Padre Pio: Man of Hope

Reading this book has been one of the most beautiful gifts that a human being can receive. I was delighted reading it from the beginning to the end. The whole time I read it, I was overcome with thoughts of Padre Pio throughout my day. The book was beautifully written. It made me cry and it made me laugh. Padre Pio is the most loving man, priest, a true holy and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. What a life Padre Pio lead. It is amazing the relationship he had with Jesus and Mary, even with his Angels. Reading this book has been a healing, a transformation, and kind of a retreat for me, allowing me to see life with true faith, hope and love. Somehow it humbles you and brings you a feeling of peace; I even felt Padre Pio's presence while I read this book. Renzo Allegri deserves the Nobel prize for having taking the time to accomplished all the documents and information to write this wonderful book. Indeed he did a great favor to those who want to learn from Padre Pio. You will not be sorry to read this book. This book changed my life.

Padre Pio is a modern day saint. With the exception of Mother Teresa, no other person in the religious life has commanded so much respect in recent times. Rather than focusing on the controversies, Renzo Allegri focus on the man in Padre Pio: Man of Hope. It is truly an inspiring read. Padre Pio is the most recent man to bear the stigmata or wounds of Jesus Christ. The mystery of the stigmata alone makes Padre Pio's life compelling. Padre Pio lived the life of a monk in Italy. Even in his youth, Padre Pio experienced visions which made his relationship with God different. With the stigmata came the pain the that he suffered in his unique relationship with the Lord. The pain of this burden was also a blessing. His relationship with God allowed him to perform miracles and healings that are documented in the book for skeptics. To witnesses and believers, this is testimony to the power of God. This is truly an amazing story. I would hope believers and non-believers alike are inspired by this book in the same way I was. Knowing of this amazing man, I will think of him in my prayers and works. I will hope Padre Pio would guide me in my work.

I highly recommend this book to anyone of any faith. Even as a Buddhist, it spoke deeply to me. Though he suffered much persecution from others as a result of his visions and stigmata, he continued to try to help others as much as possible. His life was truly an inspiration and reading about it a joy. I passed it on to the secretary at work and many people read it before I get get it back to pass on to my father. At age 87, he called me the next day to say he couldn't put it down and stayed up until 4am reading it. I am thinking about buying another copy so I can read it again because it enlivened my spirit each time I opened it. I can't think of a better gift to give someone of faith.

Renzo Allegri paints a vivid portrait of a man who lived his entire life in service to God. Padre Pio is that unique individual, a man of pastoral ministry and prayer who, despite skepticism and cynicism from those around him, served his God and his church with selfless dedication.The biography is written in a simple, yet effective style and conveys the essence of the man's life. Padre Pio's fame and reputation has continued to spread since his beatification and stories of his piety and decency grow as he approached ultimate canonization.The only criticism of the book is that it often glosses over details of Padre Pio's life, particularly with respect to the controversy with the established church and the effects of the controversy upon his ministry to the faithful. This, however is a minor complaint. Overall, the book is an excellent introduction to anyone desiring greater knowledge about this saintly man.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. The whole time I read it, I was overcome with thoughts of Padre Pio throughout my day. The book was beautifully written. It made me cry and it made me laugh. I have nothing but pure admiration and adoration for this man. What a life he lead. If you have any interest in learning about Padre Pio, please read this book. You will not be sorry you did. And somehow it humbles you and brings you a feeling of peace. A++