Customer Reviews

Secrets of a Soul: Padre Pio's Letters to His Spiritual Directors

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

One star was subtracted, due to the rather loose English translation and poor commentary. However, the real gem contained in this book is the intimate writings of a Saint to his spiritual directors. Where most are interested in externals; the miracles, the bi-location, the stigmata, the healings....this book on the other hand reveals the heart of this great mystic; full the deepest love for "my beautiful Jesus". For complimentary reading, see Bernard C. Ruffin's biography; "Padre Pio: A True Story".

post script: this book only contains a small selection of Padre Pio's thousands of letters, written over many years. For a more comprehensive source, it is recommended to find old copies of Padre Pio's Letters (Volumes I, II, III, and IV), which contains mostly letters to his spiritual children.

exert below;

"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

This collection of the trials, joys and sufferings of St. Pio are a true inspiration to anyone who desires to enter into the depths of God. His beautiful humanity in all its nakedness is revealed, and one begins to understand that the spiritual life makes one more human and real, more compassionate and engaging.

Guess I am not much of a "letter" reader. I found the copy tough sledding with a gem here and there. The book was recommended by a priest who is quite devoted to Father Pio and I would do the same to anyone who sometimes doubts but always hopes. Father Pio did not have an easy time with his gifts and crosses. Good Lord willing...maybe I can have a chat with him at some point...not too soon I hope.

I love Padre Pio. This book was a good read. He was a beautiful man and a messenger from
our AWESOME GOD. I never realized how deep a soul could be until I read this book. On a
more earthly matter, the seller was great!! Fast shipping and a great price. Thank you!!!!