16th century

Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus

Book cover: Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus
Author(s): 
August Derleth
Illustrator(s): 
John Lawn
Number of pages: 
167 pages
Copyright: 
1956
ISBN / ID: 
9780898707229
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

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. Reading and studying these stories placed Ignatius onto a new and completely unexpected path – one of serious devotion to God and profound humility. The story follows his life as he seeks God's will, returns to school as a 33 year old man, gains folllowers while in the University and finally puts together his dream of "the Company of Jesus."

We are reminded in the story of what effect the stories of the lives of the Saints can have. The story of Ignatius is of particular value, not only because of his great effect on the world, but also because of the glimpse we are given of the spiritual development that takes place within him as he seeks to do God's will. Despite the depth of content, the story is told in a simple enough manner to be understood and appreciated by the whole family.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
11-16-99

Saint Philip of the Joyous Heart

Book cover: Saint Philip of the Joyous Heart
Author(s): 
Francis X. Connolly
Number of pages: 
168 pages
Copyright: 
1957
ISBN / ID: 
9780898704310
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

The lovely story of the 16th century priest and saint of Rome whose joy brought many away from the evils of the day. He patiently bore a great deal of emotional persecution from some fellow priests, but eventually won his tormentors over to the love of Christ. Many insights into the meaning of a vocation and how to spread the joy of Christ.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
4-26-01

Saint Thomas More of London

Book cover: Saint Thomas More of London
Author(s): 
Elizabeth Ince
Number of pages: 
188 pages
Copyright: 
1957
ISBN / ID: 
9780898709322
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

An interesting and readable life of Thomas More (1477-1535): the great saint, scholar, father, lawyer, statesman, author, patriot and lover of the Church. The author, a descendant of Thomas More, has included many interesting details and anecdotes that bring this great man to life and help us better understand who he was. Even as an adult who became interested in St. Thomas More from the movie A Man for All Seasons, I found many tidbits that helped fill in the details not present in the movie – particularly regarding More's life before he became Chancellor of England. We also get more of a sense of his holiness and spirituality. Highly Recommended.

Part of the Vision series from Ignatius Press, this book is best for upper grade school and high school.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
9-29-03

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