Friday, 6 June 2025

Pope Leo XIV - Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

Pope Leo XIV
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library 
Paddy Bréagnamh
ISBN 9798899680052
eISBN 9798899680069
ASIN B0F81XRST5

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

As soon as Pope Leo XIV was announced I started looking for books by and about him. Over 20 showed up within hours, and hundreds by the next morning. I added this and a few others to a wish list to keep an eye on, then a few days later this was available for free so I gave it a try. The description of the book is:

“From a quiet childhood in Chicago to the Vatican balcony—discover the incredible true story of Pope Leo XIV.

When Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV in 2025, many were surprised. But those who knew him weren’t. This humble priest had spent decades walking with the poor, listening with compassion, and leading with heart.

Now, kids ages 8–12 can explore the journey of the first American Pope in this engaging chapter book filled with real-life inspiration, global adventure, and timeless values.

Easy-to-read chapters
Beautifully told true story
Timeline, glossary, and reflection questions

Whether you’re Catholic or curious, this inspiring biography will show readers that greatness begins with saying yes to the people around you—and to the call within your heart.”

I do not know if the author, Paddy Bréagnamh, is a real name or pen name, I can only find the 5 volumes in this series and the one on Saint Patrick in several book stores online. But this little volume was interesting enough I am interested in some of the others. The chapters and sections in the volume are:

Introduction 
1: Who Is the Pope, Anyway? 
2: Meet Bobby Prevost 
3: Called to Something More 
4: Life in Peru 
5: A Humble Leader 
6: How Popes Are Chosen 
7: Introducing Pope Leo XIV 
8: What Will You Do? 
Timeline of Key Moments 
Glossary 
Author’s Note

This volume is written for young readers, it would be considered an early chapter book. Each chapter has an illustration on the chapter title page. The information is what is generally available online or from the commentators after Pope Leo’s election. It is a good intro to the man and his election for young readers. I highlighted several passages while reading this volume some of them are:

“This is the true story of a boy named Bobby from Chicago. He wasn’t famous or flashy. He didn’t chase the spotlight. He just said yes. Yes to kindness. Yes to learning. Yes to helping others.”

“The Pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, a faith followed by more than one billion people across the world. He’s a spiritual guide, a teacher, and a symbol of unity for Catholics everywhere.”

“But before he wore white robes or spoke to crowds in St. Peter’s Square, he was just a regular boy growing up in Chicago.”

“Bobby was born on September 14, 1955, into a warm and loving family. His mom, a librarian and his dad, a U.S. Navy veteran and school administrator, worked hard and taught him the importance of kindness, honesty, and helping others. He had two brothers, and the house was often full of energy, conversation, and the delicious smells of home-cooked meals.”

“During this time, Bobby felt drawn to a special kind of priesthood. He joined an order called the Augustinians, a group of men who lived in community, took vows of poverty, and focused on service, education, and simplicity.”

“He didn’t just visit Peru. He became part of it. He stayed for nearly twenty years. The people called him “Padre Roberto.” And when it was finally time for him to leave, many wept—not because he was important, but because he had loved them well.”

“Choosing a new Pope isn’t like voting for class president. There are no campaign posters, no speeches, and definitely no commercials. It’s a process filled with prayer, tradition, and a little bit of mystery.”

“In his first appearance, Pope Leo XIV spoke softly. He didn’t shout. He didn’t boast. He simply said, “Peace be with you.” 
The crowd went quiet. 
In that moment, something powerful happened. People saw not just a Pope, but a person. Someone who was still humble, still prayerful, still deeply human.”

“He didn’t dream of standing on balconies or having crowds cheer his name. He simply followed one small “yes” at a time—saying yes to helping others, yes to learning, yes to leading with love. And look where that yes led him. From the streets of Chicago to the villages of Peru, to the heart of the Vatican.”

“As his papacy begins, many people around the world hope that Pope Leo XIV will continue to walk with the poor, listen to the young, and lead with quiet courage—just like he always has.”

At the end of the volume is a selection of reflection questions for group discussion with kids. I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume and for our new pope. It was good little read. I enjoyed this little volume. I can recommend it.  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Note2: This book is currently available on Kobo and Barns and Noble. 

