Children's Books about a Pope

I'm always looking for children's books that teach my students about Our Faith 

but they must be available through the library network.

Here are a few books about Pope John Paul II and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Are there any other good books, to be found at a library, 

about past Popes in a picture book format?

Blessings,

Noreen

Messages of Our Popes, Lost in Peter's Tomb

I saw both of these on Facebook recently and thought they were perfect to share here!

I have no idea where they originated but I agree with them completely!

Source

Source

Blessed JPII, pray for us!

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I was also very excited to receive in the mail this book from Chris at Campfires and Cleats.  She was giving away two Papal books for her blogoversary and I was the lucky recipient of this one.  My son has already begun reading it and I plan to read it after he's done.  Thank you Chris!

It's the first book of the Adventures with Sister Philomena: Special Agent for the Pope.  The back cover says "the children learn about St. Peter, explore the Vatican Gardens, follow a mischievous white cat, make friends with a Swiss Guard, discover the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, and fall upon the mystery of Peter's tomb and relics.  Sounds unique and interesting.  

Blessings,

Noreen

Adopt a Cardinal...I did!

I read over at Tiffany's Family at the Foot of the Cross blog that there is a website that allows us to click a button and be given a cardinal to pray for during the conclave and papal election.   I thought it was a fabulous idea and will bring it to my class for all of my students to pray for him.   In fact, I will place his picture on our prayer table with Regina's Papal Election Set this weekend. Here is my Cardinal: Congratulations! You have adopted this Cardinal: Théodore-Adrien Sarr, from Senegal, born 28.11.1936. He's been a Cardinal since 24.11.2007 and his function is: Archbishop of Dakar, Senegal May the prayer for your Cardinal be deeply blessed. The team behind Adopt a Cardinal. Thank you Tiffany and Regina! God Bless, Noreen

Pope Benedict XVI

Today was a confusing day with Pope Benedict's announcement.  

I didn't see it coming even though I've heard commentators on EWTN say

 "it's shocking but not a surprise."  

That he'd alluded to it over the past few months.  

I believe he is a holy man, a holy Pope who has discerned this is the path 

the Holy Spirit is leading him on. 

 I pray that his remaining years ahead are healthy to live out his life in prayer.

I pray that his successor will Shepherd the Catholic people as God calls him to do.

Source

"On this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." 

 Matthew 16:18

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!

Blessings,

Noreen

Doctors of the Church Book Review

   The Catholic Company sent me a book to review written by Pope Benedict XVI called Doctors of the Church.  This was the first time I had read anything written by our Holy Father and in his book he shares a collection of synopses of the great saints and teachers of our faith.  I would call his book "a treasure trove" of poignant life histories of men and women who followed the gospel and desired to answer God's call by teaching others the Word of God.

   Many of the saints I was familiar with on a rudimentary level such as St. Augustine of Hippo and St. Therese of Lisieux.  Others such as St. Lawrence of Brindisi and St. Isidore of Seville, I had never heard of.   In total, there are 32 saints discussed in his book, who are all recognized as Doctors of the Church.   Reading the lives of these saints illustrates that just because you have a devoted prayer life, does not mean that your life will be without trials and suffering.  These men and women carried heavy crosses in their lifetimes and wrestled with doubt during their lives.

   The Doctors of the Church taught about prayer, charity, love, sacrifice, and obedience during their times through example and by their speeches, documents, poems and songs.  Their life experiences are relevant to the modern day Christian.  We live in times of struggle, pain and suffering just like they did.  These men and women are the best role models on how to cope with our individual struggles and those in the larger community.  They didn't keep to themselves, they stepped out into their society and shared their faith with others even if it was against popular opinion.

     After reading this book, I have a greater understanding of the problems these great men and women faced, how they overcame their obstacles by relying on the Grace of God, and how their teachings formed the church that we know today.  God calls forth men and women throughout history to defend His Church and to evangelize it.  We must praise and thank God for choosing wisely and we must all thank these Doctors of the Church for responding to His call.  I read my way through this book very slowly to absorb the messages of these great men and women.  It's not a book to be read lightly in my opinion or else you'll miss the nuggets of brilliance in their lives.  This 269 page book has a different saint in each chapter, so the reader can jump around at will.  Pope Benedict's book is a handy resource to have in any Catholic household.

  You can purchase your own copy of Doctors of the Church, or Catechism of the Catholic Church or a Catholic Bible at the Catholic Company.


  "The mission of the Church in every age is to introduce the world to Christ, its savior.  The Church cannot accomplish her mission without learned men and women who are saints of God."  - Francis Cardinal George

Blessings,
Noreen

Day of Reflection and Prayer for Peace

World Day of Peace

It's the 25 year anniversary of when Pope John Paul II first invited religious leaders from around the world to an inter-faith prayer service for peace at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy.

In commemoration of Blessed John Paul's Day of World Peace in 1986, Pope Benedict XVI invited religious leaders from around the world to come together for the Day of Prayer for Peace.  There were over 300 religious and non-believers from over 50 countries who attended today's prayer event.

Last night, Pope Benedict said, "It is not the sword of the conqueror that builds peace, but the sword of those who suffer and give up their own lives."  He reminded the faithful that they must journey like Christ:  "not with the might of war or the force of power... but with the giving of self, with love carried to its extreme consequences, even towards our enemies."

I commend the Holy Father for his commitment in bringing together leaders from around the world to pray for peace!  We need more of this!  If the religious leaders from around the world stood firm for peace and justice, our world could be a place where no one has to live in fear.

You can find more information at National Catholic Register or EWTN.

Blessings,

Noreen

Pope Benedict XVI's 3 Simple Rules for Holiness

On April 13, 2011 Pope Benedict addressed approximately 12,000 people in St. Peter's Square on how to live a holy life.  I liked them so much that I'm going to post them here:

1.  "Never let a Sunday go by without an encounter with the risen Christ in the Eucharist; this is not an added burden, it is light for the entire week.”

2.  “Never begin or end a day without at least a brief contact with God in prayer."

3.  "And along the pathway of our lives, follow the road signs that God has given us in the Ten Commandments, read in the light of Christ; they are nothing other than explanations of what is love in specific situations.”

He also went on to explain that we can learn a lot from the saints that have gone before us and that we are ALL called to holiness!

I first read this on a blog yesterday and sadly, I can't recall which one!  So, I googled it and found it on
National Catholic Register.

Today also happens to be L.A.C.E. Wednesday with my blogging friend Trish.  I've linked up with her today at http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/  Please come and check out her site and the other lovely ladies who are linking up.

Whatever is..Lovely Admirable Cheerful Encouraging ~ LACE

Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.