Twenty Tales of Irish Saints

by Alice Curtayne, Theodore Schluenderfritz (Illustrator)

Saints have over the years inspired many tales that go beyond what we know about them. These pious fictions are delightful and can even be instructive. For the lovely legends of the saints that have come down to us reflect not only the holiness but also the gaiety of the saints. These Irish legends are in that tradition. Patrick, Brigid, Columcille the three brightest jewels in Ireland s crown are here, and Canice, Finbarr, Cormac, Finnian, Brendan, Gall, and others. Here s the moving story of what happened when Patrick baptized the daughters of the King of Connaught and the shocking tale of the spike that pierced Aengus, the courageous Prince of Munster, just as Patrick baptized him. You ll read about the spilled jar of milk that led Adamnan to become the Abbot of Iona; how Colman s alarm clocks (a mouse and a rooster) took turns waking him; and a dozen or so other charming tales. Alice Curtayne brings to these legends of Irish saints a rich grasp and a deep love of the Catholic faith of her native Ireland. She has unerringly chosen stories which will appeal to readers young and old and she tells them with the poetry and feeling that mark the work of every true Irish storyteller.

Genres: Catholic, Faith, Childrens

161 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2004

About the author

She was an Irish author and lecturer. She was born on 6 November 1898, 2 Upper Castle St, Tralee, Co. Kerry. She was a daughter of John Curtayne, carriage builder, or coach builder, of Castle St, Tralee, by his wife Bridget Mary O'Dwyer.

She was educated at St. Anne's, Southampton. Married Stephen Rynne with two sons and two daughters.

Her first book was St Catherine of Siena (1929). After Catherine of Siena she wrote several works of nationalist history including a life of Patrick Sarsfield (1934). The novel House of Cards (1940) concerns an Irish girl who marries an Italian industrialist.

Alice lectured extensively in the US including at least three trans-American tours.

She gave the Medora A. Feehan Lectures in Irish History and Literature at Anna Maria College, Paxton, Massachusetts, USA in the Spring semester of 1959. The College awarded her an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters and she was presented with the Key to Worcester City by Mayor James D. O'Brien.

In December 1954 The Irish Press sent her to Rome to write daily reports on the close of The Marian Year. She went to Rome again for the final session of the Second Vatican Council. She was commissioned to send weekly reports to the local newspapers The Carlow Nationalist and The Kerryman. She also sent a series of profiles of outstanding personages of this Vatican Council to The Universe and an article for Hibernia journal.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful surprise. I came across it browsing the resources on the Formed website. I was immediately captured by the subject. I have found that whenever I read about Celtic saints my faith is challenged and inspired. And it proved true this time also. The author herself notes in a forward to the book:

"All the stories in this book are about real people who lived long ago in Ireland. But even though these people really lived, the stories about them are just legends. Whether such things really happened or not, I am sure you will agree with me that the stories in this book are lovely, interesting, and worth knowing."

And having read this book myself and now starting to read it with my children I completely agree.

The Saints in this book are:
1 Patrick
2 Brigid
3 Brendan
4 Finnian
5 Columcille
6 Colman of Kilmacduagh
7 Adamnan
8 Benignus
9 Ciaran
10 Cormac
11 Modomnoc
12 Flannan
13 Finbarr
14 Colman-Elo
15 Canice
16 Columbanus
17 Laurence O'Toole
18 Thaddeus MacCarthy
19 Gall
20 The Young Monk

After the stories about the saints there is a section of the book with a brief, and I mean very brief biography about each of the saints. Two or three lines at most, and key dates. I loved this collection and can see myself going back to it from time to time for inspiration and encouragement in my own faith. And I pray my children will love this book as much as I do. It is an incredible little collection of stories of faith and courage and a few miracles.

I love this new edition of this book published by Sophia Institute Press, and I hope they bring out her other volume of about saints for young readers, More Tales of Irish Saints. For if it as anywhere as good as this volume it will be another wonderful read. My only regret in discovering this wonderful book is that so many of the authors other works are currently out of print. Thankfully this incredible volume is available both as a physical and eBook. A wonderful read!

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Michael Cawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of stories about Irish saints.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book to read just before bed! The tales are charming and would be a great read aloud to children. It's interesting to think about characteristics that made these saints similar, as he majority seem to share St. Francis' ability with animals. A great book with a bit of humor and a lot of charm.