St. Francis of the Seven Seas By Albert J. Nevins, M. M. (review)

Book Reviews417 disappointing, is literal and archaic; it could be mistaken for Douay. Benziger and Frey, both very widely circulated, are as inadequate as they are popular, for their mutual sin is the cardinal one of inexactitude. Either Fides or Confraternity would be surpassing, lacking the other. For comprehension of the new Psalter, Fides is peerless. As part of a complete Bible, Confraternity brooks no cavil. The scholar will want both, should not lack Kissane, and may find Kleist intriguing. But considering the Confraternity volume as a whole, the other six books — Job and the Wisdom books — are the elements which assure full value to its owner. One volume of the complete Confraternity Bible, Genesis to Ruth preceded it and the Prophets are due shortly; the remaining historical books and the New Testament are scheduled after that. Modern in diction against the antique Westminster and the compromise Knox, Confraternity has no real competitor among complete English Bibles. The first two tried to clarify Job, but did they succeed like this ? The Wisdom books, like Job and Psalms, in the original are poetry, a quality not lost here. Whether Canticle is a drama, however, might have been settled with less finality; the more common theory — that it is a collection of songs — might have been at least acknowledged. The typography of both volumes is superb beyond all earlier works. Fides, lacking the fine notes and critical apparatus of Confraternity, supplies a thirty-page introduction directed to laymen, marred by an unsatisfactory explanation of the pseudo-word "Jehovah." Its English is not enhanced by "sheol" untranslated, and some may miss the omitted verse numbers, but these do not disable a splendid work. ^, . , „. „ . JEROME F.WEBER Christ the King Seminary St. Bonaventure, N. Y. Nevins, Albert J., M. M., St. Francis of the Seven Seas, New York [1955] ; 184 pp. This biography of St. Francis Xavier appears in the Vision Books Series "designed to acquaint youngsters from nine to fifteen with the lives of great Catholic saints, martyrs, and lay figures," It informs them about history and geography as well as inspires them with spiritual heroes. The author, who has traveled throughout Central and South America, and the Middle East, writes from his own experiences as well as research. Father Nevins has also written six juveniles about children and numerous articles for Catholic periodicals and newspapers. The story: Francis Xavier was born April 7, 1506 although he appears in the story at the age of six. After the death of his father, Don Martin, the youth studied at the University of Paris where he received his degree. With his room-mate, Peter Fabre, he joined Ignatius Loyola as the first members of the Society of Jesus. After ordination on June 24, 1537, Francis sailed to India. Later the Governor of Sousa urged him to visit the Paravas. Francis instructed these Christians and baptized their cildren. Next, he sailed to Malaya unmindful of the fierce pirates. In May, 1546 Francis proceeded to 29 Franciioan Studies 4l8FRANCISCAN STUDIES the Spice Islands, residing in a poor hospital where he cared for the sick. Hearing about Japan, the saint left the islanders in 1549. After a stormy trip under a difficult captain, Francis arrived at Kagoshima. He later proceeded to Hirado and Kyoto, but after eleven days, the disappointed missionary returned to Hirado. In November, 1551, the Jesuit priest returned to India. After two months in Goa, Francis decided to convert China. But on December 1, 1552 Francis died on Sancian Island before he could realize his ambition for Christ and the Church. Ultimately his body, miraculously preserved, was returned to Goa. On March 12, 1622 he was listed among the saints. The attractive cover, large type and short chapters (fifteen in number) should appeal to youthful readers. Although full page illustrations are lacking, the motif of each chapter is graphically illustrated. A map of Francis' travels graces the front and back inside covers. The story itself, briefly sketched above, will fire the imagination in presenting the dynamic personality of St. Francis Xavier. There are many points of high interest, especially his meeting with Ignatius Loyola, his miraculous powers on the Spice Islands and his clever diplomacy...