Padre Pio: The True Story

by C. Bernard Ruffin

Padre The True Story focuses primarily on the post World War II era to the time of Padre Pio's death. It was during this time that an onscure Italian Capuchin priest attracted worldwide attention for his holiness as well as his mysterious stigmata.

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

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a naval officer stationed in Naples, Italy in the late 1980's, my fiance and I once took a road trip eastward, across the boot of Italy, just to see what was on the other side. Our destination was the odd-shaped "spur" of the boot that sticks out into the Adriatic Sea and an ancient town called Manfredonia.

On our way there,we saw a huge billboard with a picture of a gray-haired priest, with his hands wrapped in bandages. The billboard said something in Italian roughly translated, "See San Giovanni Rotondo! The home of Padre Pio!"

"Who's Padre Pio?" I asked my fiance.

"Some priest--I think he has the stigmata," was my beloved's reply.

We drove on.

Several years later I finally learned who Padre Pio was. I read Padre Pio: The True Story. My own copy was published in 1982 and it was perhaps 1990 when I read it. I think it's time for a re-reading.

I pulled it off the shelf yesterday, blew the dust off the cover and began randomly reading it. I'm not sure what is more amazing about this book; the stories of bi-locutions, miraculous healings and spiritual warfare that gives Padre Pio bruises, or the fact that this book was written by a devout Lutheran pastor, C. Bernard Ruffin.

I compared the introduction in my 1982 version with the introduction (available on Google books) in the 1991 revised and expanded edition. I noticed Ruffin left out this section in the new edition:

"My experience in visiting San Giovanni Rotondo--seeing the tomb of Padre Pio, visiting his cell, being shown where he heard confessions and where he ate in the friary refectory--was similar to that of visiting Mount Vernon or Monticello, or like my visit to the sites associated with the founder of my own denomination, Martin Luther, in East Germany..."

I suppose if we had pulled off the main highway and driven to San Giovanni Rotondo that day, I would have had a similar experience. I wasn't Catholic and I really had no clue what the stigmata was or why I should even care about Padre Pio.

Since Ruffin left that section out of the newer edition, I can only assume his thoughts had changed or he decided it didn't matter what his personal thoughts were. What mattered was his telling of the facts surrounding the life of Padre Pio.

I'm putting the new edition on my "to read" list because this is a powerful story that is worth re-reading. And if I ever get back to southern Italy, you can bet I'm taking the detour to San Giovanni Rotondo! Home of Padre Pio!

[Kenneth Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Padre Pio was called to his vocation at an early age. Periods of illness and great suffering marked his journey into the priesthood and then throughout his life. Like other saints before him (e.g., St. John of the Cross), those causing him to suffer were his superiors and authorities in the Catholic Church. It appears they dedicated their efforts to knock him off his spiritual journey. The reader continually discovers that those in power sought to place limits on (or hurt) Padre Pio to cover up their corruption. The reader may find a parallel with Jesus, who was run from town-to-town and eventually tried by the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate.

A positive attribute of this story is that it serves as an autopsy on scandals; it sheds light on how these originate and metastasize. Viewed from this perspective, the reader not only learns how corruption comes about but why change is so slow.

Aside from Padre Pio’s trials and suffering, the story is an exciting journey into his spiritual life. This is a remarkable book.

[Monica Aho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating biography of the noted mystic and stigmatist. Makes me realize how utterly inadequate I am as a Christian, but how merciful God is to frail people. Interesting that this biography was written by a Lutheran minister, which actually, to me, gives greater creedance to some pretty astounding claims of the "supernatural".

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent biography of a fascinating modern day saint. A very dear friend raised my level of awareness regarding this incredible man with her own personal testimony prompting me to buy this book.

Ruffin manages to combine a balanced mix of history, biography and spiritual development to present a very clear image of Padre Pio--a very down-to-earth yet quite extraordinary human being.

Ruffin is careful to cite sources and back them up wherever possible, but he includes the miraculous even when supporting evidence is minimal, leaving it to the reader to believe or not. I appreciated the author's familiar yet professional style of writing. Given the popular cult following which has grown up around this larger-than-life yet very simple man, it cannot have been easy to sift through all the conflicting, sketchy and far-fetched evidence about St. Pio. I highly recommend Padre Pio: The True Story whether it be the first, second, last or only book you read about him.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the subject was fascinating and inspirational, it was a dense read because the narrative seemed to jump around. It was well-researched, however.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My soul feels recharged. It has been an honor to learn about Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy.

This Saint bore the stigmata of our Lord for over fifty years, he was able to bilocate, and there are numerous miracles of healing attributed to his intercession. His presence is said to be associated with the “arouma of paradise,” which most commonly smelled of roses and violets. He also had extensive conversations with his guardian angel, our Lord Jesus, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This book brought tears to my eyes and also made me giggle. What a wonderful life worth imitating this godly man did live.

