What do you think?
61 Minutes to a Miracle: Fulton Sheen and a True Story of the Impossible
"You mean sixty-one seconds. You said sixty-one minutes, but you mean a little over one minute." "No," I said. "He didn't have a pulse for over an hour." After a healthy pregnancy, on September 16, 2010, Bonnie L. Engstrom delivered a stillborn baby boy. After sixty-one minutes, just when the doctors were going to call a time of death, James Fulton's heart began to beat. In that sixty-one minutes, the Engstroms had been asking for and counting on the powerful intercession of James's Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. That James was alive at all was a miracle. But the rest of the story is even more amazing. While the Engstroms were preparing for their little boy to grow up blind, unable to walk or talk, and be fed by a tube for the rest of his life, another miracle occurred. Against all medical odds, James not only survived, but he began - and continues - to thrive. In 2014, medical experts and theological advisors to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints unanimously approved the miracle. This amazing true story, full of weakness and strength, heartbreak and celebration, hope and joy, teaches us that through our faith in Christ and the prayers of the great cloud of witnesses, miracles are possible. "Believe the incredible, and you can do the impossible." - Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
144 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2019
About the author
Bonnie L. Engstrom
3 books39 followersBonnie Engstrom is a writer, baker, speaker, and homemaker. She is a regular contributor at Blessed Is She, a frequent radio and podcast guest, and an old school blogger. Bonnie is the author of the Blessed Is She study MYSTERY: Believe. Her new book, titled 61 Minutes to a Miracle: The True Story of a Family's Devotion, tells the story of her son's alleged miracle through the intercession of Venerable Fulton Sheen and will be available in September 2019. Bonnie lives with her husband and eight children in Illinois.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 6, 2019
4.5 stars! The writing was compelling and I didn't want to put the book down! I've read the shorter version of the story on Bonnie's blog before, but the book version felt fresh and new to me with all the added details, and Bonnie's writing is funny and relatable. Things slowed down near the end, which I suppose was inevitable but after all the earlier excitement it felt like a big change of pace (although honestly, it probably felt like that in real life as well). This is a quick read that will definitely make you want to go read some of Sheen's writings!
I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 4, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book and finished it in two days. The true genius of this books is the simplicity of it. It would have been easy to over sensationalize a miracle of this proportion - a stillborn child whose heart starts beating after 61 minutes! - but the author instead lets the incredible events speak for themselves. The straightforwardness of Bonnie’s writing is not without depth and emotion, but does steer clear of sentimentalism, which makes it all the more powerful.
You can also sense the author’s humility in her writing, sharing her family’s miracle, something intensely personal, in a way that presents it as a miracle that belongs to the Church and to all believers. Time and again, she focuses on God’s goodness and glory, not her own strength or faith.
I was very well acquainted with the basics of this miracle prior to reading, yet the book contained details that made me see the miracle with fresh eyes and the same wonderment I felt the first time I heard about it. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you should skip this book because you’ve read an article or two about Fulton Sheen’s cause and the Engstroms’ miracle!
You can also sense the author’s humility in her writing, sharing her family’s miracle, something intensely personal, in a way that presents it as a miracle that belongs to the Church and to all believers. Time and again, she focuses on God’s goodness and glory, not her own strength or faith.
I was very well acquainted with the basics of this miracle prior to reading, yet the book contained details that made me see the miracle with fresh eyes and the same wonderment I felt the first time I heard about it. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you should skip this book because you’ve read an article or two about Fulton Sheen’s cause and the Engstroms’ miracle!
August 11, 2019
Candid, well-written and deeply spiritual - those are the three words I'd use to describe the account of a verified Vatican miracle. Bonnie is such a light. The story of how her son James Fulton's birth was a miracle, paving the way for the beatification of Ven. Fulton Sheen was one I thought I knew well (I've heard Bonnie speak numerous times), but it was *this* account that really allowed me to fully understand the experience and how it brought Bonnie and her family close to Christ through a soon-to-be saint. The thing I loved most about this book? How the faith of Bonnie's husband Travis was so steadfast and her love for him so endearing and earnest. It was the secondary story I never fully knew, until now. If you're curious how the path to sainthood looks, read this book. If you question God's faithfulness, read this book. If you want to be inspired by a normal, everyday family and how faith can transform you, read this book. Bravo Bonnie. You told the story beautifully.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2019
Every time a baby is born on a tv show or movie, I tear up. Even when I’ve seen the movie a hundred times, like Father of the Bride II. Every time I read a birth story online, I’m tearing up. Babies being born give me all the good feelings and then those feelings leak out of my eyes.
