Xavier Society for the Blind

Our November newsletter is out! For Vocations Awareness Week, we highlight a very special client discerning a vocation to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. XSB was on the move this month at the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey's state convention and VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired annual awards breakfast. We also share some client love, social media highlights, and our newest titles in braille and audio. Oh, and we're getting reading for our St. Lucy Mass!

To read more visit https://xaviersocietyfortheblind.org/november-2024-newsletter

Continuing our highlights for Black Catholic History Month, check out another great book available in braille and Talking Book: "Mary Lou Williams: Music for the Soul" by Deanna Witkowski. Our Talking Books are compatible with the machines provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled of The Library of Congress. Check out a clip here: https://youtu.be/EPdIhLpJBac

Here is a bit more about this title published by Liturgical Press: In Mary Lou Williams: Music for the Soul, Deanna Witkowski brings a fresh perspective to the life and music of the legendary jazz pianist-composer Mary Lou Williams (1910-81).

As a fellow jazz pianist-composer, adult convert to Catholicism, and liturgical composer, Witkowski offers unique insight gleaned from a twenty-year journey with Williams as her chosen musical and spiritual mentor. Viewing Williams’s musical and corporal acts of mercy as part of a singular effort to create community no matter the context, Witkowski examines how Williams created networks of support and friendship through her decades long letter correspondence with various women religious, her charitable work, and her tireless efforts to perform jazz in churches, community centers, concert halls, and schools. Throughout this fascinating story told with equal amounts of deep love and scholarly research, Witkowski illumines Williams’s passionate mantra that “jazz is healing to the soul.”

We're celebrating today and everyday! Looking for a great book to start off a new week? Check out "No Cross, No Crown: Black Nuns in Nineteenth-Century New Orleans" by Sister Mary Bernard Deggs. This book is available in both braille and Talking Book (clip available here https://youtu.be/xK_MC53x7nM ).

As always, our Talking Books play in the machines provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled of The Library of Congress.

Here's a bit more about this title published by Indiana University Press: Among New Orleans' most compelling stories is that of the Sisters of the Holy Family, which was founded in the 19th century and still thrives today in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. The community's difficult early years are portrayed in a remarkable account by one of the sisters, Mary Bernard Deggs. While Deggs did not officially join the community until 1873, as a student at the sisters' early school she would have known Henriette Delille and the other founders. It was not until 1852 that the sisters were able to take their first official vows and exchange their blue percale gowns for black ones, and it was 1873 before they were permitted to wear a formal religious habit. This community of mixed race faced almost insurmountable obstacles, but the women remained unflagging in their dedication to the poor, to education, and to the care of the elderly and the orphaned—to the needs of "their people."

Happy Monday . Did you know yesterday was the beginning of National Vocation Awareness Week?! This is an annual week-long celebration described by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life. We are so blessed to have served many discerning a vocation, including seminarians Tony D., Cyrus H. and Jedidiah S. pictured here.

Special thanks to our supporters for ensuring our 124-year-old mission of providing accessible reading materials to priests, deacons, seminarians, nuns, and lay people worldwide continues well into its second century!

Brother Lawrence was a seventeenth century Christian who had a dramatic spiritual awakening at the age of eighteen. Seeing a tree in winter, his soul suddenly opened to the presence of God. Within six years he had entered a Carmelite monastery in Paris, where he worked chiefly in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning. He practiced a simple and natural method. He merely turned his attention to the Divine Presence available at all times during any activity. He reports that he was as fully present with God while washing dishes in the kitchen as he was when partaking of the sacrament in worship.

Interested in learning more like Juan N. in the Diocese of Tucson? He requested "The Practice of the Presence of God In Modern English" by Brother Lawrence and translated by Marshall Davis in braille.

The Practice of the Presence of God in Modern English is modern translation of the timeless spiritual classic. Written over 300 years ago in French, The Practice of the Presence of God is here presented in language understandable to the twenty-first century English reader. Not a paraphrase or an abridgment, this version is a faithful rendering of the text in the spirit of the original work.

The profound peace and joy evident in Lawrence’s life attracted many visitors, who sought to learn the secret of his unique spiritual practice. Originally published shortly after his death, this volume consists of personal conversations and letters, which communicate how one can experience God at all times. Also included in this edition are his Spiritual Maxims, a document that was discovered among his belongings after his death.

We were delighted to provide materials and transcribe the Mass program for our friends at the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington Deaf and Disabilities Ministry for their annual White Mass for people with disabilities. We look forward to serving many more people in the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington in need of accessible materials to learn about and practice their faith!

