Saints High Middle Ages

The Quiet Light

A novel of St. Thomas Aquinas
Book cover: 'The Quiet Light: A novel of St. Thomas Aquinas'
Author(s): 
Louis de Wohl
Copyright: 
1950
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
Disclaimer: best suited for high schoolers due to an incident where Thomas Aquinas is tempted by his brothers when they bring a prostitute to his room one night. Also, there are a few quick references to 'wenches' .

The dust jacket reads that the "theme of this novel was suggested to Louis de Wohl, in a private audience, by His Holiness, Pope Pius XII in 1948". The Quiet Light was printed two years later.

The book tells the story of the life of Thomas Aquinas from the eyes of his family members. It is a well-written novel, with an exciting plot and a complement of well-rounded characters. We see Thomas Aquinas as a shy, and supposedly dull-witted, schoolboy who earns himself the name of "The Dumb Ox". It isn't until college that his legendary genius is revealed. We learn how Thomas's wealthy family are terribly opposed to his decision to become a Dominican, and of their many attempts to thwart his personal plan. The author makes Saint Thomas Aquinas come alive, and we are left with a deep impression of the impact that this saint made in his time.

The novel is also noteworthy for its historical content. It is a wonderful case study of life in the thirteenth century in Europe. We learn of feuding barons, fleeing popes, politically-motivated marriages, chivalry, feasting, the crusades, and life in a monastary.

Most importantly, this is a Catholic novel. We are touched by the depth of the faith of St. Thomas Aquinas, and awe-struck by the miracles that occur later in his life.

For highschoolers studying the Middle Ages, or anyone who wants to learn more about this important saint, The Quiet Light is highly recommended.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1999

Francis and Clare

Saints of Assisi
Book cover: 'Francis and Clare: Saints of Assisi'
Author(s): 
Helen Walker Homan
Number of pages: 
187 pages
Copyright: 
1956
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
I've been reading a number of the Vision Books aloud to my five year old daughter and she seems to like each one more than the last. The story of Saint Francis is both uplifting and enjoyable, due to the many humorous events captured in the story. The book is also informative enough to be interesting to older children and even adults (I had never read a full-length book about St. Francis).
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1999

Saint Anthony and the Christ Child

Author(s): 
Helen Walker Homan
Number of pages: 
174 pages
Copyright: 
1958
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
In the tradition of the Vision Series, this book is a very readable and even enjoyable story of one of the most popular saints whom no one seems to know very much about. Although he is commonly known as Saint Anthony of Padua (Italy) and Finder of Lost Things, Saint Anthony actually hails from Portugal. The beginning of the story, the author admits, is somewhat fictional as very little is known about Saint Anthony's early life. An extremely gifted, orator, Saint Anthony traveled throughout Europe as a humble Franciscan (during the lifetime of Saint Francis of Assisi), preaching the faith, performing miracles, and spreading his devotion to the Christ Child. You'll also learn why Saint Anthony is the patron of the Lost - but I don't want to spoil that for you!

I found it rather disappointing to learn at the end of the story that almost the entire childhood portion of the story is fictitious.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
3-17-2000

Saint Dominic and the Rosary

Author(s): 
Catherine Beebe
Number of pages: 
161 pages
Copyright: 
1956
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
It is the late twelfth century and Christendom is threatened from within by the Albigensian heresy - a belief that the world is so evil that it must have been created by the devil. The consequences of this are more serious than one might at first think. Although they believe the man's soul was created by God (and therefore good), the Albigensians (who presumably "started out" as Catholics) reject the doctrine of the Real Presence because they believed the bread and wine were made by the devil, they didn't believe in marriage and having children and even went so far as justifying murder and suicide.

Enter Dominic de Guzman. Dominic decided to be a priest when he was very young. He understood the importance of all of his studies as preparation for his vocation. "A priest, or in fact any well-educated person, must learn all that he possibly can about all subjects He must learn not only those that are especially necessary for his chosen work." The story contains an excellent explanation of a good education and its purpose. "You must perfect yourself in arithmetic, algebra, geometry - the exact sciences, which will teach you to think clearly. You must learn to read with understanding...And, of course, logic. That will teach you to reason in a sound and exact way."

The story follows the life of St. Dominic as becomes a great preacher, continually arguing against the Albigensian heresy. He has limited success, however, until Our Lady appears to him and entrusts him with one of the greatest heavenly gifts - the Rosary.

This is an excellent story, well written and understandable, and filled with many important insights for us today.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
11-16-99

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