.
I threw this little book in my bag a few weeks ago when I was going to be early for Mass. I thought I’d start reading and take a few weeks to finish in 5 minute chunks before Mass when I arrived early (which is not often these days). So this morning I pulled it out of my bag when I got there at 11:15 and was tearing up in chapter 1.
.
It’s the story of James Fulton’s birth. Much has been shared already on Bonnie’s blog, but I really appreciated the full story being shared in this book published by my company.
.
Every birth is a miracle. The fact that two people come together and a third human being is created is a miracle. Even with the scientific advances we know, it’s incomprehensible that this actually happens. One cell becomes two, then four, then eight, then 16, and so forth. Then those cells which are all the same begin forming nerves and heart and brain and skin and fingernails and hair and stomach and legs and arms. There’s no real explanation for how this came about. No scientist developed this process. It’s a miracle – something that is unexplained by science.
.
James Fulton’s birth and life is a double miracle. The first one being that he was born – an ordinary miracle since it’s happened to us all. The second that he was dead, without oxygen for 61 minutes and has a handful of lingering effects. Some severe allergies – which he may have had anyway, these can’t definitively be attributed to his lack of oxygen and heart beat for the first 61 minutes of his life.
.
The story is beautiful and beautifully told! Grab this book (if you’re in Charlotte you can borrow it for 2 hours – that’s all it’ll take you read it) and some Kleenex. It’s an inspiration!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
I threw this little book in my bag a few weeks ago when I was going to be early for Mass. I thought I’d start reading and take a few weeks to finish in 5 minute chunks before Mass when I arrived early (which is not often these days). So this morning I pulled it out of my bag when I got there at 11:15 and was tearing up in chapter 1.
.
It’s the story of James Fulton’s birth. Much has been shared already on Bonnie’s blog, but I really appreciated the full story being shared in this book published by my company.
.
Every birth is a miracle. The fact that two people come together and a third human being is created is a miracle. Even with the scientific advances we know, it’s incomprehensible that this actually happens. One cell becomes two, then four, then eight, then 16, and so forth. Then those cells which are all the same begin forming nerves and heart and brain and skin and fingernails and hair and stomach and legs and arms. There’s no real explanation for how this came about. No scientist developed this process. It’s a miracle – something that is unexplained by science.
.
James Fulton’s birth and life is a double miracle. The first one being that he was born – an ordinary miracle since it’s happened to us all. The second that he was dead, without oxygen for 61 minutes and has a handful of lingering effects. Some severe allergies – which he may have had anyway, these can’t definitively be attributed to his lack of oxygen and heart beat for the first 61 minutes of his life.
.
The story is beautiful and beautifully told! Grab this book (if you’re in Charlotte you can borrow it for 2 hours – that’s all it’ll take you read it) and some Kleenex. It’s an inspiration!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 7, 2019
This is such an excellent book! While I was already aware of some of the details of this miracle, reading Bonnie’s full account is nothing short of amazing.
Bonnie Engstrom is so down-to-earth & it’s one of my favorite things about her. Her personality shines through every page as she shares how humbling & amazing it is to have a miracle worked in her own family!
As a Catholic convert from a Reformed Baptist Church, I am always sensitive to how Saints and miracles are spoken of in our Church. As Fulton Sheen said, “There are not a hundred people in America who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions of people who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church — which is, of course, quite a different thing.” Many a person has suggested that Catholics worship the saints by praying to them. There was not one page in her book that suggested that this was anything other than a miracle worked by God, for His glory, through the intercession of His servant, Fulton Sheen.
