Saints
The Cure D'Ars
St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney
Number of pages:
586 pages
Copyright:
1927
Publisher:
TAN Books and Publishers
Binding:
Softcover
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Review:
This is a fascinating and surprisingly readable (but lengthy) biography of St. John Vianney - the definitive one, carefully researched from the documents produced for the canonization process. It is most suitable for adults, but will be appropriate for teens who enjoy reading - it is particularly beneficial for young men considering the priesthood. Some of the particular stories about St. John Vianney and those whose lives he touched are absolutely amazing.
This book also bears a special recommendation from Pope John Paul II and had a substantial influence on his life. He had this to say about St. John Vianney and this particular book in his own book Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination...
"With great emotion I visited the little old church where Saint John Vianney heard confessions, taught catechism, and gave his homilies. It was an unforgettable experience for me. From my seminary years I had been impressed by the figure of the Cure d'Ars, especially after reading his biography by Monsignor Trochu. Saint John Marie Vianney astonishes us because in him we can see the power of grace working through human limitations. It was his heroic service in the confessional which particularly struck me. That humble priest, who would hear confessions more than ten hours a day, eating little and sleeping only a few hours, was able, at a difficult moment in history, to inspire a kind of spiritual revolution in France..." (pp. 57, Gift and Mystery by Pope John Paul II)
This book also bears a special recommendation from Pope John Paul II and had a substantial influence on his life. He had this to say about St. John Vianney and this particular book in his own book Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination...
"With great emotion I visited the little old church where Saint John Vianney heard confessions, taught catechism, and gave his homilies. It was an unforgettable experience for me. From my seminary years I had been impressed by the figure of the Cure d'Ars, especially after reading his biography by Monsignor Trochu. Saint John Marie Vianney astonishes us because in him we can see the power of grace working through human limitations. It was his heroic service in the confessional which particularly struck me. That humble priest, who would hear confessions more than ten hours a day, eating little and sleeping only a few hours, was able, at a difficult moment in history, to inspire a kind of spiritual revolution in France..." (pp. 57, Gift and Mystery by Pope John Paul II)
Perspective:
Catholic
Reviewed by:
First reviewed:
3-7-01
The Cure of Ars
The Story of Saint John Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests
Number of pages:
210 pages
Copyright:
1947
Publisher:
TAN Books and Publishers
Binding:
Softcover
Subject(s):
Setting:
Grade / Age level:
Review:
Although this is a bit longer than some of the other Saint stories by the same author, my children have been enjoying this story very much as a read-aloud. The story is told in the first person - from the point of view of St. John Vianney himself. (My children have particularly enjoyed this perspective and found it a nice change from the ordinary.) The author also weaves a great deal of thoughtful commentary upon the importance and mystery of priesthood into the story as well as important concepts about the love of God and the need for prayer and penance. It is just the sort of book that could inspire a young boy to consider a priestly vocation in his future.
Perspective:
Catholic
Reviewed by:
First reviewed:
3-7-01
The Day the Sun Danced
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Review:
Published by CCC Animated Video
This is a nicely done version of the story of Our Lady's appearances to the three small children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. It is a simpler version than The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima and more appropriate for very young children.
Updated March 2024: This video has been reissued on DVD with three languages, English, Spanish, and French, on the same disk.
Perspective:
Catholic
Reviewed by:
First reviewed:
1998-99
The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica
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This oversized story book, illustrated with the familiar style of Tomie de Paola, relates the stories of Saints Benedict and Scholastica - twin brother and sister who lived in Italy in the 5th Century. The story is very simple, with gentle humor, and suitable for young children. The illustrations are especially interesting because they resemble pre-Renaissance Christian art with little bits of the story taking place in the background of the main picture.
Monastic life and St. Benedict's rule are presented in a gentle and very positive manner. The end of the story has a detailed explanation of the history of the rule of St. Benedict. Here is a nice little sampling: "Many people who are not monks or nuns have found that Benedict's Rule offers good, practical advice and spiritual counsel for getting along with others in a family, on the job, or in a church community." This page is followed by one illustrating some examples from his Rule.
Monastic life and St. Benedict's rule are presented in a gentle and very positive manner. The end of the story has a detailed explanation of the history of the rule of St. Benedict. Here is a nice little sampling: "Many people who are not monks or nuns have found that Benedict's Rule offers good, practical advice and spiritual counsel for getting along with others in a family, on the job, or in a church community." This page is followed by one illustrating some examples from his Rule.
Perspective:
Catholic
Reviewed by:
First reviewed:
7-21-05
The Little Flower
The Story of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus
Number of pages:
167 pages
Copyright:
1944
Publisher:
TAN Books and Publishers
Binding:
Softcover
Subject(s):
Setting:
Grade / Age level:
Review:
I have not yet read this story, but my daughter read it to herself and enjoyed it very much even though she already read St. Therese and the Roses.
Perspective:
Catholic
First reviewed:
4/5/01
The Orphans Find a Home
A St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Story
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This is the story of three orphan immigrants - Maria, an Italian in her early teens, Molly, a little Irish girl with a way of getting into trouble, and Ming, a very shy Chinese girl. Maria, Molly and Ming, survive for a time by sticking together and living in a dark boiler room until their lives are changed by meeting Mother Cabrini. The author, who is a Catholic homeschooling mother, has included questions and other study helps in the areas of history, geography, vocabulary and religion. The author has also produced a sewing kit for making a Mother Cabrini habit (complete with cross and rosary) for "American Girl"-type dolls and related craft and activity books which are available from the publisher.
Perspective:
Catholic
Reviewed by:
First reviewed:
1998-99
The Quiet Light
A novel of St. Thomas Aquinas
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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.
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:
1998-99
The Seashell on the Mountaintop
Subject(s):
Setting:
Grade / Age level:
Review:
Perspective:
Catholic
Reviewed by:
First reviewed:
12-26-06
The Song of Bernadette
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Review:
This is a beautiful, Academy Award winning movie depicting the apparitions of Our Lady to Saint Bernadette in Lourdes, France, in the mid-1800s. The depiction is accurate - based on the book of the same title by Franz Werfel - but also beautifully and powerfully produced. Jennifer Jones is the simple and unpretentious Bernadette, Vincent Price is a town magistrate who is skeptical of the apparitions and rather hostile to Bernadette. An excellent family film and one of the finest Hollywood films of a religious nature.
Additional notes:
black and white, 156 min
Reviewed by:
First reviewed:
3-3-01