April 20, 2012. (Romereports.com) Throughout his seven years as Pope, Benedict XVI has made it a point to talk about faith and religion with children. Over the years, in his trips and even at the Vatican, the Pope has met with thousands of children to talk about the Sacraments, but often it's adults who are also listening in on the message.


ANN KISSANE ENGELHART
Book Illustrator 'Be Saints'
“Early on in Pope Benedict's Pontificate, I became very aware that he spoke often about the relationship between faith, art and beauty, and as an artist it intrigued me.”

Ann Kissane Engelhart was inspired by how the Pope explained the reasoning behind faith and religion. And so, along with editor Amy Welborn, she had the idea of illustrating two children's books.

One is called 'Friendship with Jesus,' which  deals with a child's First Communion.

ANN KISSANE ENGELHART
Book Illustrator 'Be Saints'
“Even if they have a simplistic understanding of it, I think Pope Benedict's words really help them realize that it's the beginning of their adventure of faith.”

The other book is called 'Be Saints,' which was inspired by the Pope's 2010 visit to the United Kingdom, where he invited all children to live a saintly life, even amid the pressures of a modern world.

Benedict XVI
“What God wants most of all for each one of you is that you should become holy. He loves you much more than you could ever begin to imagine, and he wants the very best for you.”

ANN KISSANE ENGELHART
Book Illustrator 'Be Saints'
“Fortunately, Pope Benedict is a wonderful teacher, so he was the one who really put in in words that were very clear for a child. Even though they were very deep, very sophisticated ideas, but he spoke to the children on their level in a way they could understand.”

Even though the books are for children, they also have a message for older generations. Especially since it's often said adults should try to preserve a pure and child like heart.


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