Carry the Cross with Padre Pio: Daily Reflections for Lent

by Susan de Bartoli, Cardinal Timothy M Dolan (Foreword by)

Overview

In this Lenten devotional, let Padre Pio guide you through the profound mysteries of the faith, sharing his unique “way of the Cross” as a spiritual father, warrior, and beloved son of God.

Susan De Bartoli, author of the bestselling Advent devotional Welcoming the Christ Child with Padre Pio, invites you on a transformative Lenten journey with her new book, Carry the Cross with Padre Pio. Through carefully selected excerpts from Pio’s letters, you will follow in the footsteps of this holy Capuchin monk who spent fifty years carrying his cross and mirroring Christ’s Passion.

Journey from the dust of Ash Wednesday to the glories of Easter, witnessing both the sufferings Pio endured and the graces he received. Discover how he embraced each day as a “little Lent,” drawing closer to holiness by uniting his sufferings and sacrifices with Christ.

Through the six weeks of Lent, you will accompany Pio through the significant spiritual moments of his life, including these:

• His childhood experiences that led him to consecrate himself to Jesus and Mary
• His teenage calling that erupted into a flame of intense, lifelong love
• His mystical gifts—including the stigmata—and purposeful suffering
• His spiritual battles against the powers of evil
• His “mystical touches” that consoled him and enabled him to persevere
• His devotion of Christ’s Passion and his intent to offer himself for souls

 

Each week begins with a Marian-themed reflection followed by four days that explore aspects of Pio’s supernatural gifts and challenges. Each week concludes with a story about his encounter with a consoling angel.

Before you begin your Lenten journey with Padre Pio, De Bartoli encourages you to consider what cross the Lord is asking you to carry for love of him as you journey toward Easter. Without suffering, there can be no healing, no redemption. Take a moment now to thank the Lord for the journey of love ahead as we walk together toward the glories of Easter.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646803835
Publisher:	Ave Maria Press
Publication date:	02/07/2025
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.14(w) x 6.98(h) x 0.52(d)

About the Author

Susan De Bartoli is the author of Welcoming the Christ Child with Padre Pio and serves as the secretary of the Board of Directors of the Padre Pio Foundation of America.

She has been a guest on various radio and television shows and podcasts, including Let’s Be Frank and Catholic Faith Network Live.

De Bartoli is a pilgrimage tour operator and owner of Little Flower Pilgrimages. She also is assisting with the Cause for Canonization of Mary Pyle, Pio’s assistant.

She attended Brooklyn College. De Bartoli is a lady commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. She lives in the New York area.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan is archbishop of New York.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Whether you read this book during Lent or simply during times of personal struggle, you will get to know through this great saint both the consolations and desolations of following Jesus along the via dolorosa . . . all the way to Easter joy.” —From the foreword by Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan

“Susan De Bartoli takes us on a unique, day-by-day journey through Lent using her comprehensive knowledge of Padre Pio's life and in-depth understanding of his spirituality. Each page of this book gives us a new spiritual insight from Padre Pio that will deepen your faith.” —Julie Fitts Ritter, executive director, Padre Pio Foundation of America

“Susan De Bartoli takes us through another season of the liturgical calendar through the lens of Padre Pio, for whom almost every day was Lent. As with Welcoming the Christ Child with Padre Pio: Daily Reflections for Advent, Carry the Cross with Padre Pio is a wonderful way to reflect on the meaning of our Lord’s sacrifice.” —Corrie Campbell, chief development officer, National Centre for Padre Pio

“Every year, as Lent approaches, my heart wavers between dread and excitement. Is this another Lent where I will make a million promises and see none through? This year, however, I have Susan De Bartoli’s simple, in-depth, and truly inspirational devotional, guided by one of our modern spiritual giants—Padre Pio. With short reflections and rich content, De Bartoli’s devotional gives me hope for experiencing a Lent well lived.” —Allison Gingras, author of Encountering Signs of Faith

“Prepare yourself to embark on a spiritually transformative Lenten journey with St. Padre Pio, one of the most beloved saints of our time. Carry the Cross with Padre Pio: Daily Devotions for Lent is a true Lenten treasure you will want to pick up year after year. This fantastic book offers readers a daily opportunity to unlock spiritual insights and teachings from Padre Pio, read insightful reflections by Susan De Bartoli, and meditate on prayers that will help you grow in your faith. Read this book for a life-impacting Lent.” —Emily Jaminet, author of Secrets of the Sacred Heart