I cried. I laughed. I learned the right way to celebrate God’s miracles (big or small): with ice cream!!!
Bonnie Engstrom is so down-to-earth & it’s one of my favorite things about her. Her personality shines through every page as she shares how humbling & amazing it is to have a miracle worked in her own family!
As a Catholic convert from a Reformed Baptist Church, I am always sensitive to how Saints and miracles are spoken of in our Church. As Fulton Sheen said, “There are not a hundred people in America who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions of people who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church — which is, of course, quite a different thing.” Many a person has suggested that Catholics worship the saints by praying to them. There was not one page in her book that suggested that this was anything other than a miracle worked by God, for His glory, through the intercession of His servant, Fulton Sheen.
I cried. I laughed. I learned the right way to celebrate God’s miracles (big or small): with ice cream!!!
October 17, 2019
This book was a short and easy (in the literary, not emotional sense) read and I polished it off in 24 hours. It would have been one sitting if I was being more irresponsible with my sleep! However, the conciseness does not undermine the WEIGHT of this story, humbly and faithfully told by Bonnie. She and Travis live nearby and while I have never met them, many of the individuals in her retelling of this miracle are mutual friends, priests that have heard my confession, etc. I think this deepened the intensity of the reading experience for me.
This story, and Bonnie's brave description of such a difficult time are so crucial for the Christian, especially Catholic Christian of today. There are saints in our midst. God's working of profound miracles is not limited to "the Bible era" or "a long time ago," but rather are happening today, in our hometowns, to/for our contemporaries, for the growth of our faith and for His glory. Thank you, Bonnie, for your personal "yeses" to Christ that enabled this encouraging book.
This story, and Bonnie's brave description of such a difficult time are so crucial for the Christian, especially Catholic Christian of today. There are saints in our midst. God's working of profound miracles is not limited to "the Bible era" or "a long time ago," but rather are happening today, in our hometowns, to/for our contemporaries, for the growth of our faith and for His glory. Thank you, Bonnie, for your personal "yeses" to Christ that enabled this encouraging book.
August 12, 2019
Encouragement for those who are already following Christ. Inspiration for those who are on the journey home. A good, cleansing, happy cry for everyone who needs it.
This book is short and encouraging. The Body of Christ is out there cheering us on every single day.
This book is short and encouraging. The Body of Christ is out there cheering us on every single day.
August 6, 2019
I’ve heard Bonnie speak on her family’s miracle multiple times, so I didn’t expect this longer version of the story I’m familiar with to captivate me as much as it did. I read late into the night thinking, “I know how this ends! Why am I still up?” But I stayed up the way you stay up visiting with a friend late into the night, not wanting the conversation to end.
I found Bonnie’s writing style inviting, her vulnerability and honesty authentic, and her story...miraculous! I learned so much about the canonization process, Archbishop Sheen, and remaining faithful through the most trying times. I received an advance electronic copy, but I have already pre-ordered my hard copy, and I recommend you do it, too! You will want to read this story and share it with your family and friends!
I found Bonnie’s writing style inviting, her vulnerability and honesty authentic, and her story...miraculous! I learned so much about the canonization process, Archbishop Sheen, and remaining faithful through the most trying times. I received an advance electronic copy, but I have already pre-ordered my hard copy, and I recommend you do it, too! You will want to read this story and share it with your family and friends!
September 11, 2019
Not only is this an amazing story, truly miraculous in every way, but Bonnie is a gifted story teller. Her beautiful writing allowed me to feel as though I had personally witnessed the miracle myself as I cried and rejoiced alongside her. Through this tale you come to love Bonnie, the Engstrom family, and most importantly, will find yourself unable to keep yourself from glorifying God, crying out in praise of His goodness and mercy.
September 29, 2019
So proud of my dear friends Bonnie and Travis for sharing this story with the Church and with the world. So humbled by what is seen and unseen. "He has proven his might, his arm outstretched with strength."
April 12, 2020
What a perfect Easter read! God has power over death. He is risen!!!
May 5, 2020
very inspiring and faith-filled
September 14, 2019
A beautiful story from the mother’s POV of the miracle baby who survived against all odds. As Fulton Sheen’s canonization comes closer, this is a must read.
