Padre Pio by Barbara Yoffie

Padre Pio by Barbara Yoffie

Padre Pio was born in Italy in 1887 and was a priest and confessor. (Padre is Father in Italian.) He heard millions of confessions during his lifetime. Padre Pio had the gift of healing people and knowing what was in their hearts when they came to confession. He filled people's hearts with peace and helped them to love God. By encouraging prayer and frequent confession, Padre Pio brought people back to God and the Catholic Church. He is the patron (September 23) of confessors.

Saints are real-life heroes of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In the Saints and Me series, these beautifully illustrated early-reader books tell the real stories of saints that come to life and connect with today's children aged 4 to 9.

Barbara Yoffie has been in Catholic education for 35 years as both a primary grades classroom teacher and religion education coordinator. Currently, she is the coordinator of religious education at St. Clement of Rome Elementary School, St. Louis, MO. She is a well-known presenter on a variety of topics, including seasons of the Church year, saints, creative activities, and praying with children. Yoffie has a master's degree in religious education administration from Loyola University, New Orleans, a bachelor's degree in art education, and a certificate of religious studies, from Paul VI Institute, St. Louis. She is the author of several pamphlets and booklets on saints and choosing confirmation saints.