Mini Saints & Missionaries Library
Paddy Bréagnamh
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library
ISBN 9798899681578
ASIN B0HL6W7WJD
ASIN B0HL3YD9LB
I have been absolutely loved the volumes I have read in this series. And several new titles were released in the fall of 2026. I randomly picked this as the next one to be read. There are currently 20 volumes available in this series dedicated to specific saints, 3 the focus on 52 female saints, one that focuses on Saints for boys for first communion; and 2 editions of one about 33 saints. I have greatly enjoyed all I have read in the series, and I check regularly for new titles. As I keep checking for when new ones to be released, and typically pick them up as soon after as I can. I have benefited from reading them all and recommended each of them to several people. I especially loved the first volume in the series I read on Pope Leo XIV. This volume I picked up shortly after it was released. The description of the book is:
“Soldiers couldn't move her. A team of oxen couldn't move her.
Nothing could put out her light.
Saint Lucy was a young woman in ancient Sicily who gave away everything she had, and refused to give up her faith.
Born into a wealthy family in the Roman city of Syracuse, Lucy was expected to marry well and live a comfortable life. But Lucy had other plans. She sold her family's jewels and gave the money to widows, orphans, and hungry families.
When the Roman governor ordered her to abandon her faith, she said no. His soldiers tried to drag her away. They couldn't move her. Not even a team of oxen could.
Today, Saint Lucy's name, which means "light," is celebrated every December 13 with candles, processions, and saffron buns from Sweden to Sicily. Her story is about more than candles.
It's about:
• Generosity: sharing what you have with people who need it
• Standing firm: holding on to what's right, even under pressure
• Bringing light: showing kindness to people going through dark times
What's Inside:
• An inspiring story told in a clear, engaging narrative style
• Kid-friendly notes that explain what historians know and what comes from legend
• How Saint Lucy's Day is celebrated around the world, from Swedish Lucia processions to Sicilian feasts
• Reflection questions to encourage meaningful conversations
• Timeline and historical context to deepen understanding
Perfect for:
• Kids ages 8–12
• Families celebrating Advent and Saint Lucy's Day
• Young people choosing a Confirmation saint
• Classrooms, homeschool, and Catholic education
If your child has ever wondered whether one small person can make a difference, Saint Lucy's story offers a beautiful answer:
The world always needs more light. You can carry some.”
Most of the volumes in this series are under the pen name Paddy Bréagnamh. The chapters in this volume are:
Dedication
Introduction
1. A Girl Named Light
2. The Journey to Saint Agatha
3. A Treasure Given Away
4. Standing Firm
5. A Light That Could Not Be Put Out
6. How a Story Travels
7. The Festival of Lights
8. Shine Like Lucy
Reflection Questions
Timeline of Saint Lucy
Author's Note
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series
I only highlighted numerous passages in this volume. SO much that I exceeded the amount I could export from the eBook. Some of my highlights are:
“Lucy lived on the island of Sicily more than 1,700 years ago. She wasn't a queen or a soldier. She never led an army or wrote a famous book. So why do people all over the world still light candles for her? Her name is a clue. Lucy means "light."”
“Most of her story was written down long after she died. So as you read, you'll find notes that explain what historians know and what comes from legend. But that raises a good question. Why would people keep telling a story for 1,700 years?”
“Lucy's family was Christian. For now, that was mostly safe. Christians in the empire had lived in peace for about forty years. They gathered to pray, cared for the poor, and remembered the martyrs who had died for their faith in harder times. Lucy grew up hearing their stories, especially the story of Agatha, a brave young woman from the nearby city of Catania. Agatha had died for Jesus about fifty years earlier. To Lucy, she felt almost like a big sister.”
“Agatha was buried in Catania, a city about two days' journey up the coast. People traveled from all over Sicily to pray at her tomb. They said that God worked wonders there. Every February, on Agatha's feast day, crowds filled the church where she rested.”
“After Lucy died, the Christians of Syracuse never forgot her. They visited her tomb in the catacombs and prayed there, just as Lucy had once prayed at Agatha's tomb.”
“In all these places, the celebrations share something special. On a dark winter day, people light candles, share food, and remember a young woman who brought light and bread to people who needed them.”
“Lucy lived about twenty years. She never traveled far from home. She never led an army or wrote a book. And yet, 1,700 years later, people all over the world still light candles for her.”
“Lucy shared everything she had. She could have kept her family's jewels and land. Instead, she noticed the people others walked past, and she gave them what they needed. You don't have to sell your belongings to be generous like Lucy. You can share your lunch. You can give your time to someone who needs help. You can notice the kid sitting alone and invite them to join you.”
“And Lucy leaned on a friend. Agatha had lived long before her, but Lucy looked to her for courage. The saints can be your friends too. When you feel afraid, you can ask them to pray for you.”
“Lucy looked to Saint Agatha for courage, like a big sister in faith. Who helps you feel brave? Is there a saint you would like to get to know better?”
“Lucy's story is different from many others in this series. We know very little about her for certain. Most of what we read about her comes from a story written after her death, and some parts grew and changed as it was told and retold over the centuries.”
I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. I have not read much about Saint Lucy; and as such really enjoyed this volume. I especially enjoyed following the devotion to her as it spread across the world. I appreciated the history and timeline.
This book and series are great read for the young and the young at heart! I would love to see how the author would handle standalone volumes on Josemaría Escrivá, Charles de Foucauld, John Henry Newman, and many of my other favourite saints. But these books are so good no matter who is profiled next I know I will pick it up. This volume was excellent!
These books would be great gifts for first communion or even confirmation. It would be an excellent addition to any home, school, or church library. This latest release in this series is another excellent read. The series keeps getting better and better. It was an excellent read in a great series.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series:
Saint Cecilia: The Girl Who Sang in Her Heart
Saint Josephine Bakhita: The Girl Who Chose Freedom
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: The Girl Who Found a Little Way
Saint Francis of Assisi: The Man Who Befriended Birds
Saint Nicholas: The Orphan Who Became Santa Claus
Saint Juan Diego: The Man Whose Cloak Held a Miracle
Saint Faustina: The Messenger of Divine Mercy
Saint Martin The Soldier Who Shared His Cloak
…
Lives of Women Saints: 52 True Stories of Courage, Faith, and Character
The Lives of Women Saints Coloring & Activity Book
The Lives of Women Saints Workbook
Catholic Saints for Kids: 33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character
Catholic Saints for Kids: 33 Inspiring Stories of Faith, Courage and Character Full Coloring Book Edition
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