Saints

Saint Athanasius

Book cover: Saint Athanasius
Author(s): 
F.A. (Frances Alice) Forbes

This short, and fairly easy to read biography chronicles the life of Saint Athanasius (early 300s) – Patriarch/bishop of Alexandria and Doctor of the Church (and model of perserverance). Athanasius was a defender of the faith in a very critical time in the early Church's history. Even before the Edict of Milan which allowed Christians to practice their faith freely (at least for a time), the heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ, was beginning its attack on the Church.

Bernadette, Our Lady's Little Servant

Book cover: Bernadette, Our Lady's Little Servant
Author(s): 
Hertha Pauli

In the consistent style of the Vision Series of non-fiction Catholic stories for young people, the author presents a very engaging account of the important story of Our Lady's appearances to Bernadette Soubirous – probably the poorest and simplest child in the small town of Lourdes, France. Bernadette's beautiful devotion is inspiring and her stubborn honesty is refreshing. More important, however, is Our Lady's message and her profound effect on those who come to her out of devotion and sometimes only curiosity.

Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus

Book cover: Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus
Author(s): 
August Derleth
Illustrator(s): 
John Lawn

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the well-known saint/scholar, founder of the Jesuits and author of the Spiritual Exercises, was a surprisingly simple and humble man. Although he was rather arrogant and adventurous as a young soldier, a serious battle wound forced him into an extended bed rest. Restless and bored, he finally gave in to reading the only two books available to him – The Life of Our Saviour and The Lives of the Saints.

St. Therese and the Roses

Book cover: St. Therese and the Roses
Author(s): 
Helen Walker Homan

Therese Martin (1873 – 1897) was the youngest of five girls growing up in a devout Catholic family in France in the late nineteenth century. We all know how, in just over one hundred years she has become one of the most beloved Saints in the Church and has recently been named "Doctor of the Church" by Pope John Paul II. This is the delightful and moving story of a little girl who became a great saint; of five sisters who were all called to religious vocations.

Augustine Came to Kent

Book cover: Augustine Came to Kent
Author(s): 
Barbara Willard

Historical fiction account of the mission of St. Augustine of Canterbury to bring Christianity to England in 597, as seen through the eyes of a young boy accompanying the monks on the journey. While not as fast-paced as other Bethlehem Books titles, the story really brings the era to life and is a very good tale besides – full of little insights into human nature, Christian ideas and heroism.

Saint Margaret Mary, Apostle of the Sacred Heart

Book cover: Saint Margaret Mary, Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Author(s): 
Ruth Fox Hume

This is such a beautiful story of a simple, humble nun who was chosen by Jesus to spread devotion to his most Sacred Heart. I especially like how the author presents God's plan and how He had specially prepared Sr. Alocoque and Father de la Columbiere for this important mission. As Ignatius Press is reprinting many books from the Vision series, I hope this will be back in print sometime soon.

Blessed Miguel Pro

Book cover: Blessed Miguel Pro
Author(s): 
Ann Ball

Miguel Pro (1891-1927) was a young priest in Mexico during the persecution of the Church in the 1920s. He used interesting disguises to slip past authorities in order to celebrate Mass in secret and otherwise minister to his people. He fearlessly continued such dangerous missions despite health problems and eventually was arrested and martyred for his faith.The reader will learn a lot about the politics, culture and religion of his time.

Mother Cabrini

Book cover: Mother Cabrini
Author(s): 
Frances Parkinson Keyes

The story of the great Italian missionary to the United States is told to two young students in one of the schools she founded. The story especially elaborates on the history of the schools and works founded by Mother Cabrini in New Orleans, Louisiana. A very beautiful story already, this particular rendition has the unique angle of being told by one of the Sisters of Charity who had come to America from Italy with Mother Cabrini. This would make a good read aloud story for the whole family and would be a helpful supplement to your American History curriculum.

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