Sunday, 17 August 2025

Saint Thomas the Apostle From Doubt to Devotion - Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

Saint Thomas the Apostle: From Doubt to Devotion
Paddy Bréagnamh
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library
ISBN 9798899680380
eISBN 9798899680397
ASIN B0FGBBK5FZ

Saint Thomas the Apostle From Doubt to Devotion - Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

This is the seventh of 7 volumes currently available in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library that I have read. It is also announced as the first in a new subset in this series focusing on the Apostles. I have enjoyed them all and recommended them to several friends and family. I especially loved the volume on Pope Leo XIV. This volume I picked up the day it was released and read it shortly after. The description of the book is:

““Unless I see the wounds, I will not believe.

Saint Thomas the Apostle—best known as “Doubting Thomas”—wasn’t afraid to ask questions. But after seeing the Risen Jesus with his own eyes, he became one of the boldest missionaries in history, carrying the Gospel all the way to India.

This engaging, faith-filled children’s biography brings Saint Thomas’s story to life through accessible storytelling, rich illustrations, and global perspective. Kids will discover that faith doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful!

Perfect for ages 8–12, this short, easy-to-read book

The story of Thomas’s journey from doubt to deep beliefHis missionary travels through Persia and IndiaMiracles, martyrdom, and the legacy he left behindBonus Timeline, glossary, a prayer, and reflection questions
Part of the popular Mini Saints & Missionaries Library, this book is ideal for Catholic families, classrooms, homeschoolers, and anyone exploring the lives of the saints from around the world.

Feast July 3 – A perfect summer read to inspire bold faith!”

I now suspect that the author, Paddy Bréagnamh, is a pen name, I can only find the 6 volumes in this series and the one on Saint Patrick in several bookstores online. This sixth, newly released volume I have The chapters and sections in the volume are:

Author’s Note 
Prologue: What If You Had Questions? 
Chapter 1: Before He Followed 
Chapter 2: The One Who Asked Questions 
Chapter 3: The Day Everything Changed 
Chapter 4: Seeing—And Believing 
Chapter 5: A Mission to the Ends of the Earth 
Chapter 6: Planting Seeds in India 
Chapter 7: Martyr and Saint 
Chapter 8: His Legacy Lives On 
Reflection Questions 
The Saint Thomas Cross (Mar Sleeva) 
A Prayer Inspired by Saint Thomas 
Timeline of Saint Thomas’s Life 
Glossary 
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series

This was the latest volume written in this series. I have not read a volume specifically dedicated to Saint Thomas the Apostle previously.

This volume is written for young readers, it would be considered an early chapter book. Each chapter has illustrations. The material is well put together. It is a good introduction to apostle and Saint. I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume they are:

“Even today, more than 2,000 years later, there are Christians in southern India who proudly call themselves “Saint Thomas Christians.” They trace their faith all the way back to the missionary who once doubted—but became a builder of belief. Some of their churches are among the oldest in the world. Some families even tell stories of ancestors who met Thomas in person!”

“He’s proof that doubt can lead to devotion, that questions can lead to courage, and that even the quietest of apostles can change the world. So if you’ve ever wondered: “Is God real?” “Does Jesus hear me?” “Can I believe even when I feel unsure?” You’re not alone. Saint Thomas understands. He’s been there. And from heaven, he’s still cheering you on. Because in the end, the one who doubted became the one who traveled farthest, loved the deepest, and believed the strongest.”

“Many call him “Doubting Thomas”, but others prefer “Believing Thomas”, “Thomas the Brave,” or simply “The Apostle of India.” • He’s often shown with a spear (the weapon used in his martyrdom) or a builder’s square—because tradition says he helped design and build churches in India. • You might also see him holding a scroll or book, representing the Gospel he preached.”

“He’s the patron saint of: 
   • India 
   • Builders (because he helped build churches by hand) 
   • Architects 
   • The blind and visually impaired 
   • And most of all: people who struggle with doubt”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. This latest release in this series is another excellent read. I really enjoyed reading about Saint Thomas’s journeys to the east. I hope they do the Apostle Paul as part of this sub set in this series. This series just keeps getting better and better. It was an excellent little read in a great series. 
  
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan
From Pirates to Parades: The Story of Saint Patrick and His Day  - Paddy Bréagnamh

Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus - Paddy Bréagnamh

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz: The Brave Witness - Paddy Bréagnamh

Pope Leo XIV: From Chicago to the Vatican: The First American Pope - Paddy Bréagnamh

Saint Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Heard God's Call - Paddy Bréagnamh

Venerable Augustus Tolton: Priest of Freedom - Paddy Bréagnamh

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