Executive Director's Message

Greetings {FirstName},​​​​​​​

It is the middle of July and that means it is summer intern season at Xavier Society for the Blind. We're fortunate to have two talented college students with us this summer: Tiffany Edmonds and Donald Salvato. Donald has helped us in the past and continues to reformat electronic audiobooks files from our existing catalog to enable these titles to be played on NLS Digital Talking Book machines.

Tiffany is assisting with outreach to NLS network libraries and our financial supporters, providing updates on all that is new and exciting at XSB! We’re grateful for the support that we receive from VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired here in New York City, which has placed several interns with Xavier Society over the years. Financial support for this summer intern program is provided by the New York State Commission for the Blind.

In addition to our summer interns we have a regular volunteer year-round this year. Julia Mucci comes to Xavier Society via the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC). IVC offers adults (typically retired from successful professional careers) the opportunity to serve in community-based organizations while also engaging in a process of spiritual reflection and growth. Julia is helping us reorganize our files and records, which is quite a task for an organization founded in 1900! So our thanks to these three dedicated individuals who are making such valuable contributions to our mission.

I hope you enjoy the rest of summer, and I thank you for all of your support.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Gratefully yours,

Malachy Fallon

Executive Director

 ​​​​​​​The Funny Alphabet

We recently received a very kind voice message from the mother of a blind child in Germany who received The Funny Alphabet. This is a great resource created by our friends The Columbiettes that is available to children learning their ABCs - in braille! There is a tactile example for each letter included. Listen to her message by clicking here and learn more about the great materials available in braille to children and young adults in our library!

If you are the parent of a child that will be learning braille, or have children who are braille readers, please visit our website to learn more about what is available and reach out to us at info@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org. All of our materials have been provided free-of-charge since 1900!

The Catholic Times featuring our patron MaKenzie

In case you missed it, check out this artcile from the Diocese of Columbus' The Catholic Times newspaper on our braille patron MaKenzie Love. You might recall from last month's newsletter that she was a finalist in this year's Braille Challenge.

MaKenzie is 16-years-old and lives in Ohio with her family. In addition to being passionate about braille and braille literacy, MaKenzie loves learning about and practicing her Faith. She is a lector at her parish, and by all accounts a very good one! You can read more about her in the article by clicking here. We are blessed to be able to serve MaKenzie and our other patrons worldwide with the materials they require to understand, develop and practice their faith. Special thanks to our generous supporters for ensuring our 123 year ministry continues!

Eyes on the Future with VISIONS & JBI 

A few weeks ago, our Executive Director Malachy Fallon and the President of JBI (Jewish Braille Institute) Livia Thompson presented at a webinar sponsored by VISIONS Services for the Blind. We were delighted to get the word out about our free offerings available to blind and visually impaired children worldwide! Thanks to our friends at VISIONS for the opportunity to spread the word!

Patron story - Debby P.

Debby P. lives in Washington state with her husband and has been receiving our materials for over 40 years! Learn more about her in her own words: My introduction to Xavier Society for the Blind came about in July of 1981. I was not Catholic at that point, although I definitely loved Our Lord, and was attending a church. That year was a year of firsts for me. I had my first Seeing Eye dog, and was attending my first convention of the American Council of the Blind. One afternoon I went to explore the Exhibit booths. For once, the area wasn't swamped with crowds, so when I got to the Xavier Society booth, I was the only person there, so I got to talk with the person staffing the booth pretty much without interruption. I told her that I was not Catholic but loved books, so was interested in what might be available. The lady I was speaking to took my address, and then asked if I wanted to see a computer-generated sculpture of Jesus. It was based on the Shroud of Turin. I felt it from head to toe, and found myself a bit teary-eyed. Somehow that moved me very much.

I began searching out reading materials about Catholicism. My state Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped didn't have much, but I read everything they had, The Nun's Story, In This House of Brede, Andrew Greeley books, a Church history book. In maybe January of 1982, I began attending Saint Thomas More, or better known as the Newman Center in Eugene, Oregon. I contacted my 6th grade teacher, the late Carol McCarl, and told her that I was very serious about Catholicism. She ordered for me a book on how to pray the Rosary, and sent me a Rosary as well. It was my joy a year later to be able to receive Communion with her. I also ordered Christ Among Us, which was the book that the Catechumins were going to read. I was on my way! I began receiving more braille books from XSB, and a few cassette books. ​​​​​​​

In 1987, I began attending graduate school at Mount Angel Seminary. They had just begun having women students a few years before, and at that time, I was the first blind student they had ever admitted. I graduated in 1990. Up until the pandemic, we were both very involved in our parish, Saint Charles Borromeo, in Spokane, Washington. I was a lector, using my Braille Mass Propers, and sang in the choir. My husband would dictate the words for me and I would write them, using my Perkins Braille writer. I have several notebooks of lyrics to songs. I am so grateful that I have still had my Mass Propers, even during the pandemic, and other books to read from XSB.

