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

book cover

Genre

Biography, Graphic Novel

Audience

Ages 10 & Up

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2019

Themes

Marian devotion, biography, faith, the rosary

 

Reviewed by

Dr. Lisa Theus

Take a step back in time to the early 1900s and experience the life of Venerable Fr. Patrick Peyton (1909-1992). If you’re not familiar with the name of this Irish-born priest, you’re not alone, but you may be familiar with his message that “the family that prays together stays together.” Ordained in 1941, Venerable Peyton spent much of his life orchestrating worldwide Rosary Crusades—the pledges of millions of families to say the rosary every day in order to promote peace and bring families together. He also participated in Catholic media production in Hollywood, beginning with a single radio broadcast and spreading to movies.

This graphic novel takes you from the shores of Ireland at Peyton’s birth, his decision to move to America which led to his opportunity to enter the seminary, and follows the other major events of his life all the way until his death. Throughout his life, you’ll witness the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and learn how Fr. Peyton responded to her generosity by spreading devotion of the rosary to families in America and beyond in the aftermath of the Second World War. A few cameos from famous Catholics and Hollywood stars of the time add a fun ‘who’s who’ level to the book.

The comic is easy to read and progresses quickly through major events. It’s ideal for young children and families—which I’m sure Fr. Peyton would appreciate. The plot follows his life story, and every conflict gets resolved relatively quickly. Such speedy resolutions are well suited for young readers who might not be able to follow subtle plots. For more mature readers, some of Fr. Peyton’s struggles might seem too easily resolved, and the people in the novel may lack depth. Historical tensions with communism and the CIA in this Cold War era are absent. Nevertheless, every reader finds a lesson in this graphic novel about Fr. Peyton’s childlike and earnest faith. He was known to be very charismatic. Perhaps the struggles in our own life would be so easy with a faith like his. The work also shows a stark contrast to mainstream Hollywood as it seems now. It’s hard to imagine men like Venerable Fr. Peyton or Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen becoming as respected on radio, television, and film today. And yet this one Irish priest was able to connect with Bing Crosby and others to advance Marian devotion!

With the strong emphasis on Marian devotion and a Catholic worldview, the graphic novel is likely not compelling for Protestant or secular readers. The final pages—with a brief prose biographical recap and an explanation of the canonization process—reinforce my view that this is really designed for young Catholic families. The book serves as a great encouragement to say the rosary together and dedicate ourselves to Mary’s care. It’s an easy read to bring this man on the path to sainthood to life rather than left forgotten in the last century.

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

Girl Arise by By Claire Swinarski

A Catholic take on feminism, going beyond the political talking points and approaching women on a personal level.

How Can You Still Be Catholic? By Christopher Sparks

There are many good apologetics books out there but this book teaches you how to speak to the heart as much as the head.

Sisters of the Last Straw Book 1, 2 & 3: by Karen Kelly Boyce

Exploding kitchens, runaway goats, and ghosts in the chapel. Life in the Little Sisters of the Last Straw is never boring.

Cinderella by Charles Perrault

The true story of the Catholic saint who inspired the myth of Cinderella

Everything Old: Love in Anadauk Book 1 by Amanda Hamm

Two youth group leaders rekindle their friendship and find love with each other along the way.

Hidden: Don’t Fear the Unseen by Verity Lucia

Clare Thomson wasn’t sure she believed in angels and demons – until she could see them.

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.

A Fisher of Women: The Tale of the Forgotten Healer of Galilee by Catherine Magia

Before she and husband were Saints, Peter and his wife struggled just to heal themselves

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.

I am Margaret by Corinna Turner

A dystopian nightmare that asks what you really believe and how far will you go to defend it.

Playing by Heart by Carmela Martino

In this historical drama, Emilia longs for a love as beautiful as her sonata, but the ambitions of her father put her and her sister in great danger.

Wanderings of an Ordinary Pilgrim by Tim Bete

Poetry that will take you deeper into Scripture and help you see the extraordinary in the simple.

The Light by Jacqueline Brown

Even as the world & nation she knew winks out of existence, Bria discovers family secrets that leave her questioning everything.

See No Evil; A Father Gabriel Mystery by Fiorella De Maria

In Post-WWII England, nearly everyone has something to hide—even kill for. Father Gabriel starts uncovering the truth, bringing souls the chance for redemption.

The Wistful and the Good by G. M. Baker

Two weeks after the sacking of Lindisfarne, Norse traders aren’t welcome in Northumbria. But they’re here. Does a Viking really have a chance with an English noblewoman?

Please Don’t Feed the Dinosaurs by Corinna Turner

A series of dino adventures that has been doing better what the mainstream Jurassic Park series only recently attempted.

The River of Life by Diana González Tabbaa

The death of little Anthony’s father shakes his faith until a heaven-sent friend helps him find his way back to God.

Zeal & Zest: Where to Begin with Hillaire Belloc

Belloc was known as a Catholic polemicist with a vicious talent for skewering his opponents. Anyone struggling to persevere as a Christian in the fields of journalism or media should read him. His children’s books have an acerbic humor that will appeal to bored veterans of political correctness, especially teens.

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.