The Life of Padre Pio: A Mystery of Love

Hi! I thought today I would share with you Dorothy M. Gaudiose's words about Saint Padre Pio and his life as a "mystery of love." She worked for him in his monastery town in Italy for three years and wrote two books about him, which are still published by Alba House. Dorothy will always be a close friend of mine and was the one who encouraged me to write my first book about Padre Pio. So far I have published, through Our Sunday Visitor, The Word Among Us Press, and Pauline Books & Media, six books about Saint Padre Pio. LISTENING TO GOD WITH PADRE PIO has just been released by OSV. But may I please say this: Any good I have done, am doing, or will do is done by God's grace working through me; but first that grace of God flows through Our Lady, St. Padre Pio, my Holy Guardian Angel, and dear friends like you. Infinite thanks!

Now, here are Dorothy's words—and they are true because she was an eyewitness of St. Padre Pio’s life—about Padre Pio as a mystery of love:

“Padre Pio did not make speeches and did not make a show of himself,” said Dorothy. “Humble and poor, he suffered, prayed, heard confessions, and said Mass with an angelical fervor conscious of the living presence of Christ. His works, the facts, his suffering of blood [he bore the five ever-bleeding wounds of Christ Crucified in his hands, feet, and side for fifty years], and his humble and poor life silently speak for him. This took place for fifty years with an amazing crescendo of devotion and love of faith and hope from believers and atheists. Padre Pio lived for others, taking on himself the sins and pains of others. He offered his daily sufferings to save, pacify, encourage souls, and to obtain from God pardon for sinners and the health of soul and body for all those who believe in the efficacy of his prayers and sufferings with God. [If you would like to see the Scriptural proof that our sufferings—yours too—can be used by God to save souls, read Colossians 1:24.] The life of Padre Pio,” continued Dorothy, “is a mystery of love, expiation, and salvation. He never promised anything; only his prayers. He never asked for anything; only love and penance and faith in God.”

Next week I will continue about the life of St. Padre Pio as a mystery of love. In the meantime, please know that if God can do good through me, a sinner, He can do good through you too! Just ask Him. And don’t forget to do as St. Padre Pio always advised, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Amen.

Have a great week!

P.S. If I make any spelling or typographical errors in what I write, I hope you will forgive me. Thanks.