Thank you again to everyone who participated, assisting in planning, and volunteered at this year's White Mass! It was a beautiful celebration of the gifts people living with disabilities, persons who are Deaf, and those living with mental health challenges bring to our Church. We were so pleased to be at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Leonardtown MD. Not only is St. Aloysius a part of our Catholic roots here in the USA, the parish also has ministered with people living with disabilities and their families for many years.

A shout out to our friends at Xavier Society for the Blind who not only sent us the Mass Propers but also transcribed the White Mass program into Braille. Check out all the many resources at Xavier Society for the Blind ensuring people who are Blind or live with low vision can access their faith!

https://xaviersocietyfortheblind.org

Today is November 1st, All Saints Days. Commemorate this holy day of obligation with a great book in braille. Check out "In Caelo et in Terra: 365 Days with the Saints" from the Daughters of St. Paul.

Here's a bit more about this title published by Pauline Books & Media: The saints were not picture perfect. But they were real men and women who loved Jesus in the midst of their struggles with sin and suffering. In the most difficult moments in history, these men and women were lights in the darkness, prophets of hope, and beacons of peace. Joyfully persevering through life's trials, they lived the Gospel in unique, fascinating, and inspiring ways.

The Daughters of St. Paul noticed that most books on the lives of the saints do not have a presentation as timeless or as beautiful as we believe the lives of the saints deserve. For this reason, we decided to take on the monumental project to write, design, and illustrate a volume of 365 saints and blesseds. Supported by the prayers of our sisters in convents and Pauline Books and Media bookstores around the world, over thirty of our sisters worked on all aspects of this timeless volume for over a decade. It's our hope that it will reflect the striking beauty of the saints' lives--a meeting of heaven and earth. Through the beautiful reflections, may you forge deeper bonds with these holy men and women in heaven who show us how to live in Christ. Let's become saints!

One day, philosopher Peter Kreeft reads an open letter published by a friend, Nat Whilk. He's Catholic, but he sees the Church as unsteady, outdated, obsessive. As a challenge to the "True Believers", Nat pens a twenty-point manifesto for "cafeteria Catholics", who pass up certain Church teachings and scoop up others like a diner in a buffet line. "I find in [Catholicism] both much to accept and even love and also much to refuse and even despise", he asserts. "If you insist on tying God to the Church, you will make me an atheist."

Kreeft has an answer for Nat—one that spans over a hundred pages. Interested in learning more? Check out "Confessions of a Cafeteria Catholic." Here is a bit more about this title published by Ignatius Press:

This book is a sharp, friendly, and funny debate between two honest thinkers trying to understand the Christian life. Nat "is the 'cafeteria Catholic', "writes Kreeft, "and I am the 'eat all the food Mommy puts on your plate' Catholic." Taking on Nat's manifesto point by point, the Boston College philosopher builds his case for a full-package Catholicism, addressing the themes of authority, love, freedom, conscience, s*x, abortion, social justice, science, and more. "Our hopes differ", he points out to his friend. "Your hope is in man; mine is in God."

If, like Nat Whilk, you find yourself wondering why the Church asks for so much commitment, Confessions of a Cafeteria Catholic could be the book for you. This debate serves as a fun and accessible introduction to some of the knottiest aspects of Catholic doctrine. Readers of Peter Kreeft's apologetic works and his Socrates Meets dialogues will enjoy the latest venture by one of the most celebrated contemporary Catholic writers.

St. Manuel felt called to the priesthood at the age of 12. After his ordination in 1901, he was sent to preach at a church which he found to be unclean and abandoned. There, praying before a Tabernacle covered in dust and cobwebs, with torn altar cloths and oil dripping onto the floor from the sanctuary lamp, he decided to dedicate his life to providing for Jesus' needs in the Tabernacle.

Interested in learning more like Mary L. in the Diocese of Derry? She requested "The Bishop of the Abandoned Tabernacle: Saint Manuel Gonzalez Garcia" by Victoria Schneider in braille.

Here's a bit more about this title published by Scepter Publishers:
This poor, abandoned Tabernacle taught the young priest more about the Love of Jesus than his years of theological study. It marked his entire life from that moment. He dedicated himself until his death to spreading devotion to the Eucharist, proclaiming these words which he would go on to choose for his epitaph: "Jesus is here! He is here! Do not abandon Him!" This saintly bishop will help you to receive Holy Communion more fervently and to love Jesus more deeply in Eucharistic Adoration. This book will awaken you to a new experience of Our Lord -- that you may see, hear, love, and console "Love who is not loved."

