text whatsoever. DNF at 20%.

[Bill reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Padre Pio is best known as a sufferer of the Stigmata; the wounds of Jesus Christ. This short biography gives a quick outline of his life. EWTN is currently running a two part film which motivated me to read this book. Francesco Forgione was born to peasant farmers in Italy and at fifteen joined a Capuchin monastery. In 1918 he received the five wounds and initially attempted to hide them. Eventually, word spread and after several miraculous healings, the leaders of the church became envious of the monks adoring crowds. Doubters within the clergy made Pio's life a living hell. Only after death through the efforts of Pope John Paul II, did Father Pio attain sainthood. The book is a valuable companion to the movie and a good quick read

[Tahlia Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative read that intimidates & challenges. One is charged by Padre Pio’s intense & extraordinary life to look at how to redirect one’s own life toward holiness. This biography does not gloss over the immense sufferings that comes with abandoning oneself to God’s Will, but neither does it obscure the immense blessings that accompany a truly God-driven life.
I left this book inspired and terrified all at once… and yet still full of hope. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get to know Padre Pio better.

Bonus: After rating the book, I finally registered the name of the author. I went to Franciscan University with him! 🎵“It’s a small world after all…” 🎵

[Marilyn Casto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read

I enjoyed reading this biography about someone I had never paid much attention to. I was aware of his canonization but paid no attention to details. Now I know what the fuss was about.He was not just a good man, who listened to confessed he was a truly unique and remarkable Saint.

[Vita J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Padre Pio a wonderful saint

This book gave me so much more insight into a saint that I want to be friends with forever. I love his prayers and I search out all I can about this most humble and giving man that became a saint. I highly recommend this book for any one who wants to know more about Padre Pio.

[Dave Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very straightforward, just-the-facts-ma'am biography of one of the 20th century's favorite saints.

Depending on your view point, there's either not much pizazz in the author's writing style. or he excels at delivering information efficiently.

[Caitlin Streit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting and faith building

I have never read such a faith packed book other than my bible.every page flows with uplifting words faith building actions of this simple holy man who became a saint .i highly recommend this little book.it is one I shall return to many times.

[Michael M Hebbeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely informative. This eye opening book, documenting the sacrificial life of this holy friar, that was completely humble and open to God's will, was both thought provoking and produced emotional insight into the depth of God's love.

[Michael Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Enjoyed the history, life and dedication of this great man. Blessings dear one.

Michael Jones, Spiritual Teacher and Author of "The Seven Victories of the Divine Child".

[Margie Trevillyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether or not you believe in all of the accounts of miracles and biolocation, Father Pio's advice of " Pray,Hope, and don't worry" is intra-denominational.

[Evander · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really needs an edit, particularly for the Italian names.

[Darren Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good introductory summary of the good Padre. Not as comprehensive as some other books, but great for a Pio newbie.

[Ella · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was written and formatted like a research paper. I’m fact, I think it was a research paper bound into a book. While it was nice to learn about St. Pio, this book was disappointing.

[Drenda K. Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Padre Pío

Great book. Someone worthy of emulation. That I could be 1/10th as holy, St. Padre Pío pray for me. Amen

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful perspective of one of my personal favorites, St. Padre Pio as a spiritual son of St. Francis of Assisi.

[Mozelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Padre Pio

Well written and informative with basic life and spiritual experiences. Doesn't cover all the supernatural details, but a few new ones.

[Scott Cedotal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remarkable saint! He suffered from stigmata's as Saint Francis.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

21 st century saint - very good

[Jose-mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book

This book gives a great insight into the gifts and suffering of Padre Pio. Easy to read and relate to the material

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief biography of St. Padre Pio. I didn't know a lot about him, and I found this very interesting. It's amazing to me, that a man who was alive during part of my lifetime has been canonized a saint. Being a cradle Catholic, I went to a Catholic elementary school before Vatican II. We learned much about the saints and I was awe struck. I still am. But the veneration of saints when I was a little girl in St. Francis of Assisium School, was something I still wish was practiced. One of the most important things of my faith is that we have the Communion of Saints to lean on. If God has favored them so much as to make them saints, why would we not ask them to intercede for us?

For those of you who do not understand the concept, I will attempt to explain. When Jesus was at the wedding at Cana, Mary, His mother, told him they had run out of wine. She went to Jesus. He asked her what that had to do with Him, that His hour had not yet come. But, didn't Jesus turn the water into wine? If Jesus responded to His mother by doing something about the situation for her, why would we doubt that he would respond to her interceding for us. Make no mistake, this is not to say that we only go around the block, so to speak, to ask Our Lord for our needs, but we ask the saints as well.

OK, back to the review. It's a quick read for anyone who is interested in knowing more about St. Pio or saints in gerneral.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fascinating subject, but a very slight book - barely more than an elongated Wikipedia article. The text is very simply written, as if aimed at children, and without critical analysis (which may be forgivable in a book aimed primarily at the faithful) or poetry (which isn't so excusable). Pio's life is one of the most extraordinary of the 20th century and the account of his deeds and abilities is challenging to the rational mind. His tense relationship with the Church hierarchy is worth exploring in detail, and his abilities to raise money for charitable causes (he built a state-of-the-art hospital in a poor backwater) and impact people in a spiritual sense are awe-inspiring. He deserves a more detailed biography, and more poetic meditation, than this quickly put together hack work gives him. The best thing that one can say about the book is that it does draw one's quick attention to a story which has the potential to explode all of society's rationalist beliefs out of the water.

[Jessica Riddoch · Rating 3 out of 5]

having never heard of the man I though i would give it a go. I will ignore what I think of the person to comment on the writing.
I found the writing rather simple, I wonder if the mains life was exciting enough as much of the information is repeated, and there are a number of quotes. However I would suggest this is a good read for young adults and up. an easy read

[Carol Mcgrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book on the life of a saint

This is a very detailed book of Padre Pio,so life,from his childhood to his becoming a saint. It is very interesting and you learn of how he was viewed by the church. God gave him a special gift which he accepted without question even though it brought him many problems in his years as a priest.

[Richard R., Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice brief biography of the great saint, Padre Pio. What was especially nice about this biography was the author's comparison of Padre Pio to the founder of his order, St. Francis of Assisi. I also like that the author did strongly play up the miracles that were performed during Padre Pio's lifetime but actually told us about the man.

[John Sheehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading some of the facts in this book and yet I was left wanting; unable to pull the depth of heart and soul about this man leaving out the deeper part of love zeroing in on his obedience to God but not showing me the love that brought him to the fruit of obedience. I did enjoy the emphasis on the challenges and suffering experienced by this man.

[William H Zwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book to read !

I highly recommend that you read this book. It presents the Life of St. Padre Pio in an appealing manner. It does not fully answer all of the questions you might have about his live. It has inspired me to read more about him.

[janet b. medlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Am A Protestant But.......

Although I am a Protestant, some of the other reviews moved me to read about the life of this remarkable priest. It also gave me some insight into the Catholic faith.

[kathy. s. spitaleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saint Pio

Enjoyed learning more about this man who loved people like Jesus did. Well written with many interesting facts. would recommend to anyone who wants to know who this man was

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Padre Pio was the perfect read. This little book about the most popular saint of our time told the story of a simple country boy who very early on desired the life of a religious.
I recommend this one to those who enjoy inspirational books with testimonies of miracles in modern times.

[Judy Grogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing saint

Brief capsule of this saint's life. Covers his devoted celebration of Mass, gifts as a confessor, bi-location, levitation. Covers his struggles as some persecuted him. Interesting story if his stopping a bombing raid on his village by bi-location.