From Bread and Wine to Saints Divine

Alex Resch loved pondering the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist while reading this new book by Anthony DeStefano.

From Bread and Wine to Saints Divine

by Anthony DeStefano; illustrated by James Madsen

Publisher: Sophia Institute Press

Every Mass we witness the miracle of miracles, and yet we will never fully comprehend this until, God willing, we arrive in the arms of the Heavenly Father at the end of our lives. What an incredible gift we are given — to receive Our Lord in the form of bread and wine in the Holy Eucharist! This is certainly something to ponder for a lifetime. Anthony DeStefano’s new book, From Bread and Wine to Saints Divine, allows readers to contemplate the beauty, depth, and wonder of this mystery.  

Teaching the True Presence to Catholic Kids 

Anthony DeStefano’s comforting rhymes paired with the colorful and realistic illustrations by James Madsen allow children to enter into this miracle right alongside us adults. The book describes the True Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist in a clear and truthful way for children to understand. Anthony DeStefano has a gift for writing about all that is beautiful, good, and true, and he is a favorite Catholic author in our household. We have many of his children’s (and adult!) books on our shelves, and we are happy to add From Bread and Wine to Saints Divine to our collection.  

This book’s delightful rhymes and story will be enjoyed by any child, particularly around the ages of 4 to 10. I love how the story begins by introducing God as the Creator of everything. This is only one example of solid catechesis found in this book. The story unfolds by describing all of the miraculous changes in God’s wonderful world that children will easily recognize and understand. These changes include the four seasons, the changing weather, the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, eggs hatching to reveal chickens, and liquid water freezing into ice.

As a former scientist, I couldn’t help but admire and ponder the connection between these changes in the natural world and of God’s hand in all of it. I value a lesson that takes something totally concrete (like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly) to explain something that we cannot see with our eyes – the change of the bread and wine into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ!  

Science and Catechism Lesson Inspiration 

You could create a number of hands-on science and catechism lessons using any of the examples in the book, and then lead children to consider the change that occurs during the Consecration at Mass. For example, set up an experiment to measure how fast ice melts, and read the book while you wait. Then, discuss how the physical changes in the book are similar (and different!) to the change from bread and wine into Our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Bonus feature: Three detailed Bread of Life scripture verses are included right inside the book after the title page. You could lead three entire discussions with your child or religious education class on each one after enjoying the book together! 

How We are Changed When We Receive the Eucharist 

DeStefano takes us one step further as he describes how the Eucharist also changes US! This is something truly amazing and crucial to discuss with our kids. The Eucharist is no ordinary food, and this book sheds light on the changes occurring within our own soul when we receive the Eucharist. The book closes by showing how the Eucharist allows us to grow in faith, holiness, strength, courage, hope, and love — just like the saints!  

Who Would Enjoy this Book? 

If you are looking for a beautiful First Communion or Easter gift this spring, be sure to check out Anthony DeStefano’s From Bread and Wine to Saints Divine. This book would also be perfect for your child’s or godchild’s birthday or Baptism Anniversary, your religious education classroom (especially classes preparing for First Holy Communion), or a child who is newly coming into the faith via your OCIC program. I highly recommend this book for all of the beautiful Catholic children in your life! 

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Copyright 2025 Alex Resch
Images: (top) detail from cover; (bottom) Canva