Chapter 3, Summary and Analysis

Padre Pio becomes a mendicant friar in the Capuchin order, the most conservative offshoot of the Franciscans. Pio's order strictly observes the Rule of St. Francis, a behavioral code that forbids, among other things, shaving their faces and wearing shoes. This order does much to eliminate church abuses and provide charitable services.

Becoming a friar involves studying community life and preparation for the priesthood. In the former, Pio goes through a novitiate, temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and solemn vows, making the previous ones permanent. Francesco's new name will be "Pio" which comes from a sixteenth-century pope. Pio's novitiate is led by Master Tommaso, who is severe and rigorous. The novitiate involves learning the prayer schedule, the lives of the saints (especially those of the Order) and the memorization of the Rule. The author then describes their daily schedule...