Books about Pope Leo XIV:
LEO XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope - Matthew Bunson
Pope Leo XIV Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy - Christopher White

Books By Pope Leo XVI:

Related Posts:
…

Books in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series:
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 
Mini Saints & Missionaries Seven Saints for Boys A First Communion Collection of Courage and Faith 
...

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


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Thursday, 5 June 2025

Letter to the Future - Michael D. O'Brien

Letter to the Future: A Novel
Michael D. O'Brien
ISBN 9781621647874
eISBN 9781642293531
ASIN B0F46QBK3S

Letter to the Future - Michael D. O'Brien

Wow! This story is amazing. I have had book by Michal O’Brien on my ‘to be read list’ for a long time. I have picked up a few over the years and just never for to reading any of that. That is going to change now. I have averaged about a book a day for several years now and this is one of the best novels I have read in a long, long time. It is so well told. I could hardly put it down, in fact I devoured it in a single day. 

The description of this novel states:

“Best-selling novelist Michael O'Brien returns to the theme of people of faith striving to find their way through a societal collapse during the rise of new dimensions of totalitarianism.

Set in the near future, all of North America is plunged into crisis as basic communications and other services suddenly and inexplicably fail. As the tension mounts, a disparate group of people come together from several directions, apparently by coincidence. Many of them are strangers to each other, and some are very young--whom their parents and guardians call "our pied piper children."

Moved by grace and dreams, they leave behind all securities and endure numerous alarming trials as they follow the thread of inspiration, seeking refuge in the mountains of British Columbia. Their choice to proceed in blind faith will bring about unforeseen consequences that are fully revealed only in the distant future.”

The chapters do not have titles in this volume, but the book is broken into section. The sections are:

Part I: Sursum Corda
Part II: Letter to the Future 
Part III: Legend

The story starts off well in the future. Three children shelter from a raving storm in the woods and under a rock overhang. They find something odd, and after the storm when they encounter their father looking for them they return to it. Their father recognizes it as cement, they work their way into the enclosure and discover a hidden treasure trove. The find a silver crucifix, a manuscript, a book of psalms, and some items they cannot identify. Their priest sets to translating and transcribing the volume they found. The main part of the story is that translation. 

It is a story that could start any day now. Several people from various walks of life and even locations all feel called or led in a specific direction. As the government is gracing down, while en route the collapse of society appears to begin in earnest. The people come together with a general plan of heading to a remote location to wait out the upheavals. The main story is the courtship of the author of this work, and then the first few days of the travel and setting us their planned temporary home. The final section of the manuscript is an addendum added many years later about how they have got on and the events since the start.

This story has the world on the brink of an Apocalypse, with what our group believe is God’s judgement and the great chastisement. A totalitarian government is tightening its grip. And in the uncertainty chaos is unleased. 

Because the majority of the work takes place over a few short days the pace is breakneck. It does an excellent job of looking at where society is and is likely heading. O’Brien has insight into the politics of the day and those implications for people of faith, especially Catholics. There is a great sense of religious devotion and practical piety, even is a number of the characters are learning it or growing in it after years away. There is a strong emphasis on the mystical and dream guiding and leading people. 

The characters are masterfully written. And the plot well executed. It is an incredible story. It is Christian Literature at its best, and an excellent Catholic Fiction story. I can easily recommend this novel and look forward to reading others from the pen of O’Brien!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Michael D. O'Brien:
The Small Angel (1993)
A Landscape with Dragons (1998)
The Island of the World (2007)
The Father's Tale (2011)
Theophilos (2012)
Voyage to Alpha Centauri (2013)
Elijah in Jerusalem (2015)
The Fool of New York City (2016)
The Lighthouse (2020)
The Sabbatical (2021)
By the Rivers of Babylon (2022)
…

Children of the Last Days Series:
Father Elijah (1996)
Strangers and Sojourners (1997)
Eclipse of the Sun (1997)
Plague Journal (1999)
A Cry of Stone (2003)
Sophia House (2005)
…

Contributed to:
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Wednesday, 4 June 2025

The Divine Mercy and Sister Faustina - Father Andrew Witko - CTS Prayers and Devotions

The Divine Mercy & Sister Faustina 
Fr Andrew Witko 
ISBN 9781860820786
eISBN 9781784694906
ASIN B075P2JM1F
CTS Booklet D650

The Divine Mercy and Sister Faustina - Father Andrew Witko - CTS Prayers and Devotions Rebranded

