Loyola Kids Book of Jesus, His Family, and His Friends

Amelia Bentrup interviews Loretta Pehanich, the author of a new children’s book published by Loyola Press.

Loyola Kids Book of Jesus, His Family, and His Friends

by Loretta Pehanich
Published by Loyola Press

A few months ago, I completed an Ignatian Bible study course that was written and taught by a member of my parish. I was intrigued with the idea of picturing myself in Bible stories with Jesus and using my imagination to meditate on Jesus’s life and teachings. Recently, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to review the Loyola Kids Book of Jesus, His Family, and His Friends by Loretta Pehanich, a new children’s book that brings the story of Jesus to children in an accessible and interesting way using Ignatian biblical spirituality.   

Each chapter not only talks about themes in Jesus’s life, but also contains a prayer, conversation starters and answers to questions. The conversation starters are my favorite part of this book, and this book has become part of a cherished rotation in our family’s nightly prayer routine.  

Loretta Pehanich, the author of this new book, graciously agreed to be interviewed, so I am excited to share this interview with you.  

What made you decide to write this book?  

I wanted to help kids see Jesus as a person just like us! He had a complicated family like many kids have today, experienced normal human struggles, and enjoyed friendships of many kinds, like we do.  

I wanted to write something that was not a chronological story. It’s theme-based. Chapters connect various Scriptures and concepts from Saint Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises to a theme such as what it means to be Jesus’ friend. For example, in the chapter, “Friendship Is More Valuable than Money,” I connect the rich man who went away sad to the Beatitudes and to Saint Ignatius’ Principle and Foundation. But it’s subtly done using language kids can understand. 

What is your favorite biblical story of Jesus, and why?  

I wrote about my favorite story in the chapter, “Friends Tell: He’s Alive!” It’s the story about how Jesus chose Mary Magdalene to be the first witness to the Resurrection. Why is it a favorite? It’s a story about friendship. Mary Magdalene was someone who supported Jesus financially, who experienced healing from Jesus, who stood with Jesus’ mother at the cross when Jesus died, who followed his body to the tomb, and who rushed to the grave as soon as the Sabbath was over. She was loyal. And that’s a great quality in a good friend. 

Your book is based on the spiritual practice of St Ignatius of Loyola of putting oneself in a Bible story. How do you practice Ignatian spirituality?  

I love telling stories! People say I have a great imagination. That really helps when it comes to Ignatian Contemplation. As a spiritual director since 2012, I practice Ignatian spirituality in conversations with retreatants and directees. I practice gratitude, knowing that all is a gift. My daily prayer often begins with the Lectionary, and I ask Jesus to help me enter the story. And Jesus never lets me down. If you look at some of the imaginative stories on the dotMagis blog on IgnatianSpirituality.com, you will experience some of the fruits of my personal prayer.  

I try to find God in all things (especially in the current moment), use discernment daily, participate in two faith-sharing groups, review and write about my prayer, and enjoy at least one Examen daily. I try to deepen my understanding of Ignatian spirituality continually, and I read books such as The History of the Jesuits, which is at my bedside right now. 

Which chapter was the most difficult to write?  

Hmmmm. The stories flowed. I had oh, so many inspirations as I prayed for future readers, and I kept asking Jesus to take charge. If anything, the hardest part was honing down the material. I wrote more chapters than were able to fit in the final product. As John’s Gospel relates, if every story about Jesus were to be written down, the whole world could not contain the books. (John 21:25) 

Which chapter is most meaningful to you?  

I really love the epilogue, which talks about the mystery of the Trinity. I believe it holds the crux of the message I hope readers will take away: that they are made in God’s image, created good, and that our mysterious, omniscient God loves each and every one of us beyond our ability to comprehend. No matter what. Always.  

And I’ll tell you a secret: I wrote this book for adults just as much as for children. In my decades of ministry I’ve met many Catholics whose faith formation has gaps. This book allows adults to explore their faith in ways they may never have done before. Every chapter has “Where to Find Out More” sections which send adults to the Bible where they will find new opportunities to grow in relationship with God.  

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2024 Amelia Bentrup
Images: (top) detail from book cover