We posted A LOT about our feline friends yesterday for National Cat Day, but we've got just what our dog-lovers need in braille, too! Merry M. in the Diocese of Camden requested "Have Dog, Will Travel: A Poet's Journey" by Steve Kuusisto.

Here is a bit more about this title: In a lyrical love letter to guide dogs everywhere, a blind poet shares his delightful story of how a guide dog changed his life and helped him discover a newfound appreciation for travel and independence.

Stephen Kuusisto was born legally blind—but he was also raised in the 1950s and taught to deny his blindness in order to "pass" as sighted. Stephen attended public school, rode a bike, and read books pressed right up against his nose. As an adult, he coped with his limited vision by becoming a professor in a small college town, memorizing routes for all of the places he needed to be. Then, at the age of 38, he was laid off. With no other job opportunities in his vicinity, he would have to travel to find work.

This is how he found himself at Guiding Eyes for the Blind paired with a Labrador named Corky. In this vivid and lyrical memoir, Stephen Kuusisto recounts how an incredible partnership with a guide dog changed his life and the heart-stopping, wondrous adventure that began for him in midlife. Profound and deeply moving, this is a spiritual journey, the story of discovering that life with a guide dog is both a method and a state of mind.

Alvin F. is a Spanish speaker and braille reader in the Église catholique à Montréal , and he requested "365 Días Acompañados Por Los Santos" by Carmen Aguinaco. This book is in 14(!) braille volumes, but thankfully Alvin has a braille display. For any audio patrons interested, this title is also available in Talking Book, compatible with the machines provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled of The Library of Congress (here's a clip https://youtu.be/ik4p_Rq6T0c ). Here's a bit more about this great title published by Loyola Press .

Manténgase cerca de la fuente de inspiración que son los santos y sienta su acompañamiento en su día a día.

Las vidas de los santos, que a lo largo de los siglos han servido de inspiración a tantos, nos siguen inspirando hoy, pues aunque con el paso del tiempo el mundo haya cambiado, el espíritu humano sigue siendo el mismo. Deje que el ejemplo de estos maravillosos seres humanos lo acompañe cada día y sus vidas sirvan de guía para la suya.

365 días acompañados por los santos lo sorprenderá cada día. Siguiendo el santoral, presenta los acontecimientos más importantes de la vida de un santo del día, ofrece una reflexión sobre cómo su mensaje se puede aplicar a nuestra realidad hoy y nos hace un llamado a la acción.

We're feline fine this National Cat Day! Check out this one last (but not least) braille book available: "Willow: The White House Cat" by the First Lady Dr. Jill Biden

This is the story of how Willow the White House Cat made her way from a farm in Pennsylvania to her new home, The White House, and made new friends along the way, written by Dr. Jill Biden.
When Willow leaves her cozy barn for Washington, DC, and the big white house where she will now live, Willow discovers new rooms to explore and is welcomed by the nice lady she met at Farmer Rick’s farm. Soon, Willow meets so many new people—one who arranges the flow­ers, another who makes sweet things to eat, and the man with a nice smile who seems to be able to do everything at once. Even though they are much bigger and busier than she is, each of them always seems to have time to say hello and make her feel at home in the big white house. Willow enjoys discovering the White House and all the special people who make this house a home.

Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, an educator, and The New York Times bestselling author, tells the story of Willow, the The White House cat, and about the very special place she and President Joe Biden call home.

We've got a whole series of cat's books that have been wildly popular with patrons of all ages this ! Check out The Pope's Cat series by Jon M. Sweeney in braille 🐈👨‍🦯📚 Here's a bit more about these books published by Paraclete Press .

"The Pope's Cat" - Meet Margaret — the Pope's cat. This is the story of a stray born on the Via della Conciliazione in Rome, how she’s adopted by the Pope, and then “rules” the Vatican from museum to floorboard! No one has a closer view of what’s happening in the world’s tiniest nation, Vatican City, than Margaret, the Pope’s new cat. But she wasn’t always Margaret, and she wasn’t always the Pope’s cat. She started out as a stray on the streets of Rome, and there are those in the Vatican who wish she’d never been allowed inside.

"Margaret's Night in St. Peter's" - In this delightful new story from their lives, the Pope takes Margaret on a tour of St. Peter's. But when he's called away to work, Margaret gets lost in the world's largest church. She meets saints, children, tourists, and the artist Michelangelo's famous statue, The Pieta, before being reunited with the Pope as Midnight Mass is about to begin.