I have read over 80 books and booklets that are part of the CTS Prayers & Devotions Series. Some of the earlier ones are just mark CTS Devotions, but more recent ones have both Prayers and Devotions listed as the series name. This series has spanned decades. It has had books come in and out of print. This volume was published in the 2000 and the eBook edition was released in 2017, it was rebranded in the early 2020’s. Over the last several years I have fallen in love with the books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society. As of the reading of this volume I have read over 430 volumes. And still have almost 200 on my ‘wishlist’. This was the second CTS booklet I read on Divine Mercy back to back the other being; Divine Mercy Prayer Book by The Marian Fathers during the Divine Mercy Novena in 2025. But back to the volume at hand. 

The description of this volume states:

“Beloved by Pope St John Paul II, devotion to the Divine Mercy has grown in popularity since its humble beginnings in Poland. Yet few know the details of its origins or of the devotion itself. That fascinating story is told here.

Beginning in 1931, Jesus appeared to a Polish nun called Sr Faustina Kowalska. He requested an image of himself to be painted, inscribed with the words "Jesus, I trust in You", promising that "the soul that will venerate this image will not perish."

Pope John Paul II has described the Divine Mercy as an antibiotic for the illnesses of the contemporary world. But while devotion to the Divine Mercy has grown in popularity, few know the details of its origins or of the devotion itself. This booklet offers this information, beginning with the life of St Faustina, it relates her journey to join the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, her visions of Jesus and his request for the creation of the Divine Mercy image. The devotion itself is also explained, with detail about the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Divine Mercy devotions and prayers are also included.”

The chapters and sections in the book are:

The Apostle of the Divine Mercy Sister Faustina
     Compassion for the poor
     Faustina’s vocation
     Looking for a convent
     Working for a dowry

Faustina enters the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy
     The novitiate
     Sister Faustina’s visions begin
     Searching for a painter
     Kazimirowski paints the first Divine Mercy Image
     Gardener at Vilnius
     The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
     Permission to found a new congregation
     Observation of the hour of Christ’s Death
     The last months

The Devotion to the Divine Mercy
     The Essence of the Devotion
     Practising Mercy
     The Chaplet
     Trust and works of mercy
     Interpreting the image in the light of the Gospel
     The promises
     The Feast of Mercy
     The Novena
     Forgiveness of sins on the Feast of Mercy

The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
     Perseverance
     The First Promise
     The Second Promise
     The Third Promise
     The Fourth Promise

The Devotions and Prayers

I only highlighted a few of passages while working through this volume some of them are:

“Our Lord chose this simple, uneducated woman to remind the world of the forgotten truth about the Divine Mercy, and to give new forms of the devotion to the Divine Mercy.”

“This text has been prepared, to meet the demand for information about the life and mission of the Apostle of the Divine Mercy, both for those who have some knowledge about the Polish Mystic, and those who have not heard about the devotion to the Divine Mercy.”

“When Helena was seven, she heard God’s voice in her soul for the first time, calling her to a more perfect life. This voice was to grow stronger and stronger as the years passed, urging her to fulfil her mission in the Congregation chosen for her by God.”

“Their church was about two kilometres away, but because of housework, Helena was not often allowed to go there. Sunday mass was very important to her, she never wanted to miss it.”

“When her work made longer prayer impossible, she tried to visit the chapel more often. For just a few minutes she knelt down before the Blessed Sacrament, ‘sometimes just smiled and went out to work,’ to continue doing her duties with renewed energy. There was no affectation or artificiality in her behaviour, ‘she was extraordinarily ordinary’-as one of her superiors described her.”

“The instruction to observe the hour of Jesus’ death was the fourth task given to Sister Faustina regarding forms of devotion to the Divine Mercy. The previous tasks, referring to the image and to the Feast, as well as to the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy were given to Faustina in Plock (the former ones) and in Vilnius (the latter one).”

“At the end of August and early September, Father Sopocko visited Sister Faustina in hospital a few times. She told him then, that the spreading of the devotion to the Divine Mercy would encounter great difficulties and that the Apostolic See would issue a decree forbidding the Devotion.”