August 3, 2019
A concise, deeply spiritual account of a verified miracle.
I started this book this morning & finished it this afternoon. I couldn’t put it down. Bonnie’s voice, her experience, is so clear & relatable, so personal. Her experience of a good-birth-turned-traumatic is so gripping, I couldn’t tear myself away.
Bonnie & Travis’s trust in God is inspiring, but also very relatable. “I didn’t say ‘or else,’ but it was implied. I wasn’t making a statement of faith, I was letting God know that I was holding him accountable.”
Yes, yes, I have had these conversations with God before!
Bonnie addresses her fear, her faith, her struggle with a sincerity & an authenticity that makes me not only like & identify with her, but which also inspires me. This woman, who deals with fears & frustrations the same way I do, has leaned so entirely on God, so maybe I can, too.
The way she wrote about parenting James the best they could while he was alive, man, I had to put the book down & cry for a little bit.
This book made me cry; it stirred, unsettled, & challenged me. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Fulton Sheen’s cause, but also to anyone struggling with surrendering their will & lives to God’s providence. You have to read it!
I started this book this morning & finished it this afternoon. I couldn’t put it down. Bonnie’s voice, her experience, is so clear & relatable, so personal. Her experience of a good-birth-turned-traumatic is so gripping, I couldn’t tear myself away.
Bonnie & Travis’s trust in God is inspiring, but also very relatable. “I didn’t say ‘or else,’ but it was implied. I wasn’t making a statement of faith, I was letting God know that I was holding him accountable.”
Yes, yes, I have had these conversations with God before!
Bonnie addresses her fear, her faith, her struggle with a sincerity & an authenticity that makes me not only like & identify with her, but which also inspires me. This woman, who deals with fears & frustrations the same way I do, has leaned so entirely on God, so maybe I can, too.
The way she wrote about parenting James the best they could while he was alive, man, I had to put the book down & cry for a little bit.
This book made me cry; it stirred, unsettled, & challenged me. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Fulton Sheen’s cause, but also to anyone struggling with surrendering their will & lives to God’s providence. You have to read it!
September 10, 2019
When I first heard about this book, I could not wait to read it. I have always been fascinated by the saints and this book tells the story of a modern day miracle through the intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. This book exceeded my expectations.
When @bonnieengstrom and her husband’s son was born, he was a still born. Yet, after 61 minutes his heart began to beat. His miracle and story led to the process of beatification for Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Bonnie so beautifully shares her heart in this book, the story of her family’s journey with intricate details about what most of us do not realize about the path to sainthood.
This was a book I could not put down and actually read in 2 sittings. It left me feeling renewed in the goodness of God, the Father and the graces He gives us all through the intercession of the saints.
No matter where you are in your faith journey, Catholic or not, this is a true story, that restores your faith and outlook on life. Thanks to Bonnie and her family for sharing their incredible faith and trust in the Lord.
Thank you to @osvcatholicbooks for sending my this book for free in exchange for a review. All of these thoughts are honest and my own.
When @bonnieengstrom and her husband’s son was born, he was a still born. Yet, after 61 minutes his heart began to beat. His miracle and story led to the process of beatification for Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Bonnie so beautifully shares her heart in this book, the story of her family’s journey with intricate details about what most of us do not realize about the path to sainthood.
This was a book I could not put down and actually read in 2 sittings. It left me feeling renewed in the goodness of God, the Father and the graces He gives us all through the intercession of the saints.
No matter where you are in your faith journey, Catholic or not, this is a true story, that restores your faith and outlook on life. Thanks to Bonnie and her family for sharing their incredible faith and trust in the Lord.
Thank you to @osvcatholicbooks for sending my this book for free in exchange for a review. All of these thoughts are honest and my own.
October 11, 2019
“Miracles are no cure for unbelief,” is one of Bishop Fulton Sheen’s many memorable quotes. I humbly make this addendum to his quote, “But they sure can stop you in your tracks, and point you to the door of faith!”