"Margaret's First Holy Week" - This adventure has Margaret experiencing the prayers, penitence, liturgy, and excitement of Holy Week in the Vatican and Rome—from the joy of Palm Sunday in St. Peter's Square, to foot-washing in a Roman prison, the solemnity of Good Friday, and the expectation of Easter. Margaret's friends, the Swiss Guards, are watching over her, and she manages to eat (she still loves to eat!) some interesting foods, even though it's Holy Week. Oh yes, and she sleeps a lot.

"Margaret and the Pope Go to Assisi" - Margaret and the Pope travel for the first time together away from the Vatican and out of Rome. They go by train to the Umbrian hill town of Assisi, a place of pilgrimage for Christians all over the world who want to remember the life of St. Francis of Assisi.

Happy National Cat Day! You may be surprised to hear we have lots of great books with cats. Check out "Joseph and Chico: The Life of Pope Benedict XVI as Told By a Cat" by Jeanne Perego.

Here's a bit more about these titles published by Ignatius Press: Chico the cat vividly describes the life of his "best friend," Pope Benedict XVI, recounting events in the life of Joseph Ratzinger, from the N**i era in Germany when the Pope was a teenager all the way up to his election as Pontiff on April 19, 2005.

Thanks to our friends at the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled for the nice shout-out in their recent newsletter! Our team was thrilled to attend the 2024 biennial conference in September and meet network librarians from all over the country. Having our Executive Director Malachy Fallon present was icing on the cake.

We look forward to a continued partnership with the NLS and its network affiliates!

The cures of Lourdes - cures of the hopelessly sick and disabled by forces unknown to modern science - have made that small French town the most visited shrine in the world. They have also been a source of endless controversy and wonder among doctors and laymen alike.

Marianne K. in the Archdiocese of Las Vegas requested "Miracles of Lourdes: A Protestant Looks at Lourdes" by Ruth Cranston. This title is available in braille and Talking Book. This Talking Book will play on the machines provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled of The Library of Congress (listen to a clip here https://youtu.be/5v3wZi-Y3vI ).

Here's a bit more about this title: 'The Miracle of Lourdes' is an exhaustive firsthand study of the famous Catholic shrine and its cures. To prepare it, Ruth Cranston lived in Lourdes, talked with doctors, nurses, stretcher-bearers, patients. A Protestant herself, her approach was that of the reporter and impartial investigator. She verified and documented the facts she presents. No reader will finish her report without feeling that, whatever the explanation, the experience of Lourdes reveals something profoundly significant to men and women everywhere.

Xavier Society is out and about today! Our Executive Director Malachy Fallon is exhibiting at National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey's state convention getting the word out about our free offerings available to blind and visually impaired people in New Jersey and beyond.

But that's not all! Our Communications and Fundraising Manager Aisling Redican was delighted to represent XSB at VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. XSB received the 2024 Employer Partner award from our friends at VISIONS. We appreciate their support and partnership!

New in braille! "Beginning to Pray" by Anthony Bloom (Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh, (June 6, 1914 - August 4, 2003) the bishop of the Diocese of Sourozh, the Russian Orthodox Church in Great Britain and Ireland.). This title was requested to be transcribed by Susan J. in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis (CC: ArchIndy Special Needs Ministry).

Here's a bit more about this title published by Paulist Press: Beginning to Pray has established itself as a modern spiritual classic. Hailed by both Catholics and Protestants, it was written by an Orthodox archbishop for people who had never prayed before, and has been read and loved by persons at all levels of spiritual development. This book has established itself as a modern spiritual classic for Orthodox as well as other Christians. It is written by an Orthodox Archbishop for people who have never prayed before and has been read and loved by persons at all levels of spiritual development.

This Throwback Thursday, check out a thrilling journey, a family story, and a revealing history in "A Pilgrimage to Eternity: From Canterbury to Rome in Search of a Faith" by Timothy Egan. The book is pictured here in print and in 7 whopping braille volumes!

Here is a bit more about this book published by Penguin Group (USA): Moved by his mother's death and his Irish-Catholic family's complicated history with the church, Timothy Egan decided to follow in the footsteps of centuries of seekers to force a reckoning with his own beliefs.

He embarked on a thousand-mile pilgrimage through the theological cradle of Christianity to explore the religion in the world that it created. Egan sets out along the Via Francigena, once the major medieval trail leading the devout to Rome, and travels overland via the alpine peaks and small mountain towns of France, Switzerland and Italy, accompanied by a quirky cast of fellow pilgrims and by some of the towering figures of the faith--Joan of Arc, Henry VIII, Martin Luther. The goal: walking to St. Peter's Square, in hopes of meeting the galvanizing pope who is struggling to hold together the church through the worst crisis in half a millennium.