“The main task of Sister Faustina was to remind the world about the truth of the Divine Mercy and to show new forms of worship. The devotion to the Divine Mercy as propagated by Sister Faustina, based on private visions and connected with many promises, was forbidden in the years 1958-1978. It was only in 1978 that the Notification of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith allowed its forms, as described by Sister Faustina, to be reinstated.”

“The Devotion consists in the adoration of Mercy. Numerous visions explain that to adore the Divine Mercy means to trust it. Thus, even if other elements are missing, the trust itself is the Devotion.”

“Jesus wanted us to practise mercy towards our neighbour because He wanted the Devotion to become a Christian way of life so that it would not remain merely superficial. Thus, the image points to the necessity of performing works of mercy on the one hand, and on the other, reminds us to trust in the Divine Mercy, the visible sign of which is the inscription, Jesus, I trust in You!”

“The theological interpretation of the image was given by Father Michal Sopocko who explained its meaning on the basis of the Bible and the liturgy.”

“While saying the Chaplet, it is necessary to be faithful to the text, which cannot be changed for any reason whatsoever.”

“Jesus attached one general and four specific promises to the recitation of the Chaplet. The general promise was expressed in the vision of 22nd May 1937, and repeated on 28th January 1938: “It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet.” In May 1938 Jesus added that everything could be obtained by means of this chaplet, if it is not against His will. Jesus is ready to give everything which means both temporal and redemptive graces for individuals as well as for communities. Similar general promises were made earlier in November and December 1936: “The souls that will say this chaplet, will be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime; Oh, what great graces I will grant to souls who say this chaplet; the very depths of My tender mercy are stirred for the sake of those who say the chaplet.” Obviously, the promise is valid only if the other basic conditions of the Devotion are met, i.e. trust, perseverance and works of mercy.”

“Indeed, the message about the Divine Mercy, given to us by Jesus, Himself, and handed down to us by Sister Faustina, is becoming more and more widely known, and is now practised in every country in the world.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. Several years ago I read a number of volumes about Divine Mercy, most by Father Michael E. Gaitley since then every now and again I come across one and pick it up. I am very thankful I picked up the 2 volumes from the CTS on this devotion, they are both well worth the read. 

I have had this volume on my Kindle  for a few years now; but had not got around to reading it. I regret that. It is a great volume. One I can easily recommend. It would be a great addition to any school, home, or church library. Another wonderful resource from the CTS.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For reviews of other books in the CTS Prayers & Devotions series click here.

Other books about Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina:
…

Divine Mercy Prayer Book - The Marian Fathers - CTS Prayers and Devotions

The Divine Mercy and Sister Faustina - Father Andrew Witko - CTS Prayers and Devotions Rebranded

The Divine Mercy and Sister Faustina - Father Andrew Witko - CTS Prayers and Devotions


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Tuesday, 3 June 2025

Saints for All Occasions Notecards - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

Saints for All Occasions Notecards
Barbara Calamari
Abrams
ISBN 9781419718106

Saints for All Occasions Notecards - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

I have now read all the books read by Barbara and Sandra, this is one of two box set of notecards available from the writing team. I stumbled upon another volume by this writing team and have since reading that first one tracked down all but 1 in digital format. Because of a dual form of dyslexia I greatly prefer eBooks. The first volume I read was all about Holy Cards, and it was a fascinating read.

The description of this product states:

“Based on a collection of vintage holy cards, this set of notecards offers the perfect saint to send for every occasion. Send your best wishes with St. Casilda (invoked for luck), St. Vitus (invoked for laughter), and St. Teresa of Ávila (invoked for healing). For Mother’s Day there is St. Monica (Patron Saint of Mothers) and for graduations there is St. Thomas Aquinas (Patron Saint of Students). The gorgeous foil-stamped box includes 20 envelopes and 20 cards, each featuring a different saint.”

The cards in this box set in no particular order are:

Saint Margaret of Antioch
Saint Joseph
Saint Anthony Of Padua
Saint John the Baptist
Saint Monica
Saint Jude
Saint Norbert
Saint Adelaide
Saint Casilda of Toledo
Saint Anne
Saint Gabriel the Archangel
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Saint Theresa of Avila
Saint Vitus
Saint Julian the Hospitaller
Saint Therese of Lisieux
Saint Louis
Saint Patrick
Saint Joachim
Saint Joan of Arc

A sample card text is:

“Saint Vitus
Invoked for Laughter
D. 303
Feast Day June 15

SICILIAN BOY IMPRISONED AND MARTYRED BY THE ROMANS for his faith,
Vitus was said to have been entertained in his cell by a band of dancing angels. In the late Middle Ages, it became customary in Germany to celebrate his feast day by dancing all night. Eventually, Vitus became the patron saint of dancers, comedians, and entertainers.

