A Soldier Surrenders: The Conversion of Saint Camillus de Lellis (God's Forgotten Friends)
#1 in God'S Forgotten Friends Series
What’s inside...
At last . . . a saint for strugglers! Soldiering, gambling, brawling, drinking. As a young man, Saint Camillus excelled at them all. Add to that his fiery temper and innate knack for getting in trouble, and Camillus de Lellis seems the last person who could ever achieve holiness! But God had plans for the stubborn young soldier, whether Camillus liked it or not. This novel for adult and young adult readers will introduce them to a great saint—a physical giant who had to contend with many personal struggles, much weakness, and repeated failures before he could become a moral giant. The story of Camillus de Lellis' conversion will leave no reader unmoved, and those that feel hopeless about themselves will find new hope, a hero, and a friend in Christ. Back in print by popular demand, this fast-paced and inspiring story of the wayward soldier-of-fortune who became an intrepid Soldier of Christ will appeal even to those who don't normally like to read!
Character compass
Camillus De Lellis
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire in Saint Camillus and why?
How does Saint Camillus change throughout the story, and what do you think caused these changes?
What does the story teach us about helping others and showing compassion?
Can you think of a time when you made a mistake and learned from it, like Saint Camillus?
How can we apply the lessons from Saint Camillus’s life to our daily activities?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the story together, discussing key plot points that stood out to your child.
Encourage your child to compare their experiences with those of Saint Camillus, fostering a deeper personal connection.
Ask your child how they feel about the events in the book, and what they would have done differently if they were in the same situations.
Link the themes of the book with real-life examples of kindness and resilience that your child may encounter, enhancing their understanding.
After discussing, suggest ways your child can demonstrate compassion and change in their own life, inspired by Saint Camillus’s actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of transformation and redemption
Explanation: The story showcases the life of Camillus de Lellis, who transforms from a troubled youth to a devoted caregiver, demonstrating that personal change is always possible.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that they have the capacity to change and grow, no matter their past, encouraging them to strive for betterment in their behavior and attitudes.
Example Lesson: The importance of compassion and empathy
Explanation: Camillus de Lellis dedicates his life to caring for the sick, which highlights the importance of empathy and selflessness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's daily interactions, teaching them to be considerate and to understand and share the feelings of others, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Commitment to service
Explanation: Through his unwavering dedication to helping those in need, Camillus exemplifies the virtue of service.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in community service or engage in acts of kindness, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to their community.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes numerous obstacles throughout his journey, illustrating that perseverance is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of persisting through difficulties, whether in their academic pursuits, hobbies, or personal relationships, ultimately shaping resilient individuals.