Josophine Nobisso; The Weight of the Mass; A Catholic Tale of Faith
Written: Nov 06 '09
Product Rating:
Pros: artwork
Cons: Some references in the story I didn't understand
The Bottom Line: I recommend this book to knowledgeable people of faith who can use this fairy tale as the bases from which to teach children a better understanding of what Faith is
popsrocks's Full Review: Josephine Nobisso - El Peso De Una Misa / The weig...
While my wife was in preparation for a few hour children's learning session at our church, that she was involved in, I read the book Weight of the Mass. Some of the educational points of that day will be based on this book. The title is a play on words, with definition of "Mass" being the Sacrifice of the Eucharist as understood by Roman Catholics.
This book, written as a fairy tale, was penned in 1998. At books end the author Josophine Nobisso, gives a salute to an old story known in Europe using a butcher rather than a baker that Nobisso chooses in here tale.
The Weight of the Mass
The books opening gives a background of a king about to be married He and his betrothed do not expect many people to attend the wedding because Church and the Mass was no longer important in their lives.(the people's)
An old woman enters a fine bakery begging for a scrap of stale bread. In return she would attend a Mass and offer it up to the baker. The ornery baker chastises her and also bad mouths his son and his son's mother when the boy offers her some scraps. The baker continues his abuse by writing the words "One Mass" in tiny print on a small piece of paper. He places it on a scale stating he'll see how much it weighs in proportion to baked items he places on the opposite side of the scale. To his surprise his confections, no matter how many, will not move the small piece of paper with the tiny letters, "One Mass".
The story goes on as he adjusts the scale and the goods in many ways but with the same conclusion as it moves toward a predictable end.
This children's tale does not carry a Nihil Obstat and/or an Imprimatur. (an official declaration from a Bishop/teacher/leader of the church that the books teachings follow Catholic Doctrine ) I didn't expect so on a such a Children's tale. I did noticed three different award stickers on the book. One of which was Best Book CPA Catholic Press Association.
pops take
The artists work of grand churches, royalty, landscapes and of the bakery is quite impressive. Katalin Szegedi uses a soft-tone mix with much detail in each illustration using watercolour. The look has a sepia tone yet with full colours. The set, as described by me, is that of a European city in early 1900's .
This is a book about faith and the power of the Holy Sacrafice of the Mass did have a fairy tale feel that I believe would capture the attention of young children. Unfortunately (for only me perhaps) in a way that I just don't care for.
The story opens well but the constant addition of bakery goods, cookies, cupcakes, chocolates, poppy-seed rolls and more onto the scale reminded me of the mayhem associated with Doctor Seuss Cat in the Hat tales. I never cared for that so it's possible I'm just not "getting it" in either case that expresses pandemonium.
On another note there are words about the baker's son going to become a priest and a reference to "and your mother before you". Was the baker married, a widower, a father to the son without marriage? In reading the book it's hard to understand connections.
All that said, this book can be a viable starting point from which the education of both Faith and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass can build from. The book needs a teaching with it to help children understand its meaning. Even the closing line could be a bit difficult for a child to absorb.
I recommend this book to knowledgeable people of faith who can use this fairy tale story as the bases from which to teach children a better understanding of what Faith is and how it can change an individual, a town, a world.
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