PATRONAGES
hens, roosters, actors, brewers, comedians, dancers, pharmacists, vintners, neurological disorders

INVOKED AGAINST
snakebite, bedwetting, wild-animal attacks.”

This is another excellent product from the team who created it. It ties in well with the books the duo have written on Holy Cards, Mary, and Saints. This is a wonderful collection of cards. I enjoyed reading through he whole set, and look forward to using them for notes for friends and family . If you can track it down it is a great set of gift cards.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Saints for All Occasions Notecards - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Joan of Arc

Saints for All Occasions Notecards - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Julian the Hospitaller

Saints for All Occasions Notecards - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Saint Vitus

Saints for All Occasions Notecards - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua St Norbert

Saints for All Occasions Notecards - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Back Cover

Books by Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua:
Holy Cards (2004)
…

Other items by Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua:
Our Lady of Guadalupe in a Box: A Novena Prayer Kit (2002)
Holy Cards: Note Card Set in a Drawer (2005)

Books by Barbara Calamari:
The Bible Companion: The Complete Illustrated Handbook to the Holy Scriptures
…

Patron Saints - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

Visions of Mary - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

Holy Cards - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua
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Monday, 2 June 2025

As You Like It Stratford Festival 2025 A Review

As You Like It
2025
Director Chris Abraham
Set and Costume Designer Julie Fox
Lighting Designer Imogen Wilson
Composers Ron Sexsmith and Thomas Ryder Payne
Sound Designer Thomas Ryder Payne
Fight and Intimacy Director Anita Nittoly
Choreographer Adrienne Gould

As You Like It Stratford Festival 2025 A Review

As You Like It Stratford Festival 2025 A Review

This was the second of six planned shows this season my son and I attended with shows ranging from late May to mid-October. This was also the second Shakespeare my youngest daughter attended, at 14 she loved it. She enjoyed Macbeth so much the day before she asked if we could add a ticket for this one, and she regrets not joining us over the last couple of years. Over the last few years my son, who is now 17, and I have attended a number of plays in Stratford at the festival, and each year we have an ever growing list of shows we want to see. We eagerly await the announcements of the season’s shows and often buy our tickets early in the winter. The other shows we have seen or plan to see this season are Macbeth , The Winter's Tale, Annie, Anne of Green Gables, and Goblin Oedipus. All three of us loved this production

My son and I read a version of this play before it before attending it. And my daughter plans to join us in that going forward, she struggled following this one at times, but put most of it together.

All three of us thought this is an excellent production. We loved the set, the changing costumes, seasons, and the way the play is staged and acted. There were so many fantastic elements in this production.  

The summary of the play on the festival site states:

““WE THAT ARE TRUE LOVERS RUN INTO STRANGE CAPERS...” 
Harvests have grown thin, and the world is out of joint. Duke Frederick seizes power from his sister, the Duchess, forcing her into exile in the Forest of Arden. Her daughter Rosalind soon follows, fleeing the court with her loyal cousin Celia. Disguised as a boy named Ganymede, Rosalind navigates a new life among exiles, rebels, and the rural inhabitants of an ancient forest. There, she encounters Orlando—fleeing his vindictive brother Oliver—and puts his claim of love to the test. Their witty role-playing sparks a charged, self-questioning, and profound journey towards love.

Amidst mistaken identities, multiple romantic entanglements, and a few songs, the forest becomes a place where exiles, lovers, and a banished Duchess come to see the world—and their place in it—differently. The play ends in celebration, with long-separated families reunited and multiple couples joyfully wed.”

The synopsis in the house program states:

“Harvests have grown thin, and the world is out of joint. Duke Frederick seizes power from his sister, the Duchess, forcing her into exile in the Forest of Arden. Her daughter Rosalind soon follows, fleeing the court with her loyal cousin Celia. Disguised as a boy named Ganymede, Rosalind navigates a new life among exiles, rebels and the rural inhabitants of an ancient forest. There, she encounters Orlando—fleeing his vindictive brother Oliver—and puts his claim of love to the test. Their witty role-playing sparks a charged, self-questioning and profound journey toward love.