God has shown me much mercy in my life, and I am so blessed to be a Catholic, and to have resources like the Xavier Society for the Blind! 

We are blessed to be able to serve Debby and our other clients worldwide with the materials they require to understand, develop and practice their faith. Special thanks to our generous supporters for ensuring our 123 year ministry continues! If you haven’t given before, or if you haven’t given in a while, please make a donation by clicking here.

General Announcements

• We have some great news for large print readers. The New American Bible (Revised Edition) is now available in large print, downloadable from our website! This is the translation approved by the USCCB and includes notes for each book of the Bible. It is in size 22 font, sans serif; very similar to the font and size right here.

  
  

  Registered patrons interested in downloading can do so by clicking here. You will need to log-in using your username and password. Once signed in, click the download link on the screen. If you need your log-in details, or are not yet a patron but would like to register, please contact our Client Services Coordinator Saul Buchalter at clientservices@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org. You can also reach him via phone at 800-637-9193 or 212-473-7800.

  
  

  If you know of someone interested in our large print Bible, please have them get in touch! In addition to the Bible, we also produce the Missalette in large print which may be of interest. We are looking to serve many more people in need of materials to practice their Faith, and all of our offerings are provided free of charge!

  
  

  PS If you're interested in alternative formats, we have select books of the Bible available in hard-copy braille, and the entire Bible can be downloaded from our website in BRF (braille ready file).

• Our client Robert Furtado shared this great outreach group available for anyone to join: St. Lucy's Guide meets weekly on Sundays at 4 p.m. Eastern via Zoom. If you or a family member has a disability come share the Scripture, learn about resources, assistive technology, and personal experiences of others. For more information including links to the ZOOM meetings, please e-mail stlucysguide@gmail.com.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Hot Off the Shelves!

BRAILLE: Please note any of our braille titles can be sent to you electronically in .BRF (braille ready file). This saves paper, time, and keeps our embossers cool!

- Everyday Miracles of Lourdes: Twenty Extraordinary Experiences Along the Way to the Grotto by Marlene Watkins (B1955, 4 volumes): Though they escape the notice of many, stunning miracles of healing take place each and every day at Our Lady’s Grotto in Lourdes, France. Inexplicable, biblical-like healings of body, mind, and spirit leave visitors with the gifts of peace and renewed faith. Marlene Watkins recounts twenty astounding true stories of miracles at Lourdes, including her own watershed healing, which inspired her to establish Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers and become its first volunteer. In these absorbing pages, you will encounter both adults and children who received wondrous cures from debilitating illness, traumas, abuse, and grief to ultimately find reconciliation with God. You will be consoled by stories of women who experienced the loss of babies, including by abortion, and found solace in the arms of our Heavenly Mother. And you will encounter a man who was struggling with faith and was drawn to Lourdes, where he met the Blessed Mother.

- St. Rita of Cascia: Saint of the Impossible and Model of Maidens, Wives, Mothers, Widows and Nuns by Fr. Joseph Sicardo (B1956, 2 volumes): One of the most popular Saints in the Church for centuries, St. Rita is known as the "Saint of the Impossible," because of her amazing answers to prayers, as well as the remarkable events of her own life. Desirous of being a nun, she instead obeyed her parents and married. Her husband was cruel, and caused her much suffering, to which she responded with love and prayers and eventually converted him. After the death of her husband and two sons, Rita was able to enter a convent, where she devoted herself to prayer and penance. She abandoned herself totally to God, diminishing herself as He increased in her. An inspiring story of a soul completely resigned to God's will.

- Saint Thomas Aquinas: The Story of "The Dumb Ox" by Mary Fabyan Windeatt (B1957, 1 volume): This great title for children and young adults explores how St. Thomas was big, quiet and slow to speak, thus being called the "Dumb Ox" by fellow students. Shows for children 10 and up how this "Dumb Ox" became the greatest teacher in the history of the Church.

