Customer Reviews

Heaven Help Us: The Worrier's Guide to the Patron Saints

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a truly delightful book. What a blessed way to celebrate the dawn of the millennium--with grace and hope and prayer and laughter. The authors are both wise and witty. The illustrations are lovely. I heard about this book from our priest, who based a sermon upon it--how we can appeal to the saints for aid in our earthly struggles. Joyful and uplifting.

I'm a practicing Catholic, and (quite frankly) when an employee gave me this book as an early Christmas present, my expectations were low. Usually, attempts at "Catholic humor" fail--either because they are full of errors, or deliberately offensive, or both. What a surprise to read this book. With increasing respect (and enjoyment) I read this book straight through once, then again; it will be a valuable reference book for me to recommend to people interested in Catholicism who want an accessible but accurate introduction to the cult of the saints. I'm still not sure how the authors managed to walk that extremely fine line between authenticity and readability. The humor is important, true; but it's gentle and not ever mean-spirited or disrespectful. The delineations between fact and myth are precise. This is a truly wonderful find.

I found my copy of "Heaven Help Us" on the shelf of a small book store and was immediately drawn to it because of the title and subtitle ("The Worrier's Guide to the Patron Saints")and the illustrations. I bought it for the excerpts I read. I am ordering multiple copies knowing my sisters and brothers and friends will all enjoy what this book has to offer: Practical advice, humorously written, with familiarity that will touch our memories of what our parents and teachers touched on so many years ago. No longer a Catholic, but a rosary toting, devoted to the saints kind of person, I find the information in this entertaining book useful and therapeutic.

While there are a few - one glaring - inaccuracies in this book, I found it utterly adorable. I will treasure it always and read it until the pages disintagrate. It is very reader friendly and obviously written with a very loving spirit. God bless the writers.

With regards to St. Christopher - they repeatedly state he was declared persona-non-grata. This is not the case. Vatican II in 1969 revised the Roman Calendar. That's all. They needed to omit a few "celebrations." In our faith, Solemnities take priority over Feasts. Feasts take priority over Memorials. The Memorial to St. Christopher entered the Roman Calendar in 1550. So the Memorial was removed from the calendar. NOT the Saint from Sainthood. St. Christopher is, was and always will be - a Saint.

Mary Magdalen was not a prostitute. Nor was she the Mary that was the sister of Martha and Lazarus. There were a number of Mary's that followed Jesus. The Eastern Church has a rich history of Mary Magdalen. All the Bible says about her was that Jesus cast 7 demons out of her and that she supported him in his ministry with her wealth.

Joan of Arc's armor wasn't white in color. White armor means unadorned.

Most importantly - Saul (later Paul) was NOT a pagan. He was a Jew. A member of the Sanhedrin sent out to persecute the new faith. He had a major conversion.

I hope the sisters do a second book.

This book exceeds all expectations. Even the lovely illustrations embrace you. It's so rare that a book about saints has a sense of humor and relevance, that you should read it for all of the splendid little comments the authors have lovingly crafted. Even you aren't Catholic, this is a must read.

I was so delighted to find this book! Finally, help for all us worriers, written in a delightfully whimsical style that is infinitely respectful of the faith even as it simultaneously captures the unusual (and often amusing) folklore tales and rituals associated with Catholic patron saints. (I especially loved the section on "spiritual jack of all trades.")

Appropriate for worriers of all faiths! (I was given my copy by my Jewish mother in law.)

This book is written in an easy-to-follow, fun manner that takes the stress out of worrrying! The amusing recollections from Saint's lives add to the sometimes, off the wall remedies proposed for our problems. In fact, I couldn't believe some of the outrageous stories behind the Saint's lives. I've already purchased 6 copies, but plan on buying more as the perfect Christmas gifts.

This wonderful little book offers help for life's troublesome situations. Now when I awaken at 3am, I can reach for this book for a little peace of mind. With it's short stories and backgrounds on the lives of the Saints, the authors take away the mysteries out of praying and it's rituals. Although born a catholic, some of these rituals are new to me. Having found this little treasure, I've purchased additional copies for my sisters and cousins in hopes that they may also find peace of mind in the wee hours of the morning.

Did the authors read my mind? I've always loved the idea of patron saints for everything from headaches to heartaches. But I always had to ask my mother when I needed to know which one to pray to. Now I don't have to! The absolute best present you can give to your godmother, favorite aunt, or teacher!

I loved all of the stories of each of these saints. This book tells each saint's specialty, history, and how to ask for help. It really crosses all religious boundaries- can be enjoyed by any faith. The original drawings are exquisite and bring the stories to life. It is a perfect gift to give during the holidays. I am buying multiple copies to bring as a gift to all the holiday parties I'll be attending. Absolutely wonderful!