When I went on a Cursillo weekend many years ago, I sat at a table dedicated to Padre Pio. As a result, he has become a patron of mine--appropriate, given my Italian heritage on my father's side.

I am all the more impressed with this great saint having read Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre Pio.. Author Susan De Bartoli does a tremendous job showcasing the influence of the Holy Spirit on Padre Pio's magnificent life. I was immediately drawn in to the 20th century saint's world, which included incredible physical and emotional suffering.

I could not help but to be moved by this gifted priest's experience with the stigmata, the wounds of Christ. He bore such suffering with grace and valor and provided an example of perseverance which we are all called to emulate.

De Bartoli's work contains powerful reflections which inspire great personal introspection. I found myself drawing closer not only to Padre Pio but also to the Lord Himself as a result of these thoughtful guides.

In sum, Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre Pio is a phenomenal gift, not only for the faithful, but for those curious about the Catholic faith. It would be a welcomed addition to any spiritual home library.

I received a free copy of, Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre Pio, by Susan De Bartoli, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Most people have God-given gifts, not all can be seen though. Padre Pio's wounds can be seen though. Padre Pio really suffered with his stigmata for 50 years, which is a long time, to be in so much pain. I enjoyed learning more about Padre Pio in this book.

Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre Pio by Susan De Bartoli is a wonderful collection that highlights the amazing Saint in all his wisdom.

This is such an enjoyable homage to a true gem…through this book we can explore some of the wisdom that he imparted and how through his life, works, words, and presence and how through these we can apply them within our own lives.

A fitting tribute and also great for self-exploration.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Ave Maria Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/5/24.

This wonderful book gives the reader insights into the whole of Padre Pio's life. Relying deeply on the saint's own words and writings, as well as on first-person accounts by others, we see deeply into Padre Pio's soul. Ir brought me great insight into my own life and will do the same for you