Brother Petroc's Return

by S.M.C.

Religious Novel, originally published by Little, Brown and Company.

Genres: Fiction

160 pages, paperback

First published January 1, 1937

About the author

Sister Mary Catherine, O.P. was born Kathleen Agnes Cicely Anderson on 21 January 1888 in Falmouth, Cornwall, England. Born to an Anglican clergyman, Kathleen converted with her family to the Catholic Church when still a little girl. She was educated by the Stone Dominican Sisters at their convent of St. Marychurch and entered the congregation on May 2nd, 1908 at St. Dominic’s Convent, Stone, receiving the religious name of Sister Mary Catherine. Sister made her profession on November 25th 1909 and afterwards trained as a primary school teacher at the Sacred Heart Training College in St. Charles’s Square, London. Her younger sister Lilian M. Anderson was a novelist since 1920.

By 1936, when Sister was assigned to St. Marychurch, she had begun to write—mainly historical novels of the revolts in Devon and Cornwall. It is during this time that Sister wrote her most popular book, Brother Petroc’s Return, which received great acclaim in both England and in America. Following this came many other titles including two biographies—Steward of Souls and A Treasure of Joy and Gladness—as well as lives of St. Margaret of Hungary and of St. Hyacinth. After her retirement she was appointed prioress to the community in Kelvedon, Essex and then assigned to the convent in Brewood where she continued to write. She died at Stone on April 14th, 1972 in the 85th year of her life and the 63rd year of religious profession.

Reviews

[Ellie McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of a 16th century monk who comes back to life 400 years later when his tomb is opened for construction. An interesting story about his struggles with “modern” spirituality and innovations. A few odd characters throughout the book, laughed out loud once. Overall an enjoyable read and I liked the ending.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good study of modern vs medieval spirituality in the form of an engaging narrative about a monk preserved from death by God some 400 years after his burial.

Inspires admiration for a simpler spirituality and greater discipline of the faculties of the senses and of the will.

Bonus: laugh-out-loud funny parts throughout.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book is a nun, a talented writer, an incisive thinker, and even something of an historian. She crafts a compelling, creative plot and her writing is a delight to read.
“Luther and the other leaders of the Reformation did great harm to Europe beyond their actual heresy, in teaching people to regard themselves as the central point of their own universe.”

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is very moving and very intriguing.

[William Kimball · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reminder—in a captivating novel—of the one thing necessary: union with Christ by Faith, Hope and Charity. A thought provoking story, for sure.

[Ben Claiborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining novel about a 16th century Benedictine monk who wakes up four hundred years later.

[Dominic Casanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

An edifying and beautiful story. A must read for any fan of Catholic novels.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is brilliant historical fiction. Brother Petroc dies in the midst of the Prayer Book Rebellion during the reign of Edward VI, Henry VIII's son and heir. His monastery, perched on the edges of cost of Cornwall, was passed over during the Dissolution of the Monasteries during Henry VIII's reign. S.M.C., Sister Mary Catherine Anderson, OP, depicts the adjustment Brother Petroc must make when he dies in the 16th century and then revives in the 21st century. Remaining in his Benedictine abbey, much of the monastic life and routine is familiar: it is the spirituality that has changed. The Abbot and Subprior wisely see that Brother Petroc's mindset is much simpler and direct: he does not dwell as even the monks of St. Brioc do, on his own consciousness and feelings. He fulfillls his duties, prays his office, lives out his vows. The clash comes when one of the modern monks tries to force him to see the new modern world of noise and confusion . . . don't want to tell everything about the plot, of course . . . but it's fascinating for anyone interested in Medieval monasticism.

[E.J. Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an odd little book, but worth reading. Brother Petroc, an English monk, is near death while king Henry's troops are raiding monasterys, and he is sealed in the crypt of his abbey. In the early twentieth century, a major remodelling project unearths Brother Petroc, and he is brought back to life.

The clash of cultures is handled pretty well, and raises interesting questions about spiritual practices in both eras. Recommended.

[Catherine Lienhard]

Story of a Benedictine monk entombed in 1547 and brought to life in 1929. Charming little story.

(read 8/3/67)

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