Messenger of Love and Peace St. Pio of Pietrelcina
A children's Biography
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Francesco didn’t mince his words with others. He spoke his mind. The young boy could be stubborn. He also had a temper when things didn’t go his way. Francesco was quiet and obedient to his parents, but he got himself into creative situations. At age ten he came down with a fever and intestinal infection. Since it was harvest time in southern Italy, Francesco wanted to see his much-loved farmland called Piana Romana. His mother had prepared hot fried peppers as a treat for the farmhands. Francesco asked for some hot peppers but was refused. He asked his mother to close the bedroom door because he wanted to rest. Soon after, Francesco scooted out of bed and ate the rest of the hot peppers. His mother yelled at his older brother for allowing the dog to get at the food. Finally, Francesco fessed up to who actually ate them. Once, his Uncle Pelligrino had asked Francesco to go buy some cigars and matches. Coming back home, Francesco gave in to his temptation and took a puff of the cigar. He became sick. The experience cured him of any desire to smoke. Religion was instilled into Francesco and his siblings at an early age. Francesco always wanted to go to church from the time he could speak . . . . . . Francesco worked hard at his studies, but he also had a great sense of humor. He was loved and respected by his peers and superiors. He enjoyed telling jokes with other novices. Francesco even played pranks! One night, as he was coming out of the bathroom, he saw another young novice. Francesco hid behind a stand and made some rather loud and scary sounds. The second novice, unsure of the noise, walked very fast to his room. Francesco followed him, but the young novice began running even harder. Afraid that he was going to be caught, Francesco ran quickly after his friend. When he finally reached the young novice, they tripped and fell on top of each other!
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About the Book
St. Pio of Pietrelcina became a saint on June 16, 2002. St. Pio was a miracle worker who touched the hearts of children and adults. He had the five wounds of Jesus for fifty years which was called the stigmata. St. Pio also spoke with his Guardian Angel and bilocated to different areas of the world. Bilocation is the ability to be at two places at the same time. He also had the gift of prophecy, the gift of speaking other languages, healing the sick and the ability to see into the souls of all the individuals that came into the confessional. This humble Saint had great love and respect for children. St. Pio was born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy. It is located in the southern part of Italy. MESSENGER OF LOVE AND PEACE, ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA: A CHILDREN'S BIOGRAPHY is a book which chronicles the life of St. Pio. Throughout the book, we follow St. Pio from a happy childhood in Pietrelcina, Italy, to seminarian study with the Capuchin Order in 1903 and his ordination to the priesthood in 1910. We feel his emotions when St. Pio goes back to Pietrelcina to prepare for his religious role and attends to his health needs. The biography shows St. Pio’s brief military career during World War II and the frustrations the ailing Stigmatist went through. We also share the event of September 20, 1918. St. Pio received the five wounds of Jesus on that day. The stigmatist lived with the five wounds until his death in 1968. His fifty years at the monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy was used to bring people back to our Lord. St. Pio was truly a man of God. He died on September 23, 1968. Millions of people mourned his passing. St. Pio of Pietrelcina was a holy priest, sought after confessor, miracle worker and founder of the Home for the Relief of Suffering.
About the Author
Elvira Mucciarone Janz was born in Italy. Her family lived about three hours from St. Pio and San Giovanni Rotondo. At the age of nine, she moved to the United States with her family. The author grew up with the knowledge of St. Pio. She learned about St. Pio at an early age from her mother and grandmother who attended his masses. Elvira Mucciarone Janz has a degree in Social Psychology. She graduated from Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. She has a teaching certificate from the State of Ohio. The author is also an artist. She has worked with abstract art and portraits. Her work has appeared in many art shows. The author’s abstract painting made the first judging in the Cleveland Museum Art May Show. She also worked on a mural in Cleveland, Ohio with Ed Glynn and other artists. Elvira Janz is married and has three children, Eric, Brian and Carla. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, and is a member of World Society Protection of Animals, Puppy Mill Fighters, and PETA. She not only writes about the plight of abused and slaughtered animals, but also is an animal rescuer. The author loves taking care of her bichon frises. The author’s research took many twists and turns. She first informally interviewed family and friends about St. Pio, read and researched books, articles, documentaries, made trips to various areas of the United States and was in touch with the monastery in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Father Gerardo Di Flumeri, Vice Postulator in San Giovanni Rotondo gave the author permission to use St. Pio’s pictures, to properly quote his words and paraphrase freely from any books published by Editions Padre Pio of Pietrelcina or from Voice of Padre Pio. Father Gerardo Di Flumeri requested that a copy of the author’s book be sent for the archives at San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. Father Gerardo Di Flumeri wrote a moving statement about St. Pio for the author’s book. During this time, the author also wrote an article called "Guardian Angels All Around." It was published in the Echoes of Padre Pio’s Voice. While writing and researching her book, the author received a letter of encouragement from Pope John II. The encouragement was very much appreciated. The author interviewed Mrs. Vera Calandra and Veramarie Calandra from the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania. Veramarie had received a lifesaving miracle from St. Pio when she was a young child. Mrs. Hafer was interviewed regarding the miracle her son Jacob had received. Also interviewed was Mrs. Walsh. Paul Walsh had received a miracle from St. Pio after a near fatal car accident. Elvira Mucciarone Janz continues writing short articles. She has begun working on a second book.