This is a story of divine intervention that cannot be denied, written in an intimate, conversational manner that will make you feel like you are walking alongside Bonnie and her family on their emotional journey. You’ll read about the incredible miracle that was presented to Pope Francis for consideration to advance the cause of Venerable Fulton Sheen to the next step, beatification (giving him the title of “Blessed”).
I cried with Bonnie, felt her shock and confusion, related to her questioning of God and her faith, but was also inspired by her resolve to trust entirely in God’s mercy as she struggled through this frightening and overwhelming ordeal. Readers will witness the support of her local faith community, as well as the powerful prayers of their chosen “Cloud” intercessor, Venerable Fulton Sheen, and come out into the uplifting light of joy with her on the other side. This is a narrative that is not merely read, it is embraced and lived and pondered, and it leaves an impression that will not soon dissipate. It’s a small book that packs an eternal punch!
This is a story of divine intervention that cannot be denied, written in an intimate, conversational manner that will make you feel like you are walking alongside Bonnie and her family on their emotional journey. You’ll read about the incredible miracle that was presented to Pope Francis for consideration to advance the cause of Venerable Fulton Sheen to the next step, beatification (giving him the title of “Blessed”).
I cried with Bonnie, felt her shock and confusion, related to her questioning of God and her faith, but was also inspired by her resolve to trust entirely in God’s mercy as she struggled through this frightening and overwhelming ordeal. Readers will witness the support of her local faith community, as well as the powerful prayers of their chosen “Cloud” intercessor, Venerable Fulton Sheen, and come out into the uplifting light of joy with her on the other side. This is a narrative that is not merely read, it is embraced and lived and pondered, and it leaves an impression that will not soon dissipate. It’s a small book that packs an eternal punch!
September 12, 2019
An easy to read account of the miraculous healing of James Fulton Engstrom through the intercession of soon to be officially Blessed Fulton Sheen. The book is short and compelling, with quick chapters and a good amount of detail.
The most beautiful takeaway from the book, for me, was the incredible scrutiny this family and all the related/involved persons underwent as part of the process for submitting the now confirmed miracle. Most of us will never experience having a miracle of this magnitude happen in our own lives, so to read how the entire process of the Tribunal worked, the time and energy spent by all involved, and how the church, that beauty ever ancient, ever new, was dedicated to the pursuit of truth above all else in this process, was eye opening to me.
I am grateful that Bonnie and her husband sought the intercession of Fulton Sheen, even more so that God used his intercession to work this miracle of healing James, and especially that they shared this story with all of us.
The most beautiful takeaway from the book, for me, was the incredible scrutiny this family and all the related/involved persons underwent as part of the process for submitting the now confirmed miracle. Most of us will never experience having a miracle of this magnitude happen in our own lives, so to read how the entire process of the Tribunal worked, the time and energy spent by all involved, and how the church, that beauty ever ancient, ever new, was dedicated to the pursuit of truth above all else in this process, was eye opening to me.
I am grateful that Bonnie and her husband sought the intercession of Fulton Sheen, even more so that God used his intercession to work this miracle of healing James, and especially that they shared this story with all of us.
August 4, 2019
61 Minutes to a Miracle recounts the miraculous raising of dear James Fulton Linus Engstrom from the dead. I have been laughing (BOOMSHAKALAKA) and weeping, but most of all, unbelievably moved by the witness of faith of Bonnie and Travis and by our merciful God. I was once again reminded of the gift of friendship we find in the family of God that not even death can separate; the saints who are always interceding for us.
Once the clock marked 61 minutes of death and dear James came to life, it only proves that God may not appear to be on time, but he is NEVER late.
Do you need hope today? Do you believe in miracles? Regardless of your answer, this book is for you. It’s witty, yet gripping as the account is every parent’s nightmare and teeming with hope as they cross onto the other side of the trauma. Friends— go and click with all your might and order this book now and witness a miracle of biblical proportions. Witness hope. Witness faith. Most of all, witness God in action.
Once the clock marked 61 minutes of death and dear James came to life, it only proves that God may not appear to be on time, but he is NEVER late.
