Should be required reading for aspiring Saints The only reason I could not give this book 5 stars, is that the English translation could be improved, and the commentary is rather poor. However, this is not the focus of the book. The real gem here is the intimate writings of a Saint to his spiritual directors. Most people are interested in the miracles that he worked, but this book reveals his heart; full if profound love for "my beautiful Jesus". A perfect compliment to Bernard C. Ruffin's biography; "Padre Pio: A True Story".
Pasted below is a short exert of Padre Pio detailing the essence of suffering;
"When Jesus wants me to understand that He loves me, He allows me to savor the wounds, the thorns, the agonies of His passion...When He wants to delight me, He fills my heart with that spirit which is all fire; He speaks to me of His delights. But when He wants to be delighted, He speaks to me of His sorrows, He invites me -- with a voice full of both supplication and authority -- to affix my body [to the cross] in order to alleviate His suffering. Who can resist Him? I realize how much my miseries have caused Him to suffer, how much I have offended Him. I desire no other than Jesus alone, I want nothing more than His pains (because this is what Jesus wishes). Let me say--since no one can hear me--I am disposed to remain forever deprived of the sweetness Jesus allows me to feel. I am ready to suffer Jesus hiding His beautiful eyes from me, so long as He does not hide His love from me, because then I would die. But I do not feel I can be deprived of suffering--for this I lack strength.
Perhaps I have not yet expressed myself clearly with regards to the secret of this suffering. Jesus, the Man of Sorrow, wants all Christians to imitate Him; He has offered this chalice to me yet again, and I have accepted it. That is why He does not spare me. My humble sufferings are worth nothing, but Jesus delights in them because He loved [suffering] on earth. Therefore, on certain days when He suffered greatly on earth, He allows me to feel my sufferings even more. Now shouldn't this alone be enough to humiliate me, to make me seek to be hidden from the eyes of men, since I was made worthy of suffering with Jesus and as Jesus? Ah, my father! I feel too keenly my ingratitude toward God's majesty." - Secrets of a Soul, pg. 44
Secrets of a Soul - Padre Pio This book is a wonderful read for those who wish to know more about Padre Pio and his interior sufferings. The letters he wrote to his spiritual director reflect his desire to be one with God and to suffer for those less fortunate. A great model for all people, especially Franciscans.
Never Miss These! You can't deeply know Padre Pio until you read his letters. They are filled with beauty, love, discreet discussion of his dark nights and physical agonies, and of all our struggles. Padre Pio's words are a thousand stars, not just 5. A cornucopia of spiritual gems for the soul.
Great Book for your Journey in Faith! This book is a wonderful read if you too struggle with leading a good Christian Life. This book gives you such a look into Padre Pio's deepest feelings, it opens a window for us to see that no one is alone in their struggles and many of the things Padre Pio spoke of in his letters, I have felt at one time. So this book is a wonderful read and just read a letter a day to see that there is hope in your life and that you can lead a very holy life as long as you keep Jesus close in your heart! It truely is a great book to read!
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