"Christ was at the center of the Forgione family, who were so pious that neighbors sometimes called them the 'God-Is-Everything Family.'" (Chapter 1, 28)

"Neighbors referred to him as 'il bello Francesco' ('beautiful Francis'), as much for his temperament as his appearance." (Chapter 2, 29)

"I, Fra Pio of Pietreclcina, vow and promise to the Omnipotent God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, to St. Francis, and to all the saints, and to you, Father, to observe for three years the Rule of the Friars Minor, confirmed by Pope Honorius, living in obedience, without property, and in chastity." (Chapter 3, 54)

"The modern reader ... may tend to be somewhat skeptical about alleged visions and supernatural voices, preferring to pass over this aspect of Padre Pio's life. One cannot do this and still understand Pio, since his contact with the invisible world was an essential aspect of his existence." (Chapter 4, 61)

"A souvenir of my first...