[Kevhumphreys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decided to read this biography after I saw the author, a lutheran pastor, being interviewed on the Catholic tv network EWTN.
It reads to me like an objective and honest biography. The author has done much research to try and get all the facts about Padre Pio. The photos add real authenticity to his account

[Luanne Lusic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the three books that I have read about Padre Pio, this is the best one. It goes into much more detail and includes some of his religious philosophy.

[Gina Ulicny · Rating 5 out of 5]

5. This is a book that I knew I would not read quickly. It definitely held my attention. A book to be read slowly. The mixture of antidotes, Padre Pio’s personal history and the h status of the faith/church around him as well as Italy and the world.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to know more about modern-day Saints, and certainly for anybody who has a special connection to Padre Pio.

It is a fascinating book about a holy man who loved Jesus and the Catholic faith with everything in his being. A man who literally took the pain from others and allowed it to be inflicted on him instead. Truly, a great enemy of evil. And, a most humble man filled with humility. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to read (there were other books I was reading around this one). But when I wanted a comfort book before sleep, I always chose this one. I love Padre Pio. He was an amazing human in many ways through all his suffering, and Ruffin leaves no stone unturned. Many times when Ruffin couldn't confirm information, he stated that fact. Straightforward truth--I like that. This is an excellent, well-researched biography of a humble man just trying to save souls, but there is so much more that we will never know about. Sadly, Padre Pio was denied, by the Church, the opportunity to write about his experiences. According to Donald H. Calloway, MIC, in his Champions of the Rosary, "One of the many sufferings imposed on St. Pio by the Church was that he was forbidden to write about his mystical experiences. That is why there exist very few writings by him on the rosary and the other great loves of his holy life." Our loss indeed.

That loss notwithstanding, Ruffin admirably provides many important details, and it was a pleasure to read his account of dear St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW Padre Pio was really out here doing the Lord’s work and is still going strong!! Reading about this great saint’s life was so edifying! From the countless miracles, to his witness with the stigmata, and his deep humility through it all, I am in awe of how closely conformed to Jesus he was in his earthly life.
It makes me want to grow in devotion and commitment to Jesus.

I was told recently to pray to become a spiritual daughter of Padre Pio and after reading this intimate account of his life, I feel like I already hear his voice lovingly reminding me to pray my rosary or to sacrifice here and there for Jesus. I am in love with my new spiritual father!

St. Padre Pio, pray for us!

Also, shoutout to the homies who gave me their copy of this book to read. The other crazy thing is that the author of this book isn’t even Catholic, but man, did he do justice to Padre Pio and his ministry! A must read!

[Donna Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a quick read, but it is a fascinating read. I've always heard of Padre Pio but never knew much except that he had the stigmata and was said to bi-locate. This book is a detailed look at his life and times. Padre Pio was holy, devoted, loved a good joke, but also could be quite stern and even angry. He did not have an easy life as a priest, but his faith in God never faltered. Ruffin provides so much information, stories, interviews, and anecdotes but always verifies or says "so people say, but there's no actual proof." The photos of Padre Pio and his family are also interesting. Ruffin is not Catholic but is a Lutheran. This may help those who tend to downplay calling someone a saint in today's age. He examines with a clear eye, but he is not afraid to dive into mysteries and occurrences that have only heavenly explanations. A very thought-provoking biography.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I had some interest in the life of Padre Pio.
I did enjoy reading about his life, but at times found myself skimming through some of the sections; I found it at times to be repetitive.
I would say if you have any interest in the man, then this is a book for you.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great account of one of my favorite saints! I've read several books about St. Padre Pio, but still learned some news facts from author C. Bernard Ruffin.

[Veronica Basel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am amazing bio of an even more amazing person! Took me 6 months to get through but took tonsssss of notes. Loved it!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book about an amazing man. Padre Pio was a Capuchin monk that died in the 60's. He bore the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, and was a mystic. He could tell if a person was giving a complete confession and would send people away if they neglected to tell all of their sins. He was a very holy man and many miracles are attributed to his intercession. He became a saint in 2002, but many considered him to be a saint in his lifetime.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography of St. Padre Pio. Does a good job of telling all of the main stories associated with the saint while also distinguishing very clearly which ones had pretty indisputable evidence and which did not. Also does a good job of describing how the saint's life changed over the course of the years as he grew in popularity but struggled with times when the church tried to suppress the fervor about him.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite challenging for me to get into at the start. It is very dense. Once capitvated however, it quickly became one I looked forward to reading further. This story is remarkable and interesting particularly because it is written by a non-Catholic. The pictures in the center of the book lend nicely to the remarkable events that happened to this amazing figure. Great read.

