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5062
qualitative
book
Smith, Scott L. Jr., Near-Death Experiences, Sophia Institute Press, Chapter 7, Fr. Jean Derobert with Padre Pio, Pages 172-188, 2024
Near-Death Experiences by Scott L. Smith Jr., Chapter 7, Pages 172-188, 2024
1958
2024
M
Fr. Jean Derobert, a French priest and spiritual son of Padre Pio, was executed by firing squad along with five other soldiers by the Algerian National Liberation Front in August 1958. Shot and killed instantly, he experienced immediate disembodiment and saw his bloodied body fallen among his dead comrades. He had received a letter from Padre Pio that morning stating "Life is a constant struggle but it leads to the light."
He began ascending through a tunnel where he saw many faces emerging from fog - first somber faces of sinners, then increasingly luminous faces as he ascended. He experienced his glorified body with 360-degree vision, no pain from wounds, and ability to move at the speed of thought. He visited his sleeping parents in Annecy and noted furniture had been moved, later confirmed by his mother. He communicated telepathically with Pope Pius XII in the papal apartments. Continuing his ascension, he found himself in beautiful scenery wrapped in soft bluish light with no sun, as "the Lord is their light" per Revelation. He saw thousands of people all appearing about thirty years old regardless of their death age. He became a drop of light among other drops including Saints Peter, Paul, and John. He then saw Mary in full radiance with her ineffable smile, Jesus behind her looking spectacularly beautiful, and behind them an area of light he knew was the Father. He dove headfirst into the Father experiencing total fulfillment and perfect happiness. Then briskly found himself back with his face in dirt among bloodied bodies. His clothing was riddled with bullet holes but his body was unwounded. His commander cried "A miracle!" Padre Pio later told him "You really took me for a ride this time!" implying he had accompanied Derobert on the journey.
5
Other
7
20
37
Moderate Evidence
10
Documented execution by firing squad, multiple witnesses to death
Verified furniture movement at parents home, communication with Pope, detailed glorified body experience
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8/5/2025
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