The 148-page book on the recently beatified Padre Pio is packed with details about his life, spirituality and charisms, by one who knew the Padre intimately. The author qualifies as a spiritual son of Padre Pio in a number of ways. He grew up in a family which had a close relationship with the new Blessed. Padre Pio was the author's spiritual director. Padre Pio spoke of the Manelli family as "my family." Fr. Stefano turned to Padre Pio for guidance in establishing a new Franciscan community, the Franciscans of the Immaculate.