- The Father Brown Reader: Stories from Chesterton adapted by Nancy Carpenter Brown (B1958, 2 volumes): Adaptations of four of Chesterton's Father Brown mysteries for young readers: "The Blue Cross," "The Strange Feet," "The Flying Stars," and "The Absence of Mr. Glass."

- The Winged Watchman by Bryan Stevenson (B1959, 2 volumes): This acclaimed story of World War II is rich in suspense, characterization, plot and spiritual truth. Every element of occupied Holland is united in a story of courage and hope: a hidden Jewish child, an “underdiver,” a downed RAF pilot, an imaginative, daring underground hero, and the small things of family life which surprisingly carry on in the midst of oppression. The Verhagen family, who live in the old windmill called the Winged Watchman, are a memorable set of individuals whose lives powerfully demonstrate the resilience of those who suffer but do not lose faith.

- Saint Benedict: The Story of the Father of the Western Monks by Mary Fabyan Windeatt (B1960, 2 volumes): Holy Father Benedict, the father of monks in the West, is one of the greatest saints of the Church's illustrious halls of fame. His movement to become a hermit and found monasteries, writing the famous Rule of St. Benedict, was the decisive moment of monasticism's growth in the West, under the maxim of ora et labora, "prayer and work." His blessing caused a poisoned cup to shatter and a raven to swipe away poisoned bread; he miraculously saved someone from drowning, and he raised another from the dead. This is the story of the holiest monk of the West, the hero among religious founders.

- The Miraculous Medal: The Story of Our Lady's Appearance to Saint Catherine Labouré by Mary Fabyan Windeatt (B1961, 1 volume): Here is the wonderful story of what happened when the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to young Catherine Labouré

AUDIO: Compatible with the Talking Book Machines provided for free by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled of the Library of Congress:

Stay tuned! We hope to have great new additions added to our audio library later this month. Here are some other recent additions:

- Guía de Bolsillo para Rezar el Rosario por Matt Fradd (DBX1298): La Guía de bolsillo para rezar el Rosario, pone en tus manos la oración más querida y poderosa de las familias católicas. Combinando la Sagrada Escritura con la tradición y escritos de los santos, el autor, Matt Fradd crea una guía profunda y fácil de seguir Indispensable para quien quiera transformar su vida rezando el Rosario, accesible para quien lo recita a diario y para quien nunca lo ha rezado. Gracias a su práctico tamaño de bolsillo se puede llevar a la Adoración Eucarística, al trabajo o a cualquier lugar. Escucha un clip aquí.

- A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do In The Liturgy by Dr. Edward Sri (DBX1210): As Catholics, the Catholic Mass is the center of our Faith. We celebrate it every day. We know all the responses. We know all the gestures. But do we know what it all means? Dr. Edward Sri takes us on a unique tour of the liturgy. Based on the revised translation of the Mass, this book explores the biblical roots of the words and gestures we experience in the liturgy and explains their profound significance. This intriguing look at the Catholic Mass is sure to renew your faith and deepen your devotion to the Eucharist. Also available in braille and BRF. To hear a preview of this audiobook please click here.

- Growing Old Gratefully by William Byron, SJ (DBX1222): As we reflect on our life, we develop a personal spirituality that sustains us as we grow older. Far from shutting down our life and waiting for death, Growing Old Gratefully provides hope and presents a roadmap for navigating the challenges and adversities that are yet to confront us in the elder years. As Christians, it affirms that death is not what we are moving toward, it's what we are coming from. To hear a preview of this audiobook please click here.

- Silent Lamp: The Thomas Merton Story by William H. Shannon (DBX0105): Shannon shares his intimate knowledge and unique insights in this biography of the monk whose own autobiography became a bestseller much to his chagrin. Silent Lamp is the name given to Merton two years before he died by the Chinese philosopher John Wu - and a perfect metaphor for the healing light that still spreads from his life and work to people everywhere. Silent Lamp is a reflective biography: it illuminates Merton's inner life and thoroughly chronicles his outer journey, telling the story in terms of the significant events and experiences that shaped his spiritual path. It sheds light on the principal themes that Merton developed as a writer and teacher, from the renewal of monastic life to the poetry of Latin America, from the demands of interracial justice to the teachings of the Sufi masters. This book attempts to look at the inner journey which alone gives meaning to the exterior one.​​​​​​​ To listen to a clip of the audiobook please click here.