Do you need hope today? Do you believe in miracles? Regardless of your answer, this book is for you. It’s witty, yet gripping as the account is every parent’s nightmare and teeming with hope as they cross onto the other side of the trauma. Friends— go and click with all your might and order this book now and witness a miracle of biblical proportions. Witness hope. Witness faith. Most of all, witness God in action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2019
As a huge fan of Fulton Sheen and a follower of Bonnie's blog for years, I have been eagerly anticipating this book! I wasn't disappointed. Bonnie gives a full, no-nonsense account of her son James' miraculous recovery after being pulseless for over an hour after birth. Throughout her pregnancy, the Engstroms had prayed for the intercession of Fulton Sheen. When her son was stillborn and in the hours, days, and weeks afterwards, people worldwide prayed that Fulton Sheen's prayers would be effective in joining theirs, asking God for a miracle. In this book, Bonnie shares how God answered with a resounding YES. This is a quick read, well-written in a conversational tone, and a beautiful story of hope and God's goodness. Get your hands on a copy - just be sure you have some tissues or other absorbent material handy for the copious tears you're bound to shed. Powerful, engaging, and hopeful!
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 28, 2022
La storia di un miracolo: un bambino nato morto e che non ha respirato per ben 61 minuti. Riesce a sopravvivere contro ogni parere e persino contro ogni speranza umana, considerando le tragiche conseguenze che sembravano inevitabili. Non solo. James non riporta alcuna disabilità o strascichi evidenti, malgrado la prognosi assai delicata. Si tratta del miracolo scelto per avviare la canonizzazione dell'adesso Venerabile (ma ci auguriamo presto Santo) Arcivescovo Fulton Sheen la cui intercessione ha reso possibile questo fatto straordinario. Non è solo la commovente storia di James e della sua famiglia, ma la testimonianza di quanto la preghiera di una famiglia e di una comunità, con fede e speranza, sia realmente in grado di compiere prodigi. Di quanto nessun ostacolo sembri insormontabile se ci si affida e si crede nella Divina Provvidenza come la famiglia di James ha dimostrato.
September 16, 2019
This short, easy to read book was so encouraging to me. It's easy to read the Bible about hearings and miracles and think, "that's great, but that just doesn't happen today." Except that - it does. Bonnie's son was stillborn and had no heartbeat for 61 minutes. Despite his brain being deprived of oxygen for that time, he has no lasting effects from his traumatic birth. Bonnie, and the thousands who prayed with her, asked for a miracle through the intercession of Fulton Sheen. The book recounts how Bonnie learned about Fulton Sheen, and through James' miracle, became involved in the beatification process of Fulton Sheen. I knew a little bit about how Saints are beatified, but I learned tons through reading about the process. Bonnie's writing is easy to read, conversational, and encouraging.
October 20, 2019
This is an amazing book... as I read the author's description of what was happening during the birth of her son, I felt like I was in the room. I made the mistake of starting the book in the evening and had a hard time putting it down to go to bed, and when I did put the book down, I had a hard time falling asleep because it is so well written that I was on an adrenaline rush from all of the action in the story.
I'm glad this was a quick read, because, as I said before, there was quite a bit of action in the story. I also liked how at the end the author gives a summary of the Canonization process and of the timeline of the life and canonization process of Venerable Fulton Sheen (soon to be Blessed Fulton Sheen).
I'm glad this was a quick read, because, as I said before, there was quite a bit of action in the story. I also liked how at the end the author gives a summary of the Canonization process and of the timeline of the life and canonization process of Venerable Fulton Sheen (soon to be Blessed Fulton Sheen).
August 7, 2019
I didn’t know too much about Fulton Sheen until I read Bonnie’s story of her son’s (then alleged) miracle through the intercession of Fulton Sheen. It was truly a moving story that helped me search for a deeper faith and devotion to the saints. Reading the book reignited that fire. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a spiritual book and I’m so glad this was the the first one after a faith dry spell. Bonnie’s book touches on so many emotions and she is completely honest about them all. I definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to learn more about Sheen and the miracle that is bringing us closer to a new saint!
