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Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke reviews a new children's book about three men on the road to sainthood, by Catholic Mom contributor Laurie J. Schmitt.


Someday Saints: America’s Blessed, Venerables, and Servants of God, written and illustrated by Laurie J. Schmitt, was a wonderfully enjoyable read for our family. A short chapter book for children, Someday Saints discusses heroic Catholics who passionately shared their faith in midwestern America.

Their virtuous lives and heroic example left a mark in America’s history through the missions and churches they founded, but more importantly, in the lives of people they served.

 Someday Saints-Laurie Schmitt 

 

The 100-page book features three Catholics, Blessed Solanus Casey, Venerable Frederic Baraga, and Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli, and shares the stories of how they fostered their faith through virtuous lives called on by the holy spirit. As a Catholic mother, I specifically appreciated the approach of Someday Saints that encourages us to live a life of faith and service to God. For example, Laurie guides us with her words,

By living out our baptismal promises, by giving ourselves to service to God and others, by growing in grace, and living lives of virtue, we grow closer to God, which is what it means to become holy.

 

The stories are presented in an easy-to-understand format, showcasing how these men overcame obstacles and were called to service. 

My young daughter and I began reading this book together cuddled up on the couch after a meltdown. The calm words and encouraging stories resulted in dried tears and her own pondering of how these holy men helped others and dedicated their lives to service. The first story focused on the ministry of Blessed Solanus Casey, as he was called to minister in Detroit, Michigan during the Great Depression. Ironically, my own grandfather grew up in downtown Detroit during this challenging time in America, and I wonder if he had the chance to meet Blessed Solanus Casey himself and witness his heartfelt support for the Detroit community. 

Bishop Frederic Baraga, a missionary priest, was the second featured story sharing the challenges he overcame serving the land of rugged Northern Michigan on Lake Superior. He was nicknamed “The Snowshoe Priest” because he trekked 690 miles in just one winter season.

The final story includes the journey of Samuel Mazzuchelli who was born to a wealthy family in Italy, but was called to serve and share “the treasures of heavenly wisdom” in the northern parts of the United States. Father Mazzuchelli went to settlements in the Northwest Territory, Mackinac, Green Bay, and Sault Sainte Marie. In a holy coincidence, I have actually visited the beautiful church he helped build up on Mackinac Island, the Church of St. Anne in Northern Michigan. 

Along with creative illustrations, each story includes a call-to-action with an informative biography at the conclusion of the story where readers can learn more. How refreshing it is to read such a heartfelt publication for children that teaches real stories of historic holy men who defied the odds and fought to teach the Gospel and spread His Word!

Ask for Someday Saints at your local Catholic bookseller or order from Amazon.com.

 

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Copyright 2022 Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke
Images: Canva