Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Ess) (Encounter the Saints (Paperback))
#13 in Encounter The Saints Series
What’s inside...
This is the amazing life story of a Franciscan priest who bore the wounds of the crucified Jesus and used the special gifts he received from God--the ability to read souls and bilocation--to relieve the sufferings of others who crowded the Church to attend his masses and speak to him during confession. His advice to 'Pray. Hope. And don't worry' continues to give encouragement to countless people around the world.
Character compass
Saint Pio Of Pietrelcina
Padre Pio
Discussion points
What do you think made Saint Pio such a beloved figure?
How can we incorporate some of the virtues of Saint Pio, like compassion and humility, into our everyday lives?
Saint Pio experienced many challenges. What can we learn from how he handled these difficulties?
In what ways do you think helping others brings us closer to being like Saint Pio?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you start the conversation, share your own thoughts on Saint Pio’s life to help your child feel comfortable expressing their ideas.
Encourage your child to think about how the themes of the book relate to their own life experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Highlight the importance of virtues like kindness and perseverance demonstrated by Saint Pio, discussing how these can be applied in real-world situations your child might encounter.
Use examples from the book to prompt your child to think of ways they can make a positive difference in their community, just as Saint Pio did in his.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story of Saint Pio showcases his unwavering commitment to his faith and duties despite facing numerous challenges and health issues.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay determined and keep working towards their goals, even when they encounter obstacles.
Example Lesson: Compassion towards others
Explanation: Saint Pio is known for his deep compassion and the care he showed towards the faithful who sought his guidance, reflecting his empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be empathetic and helpful towards others, fostering a sense of community and support.
Example Lesson: Importance of spiritual growth
Explanation: The book illustrates how Saint Pio's spiritual journey was integral to his life, highlighting his dedication to prayer and meditation.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore and respect spiritual or personal growth, understanding its impact on overall wellbeing.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: Saint Pio’s ability to endure suffering with patience and strength is a central theme, teaching readers about resilience.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to face their own challenges with courage, developing personal resilience that will aid them throughout life.
Example Lesson: Serving the community
Explanation: The story emphasizes Saint Pio's efforts in founding a hospital and serving the needs of his community, showing his commitment to social service.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of contributing to their communities and the positive impact it can have on others.