Vision
Lydia Longley, The First American Nun
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Dramatic changes are in store for Lydia Longley when her father brings home a new mother for his children. At the time she is twelve-years-old. This change, however, proves to be small in comparison to the traumatic event that changes her life forever when she is twenty.
While everyone is busy preparing breakfast, a party of Abenaki Indians raids their peaceful farm, killing her parents, brothers and sisters. Miraculously, they spare her life along with her younger brother and sister. Sadly, her three-year-old sister does not survive the treacherous journey north.
Upon arriving in Ville-Marie (Montreal, Canada), Lydia begins her new life. Having grown up in a serious Puritan family, the changes are rather startling. What is life like in her new home? What are these strange customs these French Catholics do? Who is the mysterious Jeanne LeBer? How did she survive the long and arduous trek from Groton, Massachusetts to Ville-Marie at the hands of her Indian captors?
While remaining faithful to the actual events of her life, Lydia Longley, the First American Nun presents an interesting and inspiring account of her life. The reader is also introduced to Blessed Jeanne LeBer (Leber). Lydia lived from 1674-1758.
Perspective:
Catholic
Reviewed by:
First reviewed:
2-18-2008
Francis and Clare
Saints of Assisi
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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
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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.
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