Genre

Children’s fiction, religious fiction, historical fiction

Audience

Children 8-12

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2018

Themes

Eucharistic miracles, the real presence, conversion, faith, Jesus, the Eucharist

Reviewed by

Dr. Lisa Theus

There are hundreds of ways that God can reach us through the Eucharist. Before reading, I thought this book would be focused more on the Eucharistic miracles where blood and flesh are witnessed in a remaining host. That type of miracle is the one I associate with the phrase “Eucharistic miracle.” I was pleasantly surprised to see the many events in this book. Kathryn Swegart, O.F.S., chose a variety of miraculous events, from a donkey showing reverence to a consecrated host to a priest stopping a tsunami! Readers young and old will be on the edge of their seats to see in what way Jesus chooses to reveal Himself and His power.

This book is a lovely introduction to understanding the miracle of the Eucharist. It provides 13 brief stories based on real, documented events from Church history. The power of the Eucharist unites all the stories and leaves the reader in awe of God’s wondrous gift to us. The book includes the miracles of Skete, Lanciano, Rimini, Assisi, Kranenburg, Krakow, Avignon, La Rochelle, Pibrac, Tumaco, Fatima, and Buenos Aires. It also includes a lesson from St. Philip Neri.

The writing and tone are what you would expect from a younger middle grade book. It feels like an Aesop’s Fables or a fairy tale collection meets the reality of the Church. The stories are only a few pages long, with straightforward writing and uncomplicated plots. There is a formula that involves some sort of struggle, usually involving lack of faith, a revelation from Jesus in the Eucharist, and the conversion of the doubtful and/or resolution of the struggle. The stories never get bogged down by details and are perfect for younger readers – not to mention enjoyable for older. The book would be great to read to children who are ready to move beyond picture-heavy books but not quite ready for multichapter books. I can easily imagine reading one story a night at bedtime – although children usually want the same one every night for a while – and inspiring faith and curiosity about the Real Presence. Even I had moments of disbelief while reading (“No way that happened!”), but everything in this book is based on a real event. God can do anything.

Swegart includes at the end modern photographs of several churches and locations mentioned in the book. The pictures add another ‘proof’ to help encourage children to learn about the miracles possible in the Church. I doubt these stories would have appeal to non-Catholics – although Eucharistic miracles are a chance for evangelization and conversion. But it would be a great gift for a Catholic family with young children. It advertises itself for First Communicants, and I agree: it cannot be overstated that Transubstantiation is a difficult concept to teach to Catholics, young or old. Many deny the reality of the Body and Blood of Christ present in the Eucharist. This accessible book can help First Communicants and their families see what a miracle the Eucharist truly is.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

The Haunted Cathedral by Antony Barone Kolenc                           

Xan is finally bringing his parent’s killer to justice, yet his guardian monk insists he must forgive the murderer

The Doha Experiment by Gary Wasserman

For a Catholic reader, the Doha Experiment offers a unique opportunity to understand both the Jewish mind and the Qatari culture.

Shadows: Visible and Invisible By Catholic Teens Books

Bringing the holy back to All Hallows, these short stories entertain & remind us of the mercy we all rely upon.

Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol. 1) by Philip Koslowski, Michael Lavoy, and Jim Fern

Join Finnian as his quest for a legendary sword takes him to the monks of Skellig Michael, a real life inspiration for the Jedi temple.

Kiss Me Goodnight By Maurice Prater, Illustrated by Cecilia Lawrence

A sweet story bedtime story about familial love.

How to Nourish Your Marriage by M.C. So

Steps to improve your marriage with the sacraments.

The Rescue Sisters Series Adventures by Karina Fabian

Kickass Catholic Nuns in Space- what more do you need?!

Sister Aloysius Comes to Mercyville By Linda Etchison, Illustrated by Denise Plumlee-Tadlock

A young nun teaches children how to offer up their daily irritations to God.

The Light of Tara by John Desjarlais

As the power of Rome crumbles, a teenage St. Patrick must decide between his home and sacrificing himself for those who had enslaved him.

A Pius Man by Declan Finn

A hilarious espionage action adventure in the Vatican. Also a halberd fight scene. Nuff Said.

The Fisherman’s Tomb; The Story of the Vatican’s Secret Search by John O’Neill

The untold true story of the greatest treasure hunt of the century, all done under the noses of the Nazi invasion.

Shadow in the Dark by Antony Barone Kolenc

An immersive mystery and an amateur sleuth set in the walls of a 12th century English monastery

Lord of the Rings & the Eucharist by Scott L. Smith

What do trees have to do with Bread & Wine?

Outlaws of Ravenhurst, by Sr. M. Imelda Wallace, S.L.

The 10-year-old heir of a noble Scottish family must choose between his inheritance and his Catholic faith.

Elfling by Corinna Turner

Serapia Ravena is on a mission to find and keep her father, but he has transgressed a boundary that no creature has the right to cross. Only the mercy of God can resolve this tension.

The Last Monks of Skellig Michael by Philip Kosloski

The Christian monastic roots of Star Wars’ Jedi Knights.

The Lost Vessel by Mark Adderley

McCracken joins a treasure hunt for Captain Nemo’s lost ship in this exciting adventure that adds another chapter to Jules Verne’s greatest creation.

Someday by Corinna Turner

Ordinary schoolgirls face a terrible fate: abuse, forced marriages, and even death at the hands of Islamic extremists.

Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers: True Stories of Faith and Miracles from a First Responder by Andrew Jo Rodgers

A book that’s great to have on hand when one needs a reminder that there are good people out there and that God’s hand is in everything.

Broken Brain; Fortified Faith: Lessons of Hope Through a Child’s Mental Illness

When her daughter is stricken insane her mother finds the grace to do what she must to save her and bring her back to sanity.