Xavier Society for the Blind

Calling all Francophiles! Check out this terrific braille and Talking Book title: "The Song at the Scaffold" by Gertrude Von Le Fort. It 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 (listen to a clip here https://youtu.be/yiNG8qsYgwo ).

Set during the French Revolution, this classic novella is based on the true story of the Carmelite nuns of Compiègne, who offered their lives for the preservation of the Church in France. The story unfolds around the fictional character of Blanche de la Force, an excessively fearful aristocrat who enters the Carmelite convent in order to flee the dangers of the world.

As the Reign of Terror begins, Blanche is no safer in the convent than in the streets of Paris, and some of the sisters begin to doubt her ability to endure persecution and possibly martyrdom. The fates of Blanche and the other Carmelites take several unexpected turns, leaving the reader with an inspiring witness not only of martyrdom but of God's power being glorified in human weakness.

Just a friendly reminder to all those living with low vision, we provide the New American Bible in large print (size 22 font, sans-serif). We are also delighted to provide the Mass Propers in large print every month - these are essentially the Missalettes for Mass and include the readings, prayers, and responses to the Mass on Sundays and special Feast days. Just like our braille subscription, the Mass Propers in large print are mailed out monthly. As has been the case for over 125 years, all of our materials are provided free-of-charge!

If you are living with low vision or know anyone interested in our free large print Bible and/or Mass Propers, call us at 212-473-7800 or toll-free at 800-637-9193. You can also email [email protected]

Thanks for your help getting the word out!

Check out this great article on our braille client Faith in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We just sent her the braille Bible and are so blessed to provide her with the materials she needs to learn about and practice her faith in Catholic Diocese of Kingstown!

Faith, visually impaired, secures historic spot at GHS In a historic and inspiring academic achievement, Faith Grant, a young student born without the gift of sight, has triumphed in the recent CPA exams. Faith, a student at the Fair Hall Government Sc…

Vesper Time addresses the yearning among elders for continued growth, expansiveness of heart, improvement of mind, and a meaningful understanding of our lives. Check out this great title available in braille and audio: "Vesper Time: The Spiritual Practice of Growing Older" by Frank J. Cunningham. The talking book will play in the Talking Book machine provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled of The Library of Congress . To listen to a clip click here: https://youtu.be/j0MqgbMWM94

Here is a little more about this book published by Orbis Books : As with Christianity's age-old practice of Vespers, or evening prayer, observed at the time of the lighting of the lamps just before darkness descends, Frank Cunningham views it is a time of life, when colors deepen and our experience of aging becomes spiritual practice. With humor and wisdom, he looks at five facets of this integral spirituality - memory, intimacy, diminishment, gratitude, and acceptance - offering guidance and encouragement for those who are on this stage in their journey of life.

The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation (or Penance), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Marriage (Matrimony). These sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ, and are considered necessary for salvation.

Looking for a braille book that explains more? Check out "Living the Sacraments: Grace into Action" by Bert Ghezzi. The sacraments lie dormant for many because we don't understand them and don't know how to tap into their supernatural energy. Living the Sacraments weaves together Scripture, the writings of the saints, and personal stories to help us understand these seven gifts of the Church and experience their practical and spiritual rewards.

If you need a little something to brighten your day...check this out! Father Bob is a legally blind priest and pastor of St. Victoria Parish.

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In case you haven't heard...Xavier Society for the Blind is delighted to announce that we are providing the Roman Missal, Third Edition in extra large print, ensuring that clergy with visual impairments and low vision can continue to lead the liturgy without barriers. As always, this resource is provided free-of-charge thanks to our generous donors.

If you are a priest or deacon in need, or know of anyone who may benefit from our free, large print offerings, please call us at 800-637-9193 or email [email protected]

Looking for an uplifting account of human frailty (and stubbornness) surrendered to faith? Check out this title available in braille and Talking Book: "Be Brave in the Scared: How I Learned to Trust God During the Most Difficult Days of My Life" by Mary Lenaburg. This Talking Book will play on the machines provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled .

Here's a bit more about this title published by Ave Maria Press: In Be Brave in the Scared, Catholic writer Mary Lenaburg shares how the overwhelming demands of caring for her severely disabled daughter ultimately taught her—and can teach you—that trusting in God and accepting his will can lead to profound joy, no matter what challenges you face.

Lenaburg tells the heart-rending story of how caring for her severely disabled daughter affected her self-image, marriage, family life, and faith. Although she initially struggled to accept God’s will and her own limitations, Lenaburg ultimately learned how to trust God. She found in that trust inexplicable joy, even during the most difficult days of her life. She writes boldly and authentically about challenges we all encounter, such as trials with control, blame, exhaustion, fear, and acceptance.

Each chapter concludes with an invitation to write and a place for readers to express their thoughts and feelings. Lenaburg’s extraordinary story affirms that God’s redeeming love never fails and that he is there to help us through all of the challenges we encounter.