Curse of the Coins
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Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope
are written and illustrated for ages 8 and older.
Sister Philomena lives in a convent in Grottaferrata, Italy, which is near Rome. Few people know that she is a special investigative agent for the Pope. When her young niece and nephew are left with her for the summer, Sister Philomena has no choice but to take the children with her on the Papal assignments. Through these adventures, children learn about the Church, saints, holy places, sacred art, pick up a few Italian words and phrases, and help solve mysteries.
Book 3 of the series! The 30 pieces of silver that Judas was paid for betraying Jesus were found in Israel. The Franciscan monks of Jerusalem sent the coins to the Vatican Museums for authentication and safekeeping - but then they disappeared! The Holy Father naturally must call upon his special agent, Sister Philomena, to find them. The search for the coins leads Sister Philomena, Riley, and Delaney on a harrowing ride through Rome with that crazy Sister Lisa Renee at the wheel. In the hunt for the coins, the reader gets to visit some of the great Basilicas of Rome and discover the many relics of the Passion of Jesus that are preserved in the basilicas. |  |
 | Curse of the Coins is the third book in the series, although they need not be read sequentially. The adventure begins when Franciscan monks in Jerusalem find the 30 pieces of silver that Judas was paid for betraying Jesus. The coins are sent to the Vatican Museums for authentication and safekeeping, but are stolen by a mysterious thief. The thief leaves clues that lead Sister Philomena, Riley and Delaney on a treasure hunt to recover the coins. |
The clues lead the threesome to some of the great relics and basilicas in Italy. Among the stops are the Sistine Chapel, Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Church of Saint Peter in Chains, Scala Santa and Basilica Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. Not only is the reader given detailed descriptions of the locations, but also learns about their history and significance to the Catholic faith. The beautiful art, from illustrator William Shurtliff, transports the reader to Italy, and the text provides information about the customs and atmosphere in Italy. The glossary of Italian-to-English words and phrases encourages the child's curiosity, while also teaching adults a thing or two. |  |
