Book excerpt: Along with Mother Teresa and John Paul II, Padre Pio is one of the most beloved and inspirational figures for both Catholics and people of belief throughout the world. Now, in Padre Pio - The Scent of Roses, award-winning journalist Colm Keane, brings accounts of the saint's wonderful influence up to date. Using first-hand accounts of healing and recovery from illness, and through the stories of miracles and cures attributed to Padre Pio, this book provides new insights into the power and reach of the saint, who for fifty years bore the five wounds of Christ. The author retells personal stories of recovery from various cancers (including tumours and leukaemia), heart problems, depression, arthritis and multiple sclerosis and remarkable revivals from brain injuries, infections, accidents, kidney failure, blood clots and problems in childbirth. Colm Keane's writing on life, death and spirituality has touched readers in profound ways over many years and many of his books have been number one bestsellers. His latest, Padre Pio - The Scent of Roses is a deeply spiritual book on a much loved and revered saint.