Get 50% off Catholic Books & eBooks

Discover the Next Tolkien & O'Connor

Join Here for FREE to Never Miss a Deal

Find new favorites & Support Catholic Authors

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

Abolishing Abortion by Fr. Frank Pavone

An invaluable handbook for pro-life religious non-profits that want to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—without risking their tax-exempt status.

Good Morning God by Ginger Swift, Illustrated by Pamela Barbieri

This baby book teaches gratitude for God though it’s interactive pages.

At Heaven’s Edge:  True Stories of Faith and Rescue By Andrea Jo Rodgers

As an EMT Rodgers has seen God work in ways that defy medical analysis.

Finding God Anew by Barbara Kudwa

After multiple divorces, a suicide, and a murder, Barbara Kudwa shares how she found peace through her faith in God.

From Afar by Roger Thomas

Three astronomers follow the stars in a search for order and meaning. An action adventure based on the three wise men of the Gospels.

By Violence Unavenged by Annette Young

A Catholic Historical Epic to Rival The Sound of Music.

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.

Best Books of 2022

Our favorite book finds of the year!

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.

The Wind That Shakes The Corn: Memoirs of a Scots Irish Woman by Kaye Park Hinckley

Sold into slavery on her wedding night, an 18th-century Irishwoman struggles to free herself from her thirst for vengeance.

If Wishes Were Dragons By Karina Fabian

What happens when LARPing becomes a lot more real than a group of D&D players can handle?

The Science of God: The Convergence of Scientific and Biblical Wisdom by Gerald L. Schroeder

Essential reading for anyone involved in the debate between religion and science.

The Fisherman’s Bride by Catherine Magia

The wife of Peter takes up her pen to tell her side of the story, and forces us to examine our ideas of perfection and holiness.

The Reluctant Queen: The Story of Esther by Lin Wilder

Chosen by Xerxes to be queen, chosen by God to be savior of His people: the story of Esther.

The Fire of Eden (The Harwood Mysteries Book 3) by Antony Barone Kolenc

The mystery of a stolen treasure might hold the key to Xan’s discernment about whether God is calling him to the priesthood or to Lucy.

The Light of Christmas Morning by Susan Joy Bellavance, Illustrated by Anne Kissanne Engelhart

A cozy Christmas bed time story that puts Catholic traditions front and center