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Padre Pio and You by Mary O’Regan. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, NH, 2025). 400 pp., paperback. $24.95.
My mother and I are St. Padre Pio (1887–1968) devotees. We have a whole bookshelf of works by or about him and were blessed to visit San Giovanni Rotondo and pray near his body. I remember that, when we visited, I was experiencing some physical health difficulties. And I felt that St. Pio spoke to my heart, “suffering leads to love.” Several years later, when I prayed before his relics in a Church, I asked him to intercede for me so that a chronic pain be lifted. His reply? “Can you suffer a little?” He didn’t abandon me, however, and helped me to surrender myself into God’s loving arms in the midst of the discomfort.
Some may say, who needs another book on St. Padre Pio? If you are devoted to him, you have probably read several. If you have yet to encounter him, there are already numerous works to select from. However, Padre Pio and You by Mary O’Regan is truly unique among the offerings. It provides not only rare information about St. Pio’s life but also stories of the author’s close relationship with him as his spiritual daughter. And it is the most thorough and compelling work I have seen about his life and writings.
In fact, despite the length of the book, it is hard to put down and reads almost like a novel. St. Pio’s life is really fleshed out and comes alive in these pages. Along with presenting biographical information and facts about his times, real life anecdotes, his writings, astounding mystical gifts, and key people in his life in a fascinating way, O’Regan relates St. Pio’s life to the reader and invites them to become his spiritual child. As evidenced in these penetrating pages, those who seek St. Pio’s intercession often experience inexplicable miracles.
Frank Rega, author of several books on St. Pio, writes, “Mary O’Regan’s new book is quite aptly titled Padre Pio and You, because she takes the reader on a personal journey that relives both the external events and the inner life of this great saint. True, it is a complete biography of St. Pio, but it is much more than that. Chapter after chapter, the author underscores the relationship between Padre Pio’s life experiences and their practical application to the spiritual journey of the reader.”
Readers will draw strength from Padre Pio’s sufferings to endure the trials of their own life, and they will learn about the spiritual plan he offers to help them become saints. St. Pio is not a distant father but intimately intercedes for his spiritual children. As he said in one of his most famous quotes: “Pray, hope and don't worry. Worry is useless. Our Merciful Lord will listen to your prayer.” O’Regan invites us to entrust ourselves to St. Pio’s intercession and witness the power of God’s presence at work in their lives today.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of Padre Pio and You and/or to schedule an interview with Mary O’Regan.
Mary Beth Bracy is a writer who is blessed to research, publish, and speak extensively on various aspects of Catholic spirituality. Her books include Behold the Lamb, Bread of Life and The Little Way of Healing Love Through the Passion of Jesus: The Stations of the Cross with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and she is co-author of the book Stories of the Eucharist. She has written articles for numerous Catholic publications and recorded some Catholic talks. Mary Beth is also a professional teacher, dual certified in English and Special Education, and the owner of a Catholic book and gift shop online. A proud member of the St. John Paul II generation, and lover of all things St. Thérèse, Mary Beth enjoys spending time in Eucharistic Adoration daily, keeping in touch with her family and friends, as well as, sharing her faith with others.