Amidst mistaken identities, multiple romantic entanglements and a few songs, the forest becomes a place where exiles, lovers and a banished Duchess come to see the world—and their place in it—differently. The play ends in celebration, with long-separated families reunited and multiple couples joyfully wed.”

After the play we have an almost an hour drive home, and usually spend the time discussing the performance. Even thought it was very late after a dinner out in Stratford we talked about this play the whole way home. One of the things we often discuss is favourite performers. We each come up with our list, this time there is some overlap.

My top ranking for the performers would be:
Sara Farb as Rosalind
Seana McKkenna as the Duchess
Christoipher Allen as Orlando
Steve Ross as Touchstone a Clown
Jessica B. Hill as Phoebe

My son's top picks are:
Aaron Krohn as Jacques
Seana McKkenna as the Duchess
Sean Arbuckle as the Duke
Christoipher Allen as Orlando
Andrew Chown as Oliver

My daughters were:
Seana McKkenna as the Duchess 
Steve Ross as Touchstone a Clown
Sara Farb as Rosalind
Christoipher Allen as Orlando
Andrew Chown as Oliver

The cast is: 
Vourt of Duke Frederick:
Rosalind, Daughter Of The Banished Duchess - Sara Farb
Celia, Daughter Of Duke Frederick - Makambe K. Simamba
Duke Frederick, The New Duke - Sean Arbuckle
Orlando, Youngest Son Of Sir Rowland De Boys - Christopher Allen
Jaques De Boys, Second Son Of Sir Rowland De Boys - Evan Mercer
Oliver, Oldest Son Of Sir Rowland De Boys - Andrew Chown
Adam, Servant To The De Boys Family - John Ng
Dennis, Assistant To Oliver - Norman Yeung
Touchstone, A Clown - Steve Ross
Le Beau, A Courtier - Jeff Lillico
Charles, A Wrestler - Joe Perry
Hysperia, Attendant To Celia - Ashley Dingwell
Guards - Thomas Duplessie, Jesse Gervais, Leon Qin
Labourers, Lords And Ladies - Gabriel Antonacci, Shane Carty, Jacklyn Francis, Jessica B. Hill, Hiro Kanagawa, Michael Man, Silvae Mercedes, Evan Mercer, Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane, Nadine Villasin

Forest Of Arden:
The Duchess - Seana Mckenna
Jaques, A Melancholic - Aaron Krohn
Amiens, Follower Of The Banished Duchess - Gabriel Antonacci
Exiled Court Of The Duchess - Shane Carty, Ashley Dingwell, Thomas Duplessie, Jacklyn Francis, Jesse Gervais, Jeff Lillico, Evan Mercer, Joe Perry, Leon Qin, Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane, Nadine Villasin, Norman Yeung 
Corin, A Shepherd, Hiro Kanagawa
Silvius, A Young Shepherd - Michael Man
Phoebe, A Young Shepherdess - Jessica B. Hill
Audrey, A Goat Herder - Silvae Mercedes
William, A Country Boy - Leon Qin

Understudies:
Rosalind - Celia Aloma
Jaques - Gabriel Antonacci
Adam, Duke Frederick - Shane Carty
Phoebe - Ashley Dingwell
Le Beau, Dennis, William - Thomas Duplessie
The Duchess, Lord - Jacklyn Francis
Corin, Charles, Guard, Jaques De Boys - Jesse Gervais
Touchstone - Jeff Lillico
Amiens, Silvius - Evan Mercer
Orlando - Joe Perry
Celia - Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane
Audrey, Hysperia, Lady - Nadine Villasin
Oliver - Norman Yeung

My youngest daughter straggled following this play a bit, but she had not read it or seen a filmed version of it. But even with that she loved it. She thought the acting was amazing. All three of us loved the sets, with the shifting seasons, and the interactions with Touchstone after the intermission were wonderful.

