Throughout history, Catholic heroism has taken many forms; St. Joan of Arc led troops to victory at just 19 years old; Father John Gerard, SJ, risked his life to minister in a time of persecution; and martyrs like U.S. Navy Chaplain Father Vincent Capodanno, MM, willingly gave their lives for others. Each of them served God in a different way – and each was willing to answer God’s call in their life.
In the latest Basilica Book Club installment, we invite you to discover three books that tell the incredible stories of Catholic heroes across the ages.
Joan of Arc
Though most readers know Mark Twain for his fiction, few people know that he also wrote a biography of St. Joan of Arc, which he considered his most important work. Meticulously written, the book is the culmination of 12 years of research, including Twain’s extensive archival work in France. After studying detailed accounts by both the French and the English, he made several attempts at drafting the manuscript before he was able to satisfactorily complete it. The result is a remarkably accurate biography of the life and mission of St. Joan of Arc, told by one of America’s greatest storytellers.
The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest
Written by Father John Gerard, SJ, this autobiography tells the story of a Jesuit priest who lived at a time when simply serving his vocation was considered an act of treason. Amidst the brutal persecution of Elizabethan England, Fr. Gerard stopped at nothing to carry out his ministry. In The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest, learn how Fr. Gerard snuck onto a Norfolk beach following his ordination, disguised himself as a gentleman, and traveled about the country preaching and ministering to the faithful in secret – always in constant danger. The houses in which he found shelter were frequently raided by “priest hunters”; hide-outs and hair-breadth escapes were part of his daily life. He was ultimately caught, imprisoned, and later moved to the infamous Tower of London where he was brutally tortured. The stirring account of his escape, by means of a rope thrown across the moat, is a daring and magnificent climax to a true story. Here is an accurate and compelling picture of England at a time when Catholics were denied the freedom to worship. Penned over three centuries ago, The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest epitomizes the constant struggle of all human beings through the ages to maintain their freedom.
Armed with Faith: The Life of Father Vincent Capodanno, MM
Amidst the bloodshed and political rancor of the Vietnam War, Father Vincent R. Capodanno stands as a shining example of selfless service. Whether he was serving as a missionary in the Taiwanese mountains, a high school teacher in Hong Kong, or as a chaplain in the United States Navy, he never hesitated to answer God’s call in his life. Politics and personal ambition had no sway for Fr. Capodanno; rather, he was driven by the desire to bring Christ to Marines on the battlefield, providing encouragement in a place of fear and despair. In this gripping biography, learn how he served God across the world, culminating in the battle of September 4, 1976, where he gave up his life to save another.
*Book descriptions adapted in part from their respective publishers.
Looking for more book recommendations?
In this Basilica Book Club post, discover five books about how God has used faithful men and women throughout the centuries to further His kingdom and what it means for you today.
