Sarah Robsdottir, a Catholic convert and homeschooling mom of seven sons from the Diocese of Allentown, has just released a new fictional novel, “Joan of Arkansas” – the story of an at-risk teen who battles adversity with the help of her patron saint.
Robsdottir said she could never have written her new book without the help and inspiration of Father Speratus Kamanzi, Pastor of St. John the Baptist, Allentown, and a member of the Religious Missionary Institute of the Apostles of Jesus. He originally hails from Northwestern Tanzania, a country in east Africa.
“While Father Kamanzi’s role in the book is fictional, it portrays his brave, wise spirit truthfully,” explained Robsdottir in a release from Voyage Publishing, the outlet that has published not only her new book, but her two-time Catholic Media Association Award-winning debut novel “Brave Water.”
Robsdottir became acquainted with Father Kamanzi years ago when he visited her then home parish, St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe. She is now a parishioner of SS. Peter and Paul, Lehighton.
Father Kamanzi has been a frequent visitor to the Jim Thorpe area over the years, filling in to celebrate Mass when the regular priests are unavailable. Like the main character Joanie in her new book, Robsdottir experienced Father Kamanzi’s wise guidance in the confessional.
“He's a great listener and gives really good advice,” she said. “I never feel judged by him; just loved and understood.”
Robsdottir recently visited Father Kamanzi at St. John the Baptist to thank him in person and present him with a signed copy of “Joan of Arkansas.” The two took some time to discuss his heroic role in her book.
“I am deeply honored,” said Father Kamanzi with his trademark smile and booming laugh. “I hope many people will read it and be encouraged to live brave lives like the main character Joanie.”
Robsdottir not only admires Father Kamanzi because he is a strong spiritual leader, but he’s a gifted homilist and writer as well. His own first book, “Called to Serve,” sits on her desk and she reads it often. “Called to Serve” is a narrative that describes Father Kamanzi’s life experiences in relation to his ministry and life within the Church.
“His deep trust in God is inspiring and contagious,” said Robsdottir. “There is a section where he talks about the anguish of not being able to attend his mother’s and two sisters’ funerals because of his unwavering commitment to his missionary work outside his home country. In this way, Father Kamanzi has truly fulfilled Jesus’ call to leave home and family for the sake of the Gospel (Matthew 19:29).
Robsdottir’s new book is the story of a modern-day Joan of Arc that not only captivates the imagination for Christ, but deals with critical issues of our times – poverty, addiction, teen pregnancy, and mental illness – in a way that “enlightens and educates but does not scandalize or traumatize.” She explained that while she wrote the book for teens, “adults are really liking it, too.”
“Joan of Arkansas” is available at Voyage Comics and Publishing, as well as on Amazon. Father Kamanzi's books, “Called to Serve” and “Homilies for Sunday Mass,” are not for sale, but generous donations are accepted for covering the cost of printing and supporting the ministries of the Apostles of Jesus through these publications. Call Father Kamanzi to request a copy at 417-380-8987. Robsdottir can be reached through her website, www.sarahrobsdottir.com.
Photo by Peter Johnson.
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