[Jess Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Padre Pio; he is my confirmation Saint. I didn't love this biography and hope to find a better one. It was very confusing, chronologically it often jumped back and forth. This made the many Italian city and people names hard to keep straight.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for someone who loves this Saint and wants to know every single detail of his life. It took me about nine nine months to read because I did so in bits and pieces. It was very heavy duty and not light reading. But I really loved all the information contained.

[Patrick\ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I repeat, still waiting for the right biography. This one is good, not great, and an essential read for approaching Pio.

[Kevin Wellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life of this reclusive but affiable monk has changed the world in my different ways. The initial family tree was a bit long, but the biography of his mission, life and works is remarkable!

[John Toncinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book on a simple person, who then became a monk was given a gift and used his gift for others, placing others before himself

[Glen Dallaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography on St Pio!

[Sarah Yasin]

"If all the devils that are here were to take bodily form, they would blot out the light of the sun" - Ingoldsby, p. 115

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

really glad i read this...interesting and enlightening

[Sam Fink · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book but not as spirtiually moving as I had hoped.

[John Div · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pio lived a life close to the Scared and the Diabolic. As much as Angles were interested in him so were the Demons.

When I retrospect on the life of Pio, I remember a quote from an unknown source "You who have not spent sleepless nights in suffering and tears, who do not know the experience of being unable to swallow even a piece of bread - the grace of God will never reach you"

There are some who choose pain consciously and Pio is one of them. It is also told that he used to experience spiritual ecstasies. But his pain was greater, because his experienced pain in several dimensions - physical, spiritual, Psychological, psychosomatic and more unexplainable ones.

Even the Vatican was skeptical on his Stigmata, they had to send three different doctors and Cardinals to investigate it and then only would they come to a conclusion. There were all sorts of accusations about Pio faking everything from within in the church. And I personally think that the church was so surprised by a man of such purity (in the 20th century) that to slander him was like a reflex action by some priests, Bishops and Cardinals.

Throughout his life Pio had health issues, some unexplainable and some medically identifiable. When people asked him to pray for his own good health he would reply "I have never asked God anything for myself". His bilocation stories are really unbelievable. It went on the the extent that he even appeared before a Jets that came to bomb his town high up in the air. It literally read a pilot making a claim " I saw a Monk with hands spread standing infront of the jet". The information is laid out in a scrupulous manner, stating the name of the pilot, his regiment and when he saw it. I just put the book down after and went for a walk.

There are a lot a miracles that happened around him to the extent it did not stop after his death. He has even appeared before people after his death. He spoke to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Angles like he would talk to a real person and also demons used to appear before him, especially during his last days. And as we all know they dug up his body after 40 years and it has not decayed and its still kept on display.

Even as believer in Christ I did find some parts of the book hard to believe. But no Doubt Pio was a man of God.

[Damian North · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teenager I met a man who met Padre Pio, and the story he told both intrigued and unnerved me. Ever since then, I have always keep the story of this saint at a distance, until quite recently.

After encountering a Padre Pio retreat at Knock Shrine in Ireland, I wanted to know more having read a short biography, and downloaded this book on Audible to listen to it when out walking as a spiritual read.

There is no doubt in my mind that Padre Pio was touched by the grace of God in this life, and this book examines every aspect of the man from his public humiliations and lies to his love of the confessional and redeeming souls for Christ. The miracle of his stigmata, which he bore with great suffering for fifty years, really struck when it was explained that no medical investigation could explain the cause and how days before he died the wounds disappeared leaving not a single trace nor scar.

I will listen to his book again in the near future, but having finished it I walk away with one truth burning in my heart, Padre Pio whilst on this earth and now from heaven is reflecting the beautiful love of God upon us all. He truly is a saint.

Damian North

[Will Norrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was well-researched, and as a biographical subject, the life of Padre Pio is unusual and fascinating. There is no doubt the author’s thorough approach to explore Pio’s life and ministry.
My criticism of the book would be its structure and density. After a fairly linear start to Padre Pio’s family history and upbringing, the author begins to weave back and forth through his life with much backtracking, asides, and uneven amounts of detailing. Frequently, he notes that Padre Pio’s daily life in St Giovanni was largely unvaried, but when incidents did occur, it was very difficult to follow the author’s choices of how to section off the book. We are in 1898, then 1967, then interviewing someone in the 1990s, then crossing the Atlantic with Pio’s father in 1900 to find work in the Americas. Life scenes that could have been detailed where passed over while private accounts of conversations where a major focus despite them each often being quite similar.

Overall, very thorough with names/dates and written with many firsthand sources that would now not be available, but not a page turner or inspiring read for me.