“The Women Doctors of the Church” by Collen Pressprich, illustrated by Adalee Hude.
Our Sunday Visitor, Huntington, Ind., 2022, 36 pages, Grades 3-5.
In the history of the Catholic Church, 37 saints have been named Doctors of the Church. To become a doctor of the church, the person must be a declared saint and have written important books or statements about the Catholic Church. These writings help the faithful learn about God and grow in their relationship with the Lord. It isn’t unfair to state that the Doctors of the Church can help us lead a life of grace and develop our love for God.
Popes and leaders of religious communities have been named Doctors of the Church. Within the pantheon of spiritual giants are the four women Doctors of the Church. Collen Pressprich writes short, insightful biographies of each of these holy women. Adalee Hude contributes a series of elegant, beautiful pictures of each of the women Doctors of the Church. The name of this lovely book is “The Women Doctors of the Church.”
The first woman Doctor of the Church is St. Hildegard of Bingen. Born in Germany in 1098, St. Hildegard had heavenly visions of God at an early age. She became an abbess of a convent.
Her sanctity became so well known that visitors across Europe came to her for healing, counsel and spiritual insights. The pope encouraged her to write and travel across Europe, speaking about the love God has for mankind. She did this with boldness and courage.
The second woman Doctor of the Church is St. Catherine of Siena. Born in 1347, St. Catherine lived in the time when the pope had abandoned Rome and moved to Avignon, France. She forcefully confronted the pope about his abandonment of Rome and his lack of courage in returning to the Eternal City.
After a number of years, her comments among others, led to the pope leaving France and returning to Rome.
The third woman Doctor of the Church is the irrepressible St. Teresa of Ávila. Born in 1515, St. Teresa wrote beautiful, practical books about the spiritual life. Her book “The Interior Castle” is still recognized as a spiritual masterpiece. St. Teresa’s personality continues to charm and instruct many people pursuing the spiritual life.
The final woman Doctor of the Church is St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Born in 1873, St. Thérèse found that people did not have to do great things for God, but that they should do small things with great love.
The text in this book is complex and needs a certain reading ability. The illustrations are gorgeous. This makes this book ideal for sharing in group sessions or in oral reading in family situations. Older readers can help younger children understand the text while enjoying the beautiful artwork.
This book is not widely available in public libraries, but can be purchased in fine book stores like Gloria Deo in Lincoln. I encourage you to get a copy of this lovely book and share it with the younger members of your family. It is a short read, but it is packed with important, powerful information. I enjoyed it and think you will as well.