- Down Gospel Byways: 18 Stories of People Who Met Jesus by Mary Terese Donze (DBX0559): Factual stories and fictional vignettes about Biblical characters that you may or may not be familiar with, but who were touched and changed after meeting Jesus. Also available in braille and BRF. ​​​​​​​To listen to a clip of the audiobook please click here.

- If I'm a Christian, Why Be a Catholic: The Biblical Roots of Catholic Faith by James Hanson (DBX1219): There are many similarities and differences between the Catholic Church and the Protestant denominations. This title shows the Biblical relatedness of Catholic faith and practice and explains what sets Catholicism apart from other Christian Churches: authoritative teaching. To hear a clip of this audiobook please click here.

Downloadable Audiobooks

A friendly reminder for our clients - we have hundreds of books available for download in audio from our website! From biographies of saints to theological dissertations and Catholic Classics, there is plenty to keep you busy during these challenging times. Click here to see all of our downloadable books in audio. If you need your log-in information please e-mail our Client Services Coordinator Saul Buchalter by clicking here or call 212-473-7800.

PS We are working hard to get new titles in digital talking book in both English and Spanish! Thanks to our volunteer readers and audio engineers for their diligence!

Since 1900 we have been providing religious and spiritual materials to blind and visually impaired people in their required formats in order for them to be able to learn about, understand, and practice their Faith. Some of our braille books in particular can often cost upwards of $1,000, taking up to 6 months to produce. Yet on a weekly basis, Xavier Society for the Blind ships reading materials to people all over the United States and throughout the world. Please help us continue this important ministry by sending your gift today.

You can make a difference all year long when you make a monthly gift to XSB. For as little as $10 a month, you can help provide materials like the Mass Propers to our clients. Your gift literally puts faith at their fingertips! Donate securely on our website by clicking here. If you wish to donate, but prefer to do it over the phone you can always call our office at (212) 473-7800 or (800) 637-9193. Our Fundraising and Communications Manager, Aisling Redican, will be happy to assist you.

If you are on Facebook, you can raise funds by starting a fundraiser of Xavier Society for the Blind. Sometimes people raise money on Facebook in honor of their birthdays, anniversaries, etc. More information can be found here. ​​​​​​​

Last, but certainly not least, we need your help to spread word of our mission! Please inform your parish, diocese, friends and family of the good work we do. We are trying to reach a wider audience of people in need in new and innovative ways, and word of mouth is always a great way to do that. With your help we will be able to provide our materials for another 120+ years!

Top 10 Most Popular Titles

Check out what has been flying off the shelves this month in braille and digital talking book:

Braille (one volume unless otherwise stated):

1. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom (B1094, 2 volumes)

2. Father Marquette And the Great Rivers by August Derleth (B1139)

3. Francis and Clare: Saints of Assisi by Helen Walker Homan (B1167)

4. A Woman Clothed with the Sun: Eight Great Apparitions of Our Lady by John J. Delaney (B1189, 3 volumes)

5. Eucharistic Miracles by Michelle Gelineau (B1230)

6. Living the Beatitudes: Path to A Happy Life by Pope Francis (B1277)

7. How To Make A Good Confession by Pope Francis (B1278)

8. The Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis (B1279)

9. Eight Ways to Live  A Merciful Life by Pope Francis (B1281)

10. The Story of St. Patrick by St. Patrick Centre (B1294)

Audio (digital talking book):

1. Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots by Scott Hahn (DBX1129) 

2. A Biblical Walk Through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do In The Liturgy by Edward Sri (DBX1210)

3. Angels and Saints: A Biblical Guide to Friendship with God's Holy Ones by Scott Hahn (DBX1135)

4. Growing Old Gratefully by William J. Byron, SJ (DBX1222)

5. Responses to 101 Questions on the Bible by Raymond Brown (DBX0452)

6. The Sun Danced at Fatima by Joseph Pelletier (DBX0606)

7. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom (DBX1114)

8. Tuned In: The Power of Pressing Pause and Listening by Art and Laraine Bennett (DBX1260)

9. About Hoping by Edward Allemand (DBX0002)

10. Christ Lives in Me: A Pastoral Reflection on Jesus and His Meaning for Christian Life by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin (DBX0012)

Father Hank's Homilies

Upcoming Calendar

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene
7-22-2023

Feast of Saint James, Apostle
7-25-2023

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
7-26-2023

If you missed any of our previous newsletters which feature patron stories, Board Member profiles, and other news, check out our previous newsletters on our website by clicking here!