From the Saint Himself

Maria Riley reviews Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio written by Father John Aurilia, OFM Cap. 

Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio

By Father John Aurilia, OFM Cap.

Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor

Dearest Soul: A Spiritual Journey with Padre Pio is not your typical saint book. Father John Aurilia uses the writings of the saint himself to allow Saint Pio of Pietrelcina speak directly to the reader. The author is a Capuchin priest who was the personal secretary to Padre Pio for a brief period in his early priesthood. This personal connection makes him the ideal author of this book.  

Padre Pio’s own letters  

Father Aurilia’s love of Padre Pio as well as his deep understanding of his spirituality shines from the pages. The author primarily uses Saint Pio’s own words pulled mostly from letters written throughout his life. The reader only hears from Father Aurilia when it’s necessary to understand the context and meaning of particular writings.  

Because of this format of reading sections from letters to and from the saint, it is helpful for the reader to already have a general understanding of the life of Padre Pio. This book highlights his spiritual doctrine and understanding and is not a biography. 

Spiritual themes  

The book is broken up into two main sections. In the first part, Father Aurilia chronicles major themes from Padre Pio’s life like the Cross, Poverty, and Temptations. Each chapter begins with an overview and explanation of Padre Pio’s devotion to and experience with this theme. Then, excerpts from letters written to and from Padre Pio’s spiritual directors illustrate how these themes played out in his life.  

Instead of reading huge chunks of the saint’s writings, the short passages featured in the book make Padre Pio extremely accessible. While I did read the book in order, one could use it more as a resource because of the way the first section is categorized. I’m looking forward to referencing the book in the future when a particular subject is more relevant for me.  

I especially loved the chapter dedicated to Padre Pio’s famous quote, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Father John Aurilia takes readers through an understanding of how important prayer, constant hope, and avoidance of worry were in the spiritual life of Padre Pio. The words written by the saint himself illustrate his simple yet profound approach to living a holy life. 

Letters to directees  

In the second main section of the book, readers enjoy the letters Padre Pio wrote to his spiritual daughters. If there is any additional commentary from Father Aurilia before these letters, it is brief and purely contextual. This is where the words of the saint really shine.  

I read these letters as though the saint wrote them to me. Each letter is short but jam-packed with spiritual gems. It is such a gift to have the words that this holy saint wrote to ordinary women like me.  

The book ends with a short section with non-epistolary writings like a meditation on the agony in the garden and prayers Padre Pio wrote. This book is perfect for anyone desiring to grow closer to Padre Pio and to reach towards the spiritual heights this amazing Capuchin saint attained. 

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Copyright 2024 Maria Riley
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