Saints

St. Benedict (480-543), particularly honored as the Father of Monasticism, is an essential character in understanding Christian Culture as it existed in the Middle Ages because it was heavily influenced by the Monasteries (and the rule of St. Benedict) which helped to preserve Catholicism and classical learning after the fall of the Roman empire. Fortunately, this particular book is very simple and aims at telling the STORY of St. Benedict. The author introduces us to his spirituality, the realm of his influence during his own lifetime, and in a very real and tangible way, how the devil tried to fight the good God did through this holy monk. Like all good saint stories aimed at children, the author provides us with a real, live, interesting person, actively engaging our attention and causing us to want to imitate him. (Make no mistake, even though it's aimed at children, it can have the same effect on their parents too.) The story provides excellent supplemental material to a history program as it also covers some of the major political and social events of the times through the eyes of St. Benedict. Our family found the story and the interest level suitable even for the little ones, although the reading level is harder to determine. Kolbe Academy recommends it for 7th grade (based on length) and Seton Home Study recommends it for 6th grade.

This should not be the first book you read about St. Francis. It is a book for those who are already familiar with the saint. It is a novelization, or fictionalization of the adult life of St. Francis, as told through the eyes of a fictional Brother Leo.

The story is well woven by Kazantzakis, a prolific writer who spent most of his life (1883-1957) in Greece, but who gave up his Greek Orthodox faith at some point in his life (and did not embrace any other faith), who was introduced to St. Francis when he visited the city of Assisi.

As historical fiction, this book serves as an interesting chance to hear more details about St. Francis's everyday life. It focuses especially on the struggle between spirit and flesh, and the saint is constantly battling fatigue, starvation, extreme thirst, and even when he is weakened by these, he is still searching for ways to mortify his flesh, something Brother Leo tries to stop but cannot.

I can clearly see how this book would be of benefit to those who would like help imagining St. Francis's daily life. And his heroic virtues are evident in the story, and are exemplary. However, this book is not for those who want to stick to the historical record. For example, the main character, Brother Leo, is ficticious. And I know of no historical eveidence that the brothers who banded with St. Francis ever called him "Father Francis" which Kazantzakis has them do. St. Francis was never ordained a priest, and so would not have been called "Father."

There are study questions at the end of the book to assist book clubs in bringing out the ideas of the book. There are but 12 questions, each of which could be discussed in a session. For example, "Francis preaches and lives out of a total dependence on God. What did this mean for him in terms of the concrete realities of his daily life? What might it mean for you?"

This book shows the challenges of living as a saint in the world, and in addition, as one reads, one is challenged to question one's own life and the things we think of as important. Francis's poverty is exemplary, his dependence on God marvelous, his attractiveness is evident as more and more men come to him, seeking the life he lives, seeking God.

I think that for adults, this book can be helpful. It shows St. Francis is a very vividly imaginative story, and unusual telling of his life. Yet, it is also a story that draws you in, and helps the reader think about God, life and living as a saint.

Saul was a devout Jew so zealous about the Law that he persecuted the followers of the Nazarene with a vengeance. Through God's miraculous intervention Saul discovers that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and longs to proclaim and exhort that which he has formerly persecuted and abhored. There are many obstacles to overcome. The Christians have a difficult time trusting him and are focused on differences with the Jews, whereas Paul is eager to proclaim the Gospel to everyone. As he travels all over the Mediterranean, he is impeded by shipwreck and many who hate him. He fled communities in secret and on at least once occasion barely escaped with his life.

The short chapters are nice for beginning readers and for busy moms trying to read the story aloud a little at a time.

Despite its humble appearance, this biography of Saint Thomas Aquinas is a real gem. The story is told as a real story should be told, full of miracles and detail without becoming preachy, yet it is simple enough for the children it was written to instruct. The rich vocabulary hints at an original copyright in the early 1900s and may be challenging to a young independent reader. You may wish to read this book aloud to the under-8s or beside an 8-9-year-old to be sure of comprehension. The short chapters allow for frequent pauses and discussion of the spiritual truths encountered, and the black-and-white line drawings are tempting to our young colorists. Many of the elegantly written passages are perfectly suited for copywork.

The book begins with an introduction to Saint Thomas Aquinas that tells of his unique titles in the Church and his gifts of wisdom and learning. We learn of his childhood and his studies, his captivity and his nickname, the Dumb Ox, and of his beautiful hymns for the feast of Corpus Christi and Benediction. We read about the many miracles and holy favors enjoyed by the Saint and learn from examples of his spiritual gifts of charity, humility, and intelligence. Finally, we hear about his holy death, canonization, and the institution of his feast day. Our young students will be encouraged to pray to this great Doctor of the Church and be inspired to work hard at their studies in imitation of him.