"In a world that is changing at an ever more dizzying pace, there remain, thanks be to God, certain points of reference that, like radiant stars, allow us to find our bearings. With her beautifully illustrated and remarkably well-written book, Of Bells and Cells, the author has opened up for younger souls the world of religious life, which, despite the challenges of our day, continues to be such a beacon for the Church and for the world." The Right Reverend Dom Philip Anderson, O.S.B. Abbot of Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey "This is a charming book, beautifully illustrated, a real pleasure to read and handle. It will not only answer children's questions, "What is a monk?" "What do nuns do all day?", but will open up a rich treasury of good material about the life of faith and the joy to be found in serving God and neighbour. And it gives a grand vision of history, as we read about St Benedict in the 5th century, St Francis in the 12th, Mother Teresa in the 20th - and more. A book for every Catholic home and school - for enjoyment, for inspiration, and for education." Joanna Bogle, D.S.G., Catholic author, journalist, and broadcaster "This is a beautiful book in several ways: the illustrations, done in splendid color, are beautiful-almost more than one could hope for; the layout is extraordinarily well done-both young people and adults will be greatly attracted by it; and the text is gloriously informative-accurate, thorough, and readable. The whole thing draws an attentive reader into the true ethos of the religious life. I recommend it highly to every readership-the individual, families, parishes, and dioceses." Thomas Howard (RIP), Professor of English Emeritus of St. John's Seminary (Boston), author and critic "This book endeavors to present vocational discernment, religious life, and priesthood to small children in a way that they will understand, but without cutting corners, dumbing down the truth, or lessening the radical nature of the calling. Indeed, the author's strategy seems to be very much that of Pope Benedict XVI, namely, to present the reality in all its demanding grandeur precisely because this is when we can see most clearly how wonderful a gift it is, how worthy of Our Lord, and how appropriate to His holy Church. Indeed, I cannot help thinking that this children's book would make a better introduction to the subject than many high school and college texts out there." Peter Kwasniewski, Catholic author and speaker. "Religious vocations are often discerned in the formative years. In today's culture the call to become a religious may even be incomprehensible to young minds. Of Bells and Cells is a very beautiful and quite unique presentation of the essentials of religious life. Through its pages young people will also enjoy a clear overview of a wide variety of traditions of religious life both contemplative and active. I believe Of Bells and Cells will open the hearts of young people to perceive the voice of God and respond to the call to follow Him." Kathy Sinnott, former MEP for Ireland, co-founder of Newman College, Ireland.
