Staircase for the Sisters - Pamela Love, John Joseph (Illustrator)

 

In 1878, the Sisters of Loretto had no way of accessing the choir loft in their newly-built chapel. Carpenters and architects told them it would be impossible to build a structure to get them to the loft, but the sisters prayed a novena for St. Joseph's help to solve the impossible. This engaging picture book tells the story of the sisters, their prayers, and the amazing events that resulted from St. Joseph's intercession.

Children ages 4 to 7 in pre-school through second grade will learn how the Sisters of Loretto experienced prayer in action. The story takes readers on the journey of the chapel's completion, the discovery of the choir loft conundrum, and the sisters' unwavering faith that God would provide. Set in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Staircase for the Sisters highlights the American Southwest during a formative time in history.

When a mysterious man arrives to build a staircase, the sisters are perplexed at his identity and his ways. However, when the project is finished, the sisters stand in awe at the beautiful staircase that makes two full 360-degree turns, has no central support, and is made only with a rare wood. Teach the children in your life the power of a novena with this story featuring religious sisters, St. Joseph's help, and a dash of the miraculous-something you can still visit today.