True Stories (Catholic Archives)

The Catholic tradition has in its collective memory many stories of the kindness and intervention of God throughout history, often through the actions of the angels and saints. Some of the most amazing of these stories have been collected in the present volume. You will be astonished and enlightened as to God's immense, loving care in ages of faith.

Written at a time when rebellion was in the ascendancy, (which has subsequently poisoned most of society up to our present day) the author mined Catholic manuscripts and books for authentic treasures that demonstrate the great tenderness, beauty, and salvific power to be experienced by those with hearts open to the mysteries of Christ.

Mother Francis Raphael, OSD was born Augusta Theodosia Drane, near London in 1823. Her parents were both Protestants. Her remarkable natural gifts were developed by wide reading at a very early age. In 1847 that she grew uneasy as to her religious beliefs. She eventually consulted a Vicar and confided to him a scheme called "Ideal of a Religious Order." He told her that such an order existed in the Catholic Church, the Third Order of St. Dominic. This made a profound impression on her and she was drawn to the Catholic Church.

In 1850 she was received into the Church. She then entered the Third Order of St. Dominic and professed vows. She was employed in teaching and in writing various books, appointed mistress of novices, mistress of studies, eventually becoming a Prioress, then Provincial.

Her character was well summed up by Bishop Ullathorne, when he described her as "one of those many-sided characters who can write a book, draw a picture, rule an Order, guide other souls, superintend a building, lay out grounds, or give wise and practical advice with equal facility and success." She passed away in the odor of sanctity on April 19, 1894.