Giorgio’s Miracle:
The Eucharistic Miracle of Turin
According to the latest survey, only thirty percent of today’s Catholics believe in the True Presence, but the disbelief of believers is nothing new. The Eucharistic Miracle of Turin of 1453 took place in such a setting. In the mid 1400’s, the average Catholic was despairing, overloaded with economic and political concerns, groaning and grumbling about the hardships and hassles that seem to define the human condition. Giorgio’s Miracle is a story built around this Eucharistic Miracle, and centers on a young boy who wrestles with troubles of his own.
This is my first book written for children and is suited for fifth graders but was written with First Communicants in mind. It makes for a nice family read aloud that all ages can enjoy.
Giorgio’s Miracle has received the Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat. (These are granted by an official censor of the Catholic Church and verifies that the book is free from moral and doctrinal error).
“Giorgio’s Miracle is a fictionalized chapter book based on the real Eucharistic Miracle that happened in Turin in 1453. I think kids who are animals lovers would really enjoy it, and it would be a cool read aloud following a child’s first communion. We do so much before, but need to support their second and third and fiftieth time of receiving Jesus, too!”
– Katherine Bogner, author of Through the Year with Jesus, Gospel Readings and Reflections for Children
Giorgio’s Miracle is a charming adventure about a boy, his pet donkey, and a few thieves whose mischief threatens the peace and joy of Giorgio’s life in Turin. With a mix of narrators and points of view, Laurie Schmitt’s first book explores the miracle of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unifying mercy that is found in the Blessed Sacrament. Crafted with warmth and insight, it’s a book the whole family will enjoy reading and discussing together.
– Liz Kelly, award winning author of nine books, including Love Like a Saint: Cultivating Virtue with Holy Women; cohost of the podcast Deep Down Things
“This is an engaging story, steeped in the Catholic faith, about a young boy and the love he has for this pet donkey. The love between these two transcends to heal a fractured relationship between the boy and his father. A great book for young readers!”
– Linda, Amazon purchaser
“As a homeschooling mom I always incorporate historical fiction along with history to make it come alive. A delightful retelling of the 1453 Eucharistic miracle in Turin, Giorgio’s Miracle is exactly the kind of book I look for to round out my curriculum. Being immersed in a Catholic perspective of history is a valuable experience and something I will always choose when given the option.”
– Laura, homeschool mom
“Giorgio is a sweet, devout boy who loves our Eucharistic Lord and is troubled by the lack of faith he sees around him in Turin. He begins to pray for a miracle to reignite the faith of the townspeople of Turin. Little does he know that his beloved donkey friend Franca will play a part in the miracle! This book is an imagined version of how the Eucharistic Miracle of Turin in 1453 occurred. It will be sure to inspire faith and interest in Eucharistic Miracles. Overall, Giorgio’s Miracle would make a great addition to a Catholic library or study of the Eucharist.”
– Brittany @ goodbooks for Catholic Kids
“A sweet and captivating story with a glorious surprise.”
– Dale Ahlquist, President, Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton and Publisher of Gilbert! Magazine
“Giorgio’s Miracle helps children resonate with the brokenness of families as Giorgio’s father didn’t have a strong relationship with him, his mother had passed away, and his aunt is helping to raise him. With the example of Giorgio in his desire to pray for a miracle, students and families will be strengthened in their resolve to pray, and have faith in God when things seem hopeless. The story shows us that nothing in impossible for God as Giorgio prays for the town’s people to have a change of heart. When people lose touch with God, they lose touch with their world and they lose joy, as seen in Giorgio’s father and the townspeople. In this story, many people support each other, and this reminds readers that we are the Body of Christ, and that we rely on each other through life’s up and downs.”
– Rosemary, Director of Religious Education