Themes

Devotion/ Trust in God/ Putting God above all others/ Family/ Prayer, Saints, Early Christian history, Virginity, Holy Orders, Vows, Intercession, Intercessory Prayer

 

Reviewed by

Tiffany Buck

Subscribe to our Free Newsletter to win one of three prizes!

1) A signed copy of the book
2) Two high quality prints of two illustrations from the book.
3) A copy of Fr. Peregrine’s recently released catholic children’s book “The Snail and the King” (Holy Heroes Publishing)

Genre

Children’s Picture Book, Poetry

Audience

Children

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2023

“My children, Saint Philomena has great power with God, and she has, moreover, a kind heart; let us pray to her with confidence.” Saint John Vianney

Years ago, a dear friend went to Rome and discovered Saint Philomena at a particularly difficult time in her life. It was as if God hand-picked a saint for her. I was fortunate enough to get to know this saint in such an intimate way. Sadly, I couldn’t seem to find a book on her for my daughter until this one came along. 

Tucked away in the dark catacombs of Rome, laid the bones of Saint Philomena along with a vial of dried blood. A forgotten and unknown saint, she slept in darkness for more than a thousand years. In 1802, workers discovered her tomb with symbols on it a lily, arrows, an anchor, and a palm, representing an early 4th century Roman virgin martyr. God’s timing is always perfect. He wanted the story of the young “daughter of light’s” to be told. 

Saint Philomena was born to Christian parents of Greek noble blood. She was baptized as an infant and spent many happy years in her homeland before war broke out. Her parents fled to Rome seeking the help of Emperor Diocletian. The emperor agreed as long as Philomena became his wife. Her parents thought this was a fair exchange, but Philomena had already promised her heart to Jesus. Furious over her decision, Diocletian tortured her for forty days before killing her. 

In My Name is Philomena, Fr. Peregrine Fletcher writes and illustrates the story of Saint Philomena for children. He uses poetry to tell the story and the audience’s interest, no matter their age. It is the kind of book families will enjoy reading around the table. Adults and older children will appreciate the history as well as the carefully chosen words and expressions. Young children’s ears will delight in  the rhyming flow of words.

In addition to being a compelling storyteller, Fr. Fletcher is also a talented illustrator. His drawings reflect the light of Jesus in Saint Philomena. Her faith and trust in God never crumbled, even in the face of torture and death. One tender illustration shows Saint Philomena chained to one side of the pillar during her scourging, on the other side is Jesus comforting her. With each illustration, whether in sweetness or torture, the expression on Saint Philomena’s face is one of trust and total surrender. 

Saint’s stories always point to God. Within the pages and illustrations of this book, children read of a saint who willingly accepted her fate as a martyr in order to be with Jesus. Reading this book challenges children to trust God in all things and to have courage. 

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

 

Books to Pray with: January The Gift of Diversity

Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.
January starts the year off with praying for and in thanks of the gift of diversity to the church.

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.

Books to Deepen Your Lent

Whatever your needs or tastes these books explore the Lenten themes of repentance, confession and renewal.

Best Books of 2021

2021 brought many changes but the effects these books had on us remains as stalwart as the rock of Peter.

November Books To Pray With: For Anyone Who Has Lost a Child

A book list for those who are grieving, and those praying for them.

Jesus Do You Want to Be My Friend? by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This delightful picture book lets young readers imagine the daily life of the Christ Child while also teaching simple prayers.

There Once Was a Penny by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This nursery rhyme teaches kids the value of faith and how it can help a person to love themselves according to standards not of this world.

Spooky Catholic Reads

Books with the themes of the All Hallows season grouped according to scariness level.

Sister Aloysius Gets Ready for the First Day of School By Linda Etchison Illustrated by Denise Plumlee-Tadlock

Sister Aloysius leans on the Divine Mercy of Jesus as she gets ready for school.

How the Dragon Awards Could Uplift Catholic Fiction

If you don’t like current state of mainstream publishing and wish there were more widely available alternatives, this is your chance to help make that a reality.

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson

Discover the far deeper, more salvific tale that Disney turned into romantic fluff.

The World is Awake By Linsey Davis

An adventure of daily joy, inspired by the Psalm, “This is the day the Lord has made.”

Molly McBride and the Plaid Jumper by Jean Schoonover-Egolf

Molly doesn’t want to take off her purple habit the Children of Mary sisters wear but mom’s says she has to put on the school uniform.

The Fruit Tree by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This children’s fable will teach the whole family Biblical literacy and the Christian symbolic language.

Books for Lent

Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness

Feel-Good Books For Pandemic Summer

Book Therapy to chase the blues away

God Made the Moonlight by Erin Broestl, Illustrated by Jean Schoonover-Egolf

A beautifully illustrated bedtime story that helps your child see the beauty of nature as God’s personal love letter to humanity

Books to Pray With, March: For the New Martyrs

Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.

Best Books of 2022

Our favorite book finds of the year!