December 29, 2020
Definitely worth the read for a couple of reasons:
1. This is an incredible miracle which is deserving of attention. More importantly, this miracle brings SO much glory to God and worthy attention to the cause for Fulton Sheen's beatification.
2. Any Catholic can gain insight into the beatification process, which Engstrom herself admits she was ignorant of until James's miracle took place. It seems like a fascinating process, and I'm glad to have read more details about the process that some of my favorite saints would have gone through.
I will say that it's not written the best; it reads like a bunch of blog posts put together out of order. It's not a long book at all, but I do think more attention could have been put into organizing the timeline of all of this, and actively avoiding ending a few chapters in a row with, "And then we celebrated with ice cream!" But I understand that Engstrom's background is blog writing, so it makes sense. It's still a beautiful story!
1. This is an incredible miracle which is deserving of attention. More importantly, this miracle brings SO much glory to God and worthy attention to the cause for Fulton Sheen's beatification.
2. Any Catholic can gain insight into the beatification process, which Engstrom herself admits she was ignorant of until James's miracle took place. It seems like a fascinating process, and I'm glad to have read more details about the process that some of my favorite saints would have gone through.
I will say that it's not written the best; it reads like a bunch of blog posts put together out of order. It's not a long book at all, but I do think more attention could have been put into organizing the timeline of all of this, and actively avoiding ending a few chapters in a row with, "And then we celebrated with ice cream!" But I understand that Engstrom's background is blog writing, so it makes sense. It's still a beautiful story!
November 20, 2021
Good grief!! I will detour any future road trip to the Midwest to visit the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception. I read this book in under three hours. Granted it is physically small, but spiritually (and emotionally) huge. It’s difficult to read a birth story that is anything but ideal and this story is the definition of traumatic. People should do their due diligence if this is a book they’re able to read. If they are able, they will gain from it. They will gain hope, knowledge of Blessed Fulton Sheen, and love for Jesus. How blessed are we that call the Catholic Church home!
September 16, 2026
4.5 stars.. Wonderful story about the miracle of James Fulton Engstrom surviving and thriving. The miraculous healing of James is credited to Bishop Fulton Sheen promoting Fulton Sheen's cause for beautification.
Miracle is more James' health after 61 minutes without a heart beat, than his heart restarting after an hour.
Beautification is being celebrated on Sept 24, 2026.
Appendix 2 is a wonderful explanation of The Canonization Process: An Overview.
Quote:
Miracle is more James' health after 61 minutes without a heart beat, than his heart restarting after an hour.
Beautification is being celebrated on Sept 24, 2026.
Appendix 2 is a wonderful explanation of The Canonization Process: An Overview.
Quote:
August 29, 2019
For a couple years, I have known the bare bones story of the healing of Bonnie & Travis's son. But never could I have imagined what it was like to live through it. Bonnie's writing is clear, concise, and absent any holier-than-thou triteness that someone who doesn't know Bonnie might expect. Reading this book is like sitting with her over a cup of coffee while she tells you the story.
God truly blessed Bonnie and her family through the intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. And He blessed me and countless others by having her share this story with the world.
God truly blessed Bonnie and her family through the intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. And He blessed me and countless others by having her share this story with the world.
September 30, 2019
Most people who pick up 61 Minutes to a Miracle already know how the story turns out. But the spoiler in the book's title won't ruin the experience of reading Bonnie Engstrom's riveting story of the miracle that opened the door not only to life for her child but also to the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen.
Read my full review.
Read my full review.
September 20, 2019
This book is a must read! I love how Bonnie exudes her faith, love and devotion to God telling the incredible story of her son's stillborn birth and his returning to full life after 61 minutes. This true story proves the Catholic Church is alive and well despite much negative mainstream media coverage. Miracles are happening and Saints do exists among our modern world.
January 16, 2020
Absolutely incredible book! As a NICU nurse it's unbelievable to fathom an infant making it through a birth unscathed the way James did, but here his story is, absolutely miraculous and true. I heard his story working as a travel nurse at OSF and felt so moved to read this book. It furthered my faith in God, what I do, and in those I work with. I will recommend this book to everyone I know!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews