The Way of the Cross: A Story of Padre Pio

This book, written especially for young readers, is a biographical sketch of Padre Pio--one of the most famous religious figures of the twentieth century. Born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, at Pietrelcino in southeastern Italy, he joined the Capuchin Order in 1903 and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1910. On September 20, 1918, he received the sacred wounds of Christ, which medical science could not explain and which he bore for the rest of his life. Although he did not leave his monastery and was under obedience not to write or preach, this humble monk was renowned for his piety, his wise counsel, and his miracles. Padre Pio died in 1968 and was canonized by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 2002.