This is would be easier play to follow if you had read it or seen a different version. It is not one we did when I was in school, and my children do not have it in high school currently. But it is a wonderful tale and this was a great production of it. My daughter kept leaning over saying another wedding and loved the quadruple nuptials at the end. The final song and curtain call are worth the price of admission just by themselves.. The director’s note by Chris Abraham in the handbill states:

“It is a play written during a pivotal time in 1599, marked by uncertainty, shifting power, changing landscapes and uneasy transitions. Queen Elizabeth was in her 41st year of reign, aging, and the question of succession loomed over England. A generation of young people faced an uncertain world—war in Ireland, foreign threats and the growing assertion of state control at home. The economy was volatile, shaped by inflation, unemployment and food shortages from poor harvests. The climate contributed to this crisis—Europe was in the grip of what we now call the “Little Ice Age,” a period of cooling temperatures that led to failed crops, widespread hunger and social unrest.

The Forest of Arden, often seen as a pastoral retreat to modern audiences, was, in fact, a landscape under pressure. Its ancient woods were shrinking due to expanding farmland and industries, its open commons were increasingly enclosed, and its wilderness was no longer so wild. Wealthy landowners, like Orlando’s brother, Oliver, were charged with increasing crop yields to support a nation recovering from years of food shortages. Large estates were reorganized for efficiency, with a growing emphasis on maximizing production at the expense of traditional ways of life. Common grazing land was fenced off, small farmers were displaced and tensions simmered between those who controlled the land and those who worked it. Thus, the Forest was more dangerous than we sometimes imagined. Shakespeare’s world was in transition and As You Like It reflects the tensions of that time.

Yet, the play transforms instabilities into new possibilities. A Duchess, exiled from court, seeks to create a community in the trees. A young woman, cast out from her home, finds freedom in disguise. Strangers form connections, lovers unite unexpectedly and imaginations flourish. And in the process, the world begins to reorder itself—not as it was, but an they might like it to be.”

And it concludes with:

“Perhaps that is why, more than 400 years after being written, As You Like It still speaks to us. It reminds us that in uncertainty, there is possibility; that in exile, there is transformation; and that in the act of making the world as we like it, we may find ourselves changed in ways we never expected.”

That sentiment by Abraham sums up why the three of us loved this play so much, in a time with Trump, tariffs, and constantly shifting policies, we too feel the uncertainty, and hope for that place of stability, community, and companionship. And the theatre community at Stratford provides that hope, and this play inspires it. This was another excellent production from the cast, crew and artistic team at the Stratford Festival. From 55 to 14 years of age it was hit with all three of us. 
It is a great production that we highly recommend. 

Note: Photos by David Hou/Stratford Festival, or our own.

As You Like It Stratford Festival 2025 A Review

As You Like It Stratford Festival 2025 A Review

As You Like It Stratford Festival 2025 A Review

As You Like It Stratford Festival 2025 A Review

As You Like It Stratford Festival 2025 A Review

As You Like It Stratford Festival 2025 A Review

Reviews of Other Stratford Productions:
The Tempest - Stratford Festival 2019 
Richard III – 2022
Hamlet – 2022
The Miser – 2022
King Lear – 2023
Grand Magic – 2023
Cymbeline – 2024
Twelfth Night – 2024
As You Like It - 2025  
The Winter's Tale - 2025  
Annie - 2025 
Goblin Oedipus -  2025 
The Tempest - 2026  
Something Rotten – 2026 
Othello - 2026 
Saturday, Sunday, Monday - 2026 
…

Reviews of Shakespeare Movies:
Cymbeline – 2014

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Sunday, 1 June 2025

Prayer of the Day Saint Vincent Pallotti

 Saint Vincent Pallotti
Prayer of the Day

Saint Vincent Pallotti
you were moulded by God, the infinite love.
You Answered God's call to serve Him.
You were there for those seeking counsel,
for the sick, for the youth and the aging,
for the rich and the poor,
for people of any profession and walk of life.

Now I call upon you to intercede for me.
I ask you to submit my petitions to God.
Be my helper
as I place this prayer before God the Father,
through Jesus Christ.
Do not leave me without your help.
Show me the way to Christ.
Through the Spirit,
lead me to the Father.
Amen.


This prayer is from a prayer card from Portraits of Saints, I bought a few lots of seconds and this was one of them. I have an every growing selection of prayer cards from various sources, I keep a stack in a stand on my desk and rotate through them. Sometimes one really catches my attention and I add that prayer to my daily prayers.
 
Portrait of Saints Prayer Cards 1

Portrait of Saints Prayer Cards Marian

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