Join us as we prepare for the coming of Christ. In this two-session short course, students will learn from St Francis of Assisi, St Therese of Lisieux and St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) their way to Christ. St Francis of Assisi takes us to the nativity scene to embrace the poverty and humility of Christ, made manifest in his own Incarnation and birth, which expressed his overflowing love for us. St Therese of Lisieux provides practical advice to live the “little way” of opening and offering our tiny selves, with all our weaknesses, to His merciful love and presence, so he can fulfil us. Padre Pio teaches us to take our place beside Christ at all times, whether it be in embracing Christ at his birth, suffering with Christ in His Passion or glorying with Christ in his resurrection. He is always Emmanuel: God-with-us. No matter how imperfect our attempts to love are, what matters is that we let his infinite perfect love embrace us, so that he then transforms us to love more perfectly. CEWA: this course has been approved for Ongoing Renewal (Faith)