Empress of the Americas - The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The following text is taken from our book, From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America.

The Bishop and the Men of Blood

Fray Juan de Zumárraga was troubled. Being a bishop is never easy, but being the bishop of New Spain (it seemed) was a task beyond the power of any man. Indeed, Fray Juan had not wanted to be bishop. For over 30 years he had lived the quiet life of a Franciscan friar. He had prayed and fasted; he had said Mass, administered the sacraments, and preached to the people. Then one fatal day, in 1527, King Charles I had stopped at the Franciscan convent in Valladolid (vah•yeh•duh•LEE), in Spain. The king was so impressed by Fray Juan, who directed the life of the convent, that he wanted him to serve as the first bishop of New Spain. Fray Juan, the son of poor parents, did not think himself worthy of that great office; but his religious superior told him that he had to obey King Charles. So it was that one year later, Fray Juan found himself in the city of Mexico, the bishop of pagans, new Christian converts, and half civilized Spanish adventurers. 

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From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America

Stories. Do you recall the stories you were told as a child? Most likely they're as vivid today, as they were when you were younger. That's why stories are able to be passed down from generation to generation.

The editors of the Catholic Textbook Project are convinced that story is the most effective way of presenting history to students. 'From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America' is aimed at grades 5–9 and teaches American history and geography. 
View From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America Chapters 1-3 
Produced using the highest quality in design, color, illustrations, paper and bindings, this textbook tells the story of North America—the Indian nations, European colonization, and the founding and history of the United States up to the Twentieth Century. 
View Chapters 1-3 From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America 
Told as a series of historically accurate stories, the textbook includes thumbnail biographies, lives of the saints, maps, illustrations, and other supplemental material. The lavish use of color photos, drawings and maps, combined with the excellent writing of highly qualified teachers, authors and editors, make this volume and history series the best available today.

Purchase From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America

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