Romana

Palabra Publishers of Madrid, as part of its illustrated books collection, has published Vida y venturas de un borrico de noria... y su Relojerico (“The Life and Adventures of a Donkey at the Waterwheel… and his Watchmaker”), based on the life of Saint Josemaría Escrivá. Both the text and illustrations are the work of Paulina Monckeberg. The title of the book comes from the founder of Opus Dei’s fondness for donkeys, in whom he saw many positive qualities (patience, perseverance, austerity, hard work….); and also from the nickname Relojerico (“Watchmaker”) that he gave to his guardian angel, whom he asked to wake him up in the morning when he didn’t have the money needed to get his alarm clock repaired.

Full-color illustrations help to evoke the atmosphere of the period. The 156 page book presents vivid stories focussing on Saint Josemaría’s early life, including his parents, sisters and brother, Isidoro (a childhood friend), teachers, etc.