Jack Amato was excited to receive his braille copy of “This is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival” by Bishop Robert Barron.
It was perfect timing for the start of the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Ind., which he listened to on EWTN on his Alexa.
Amato, blind from birth, read about Bishop Barron’s book in the back of “The Propers of the Sunday Mass.” It features readings, responses, and prayers for Sunday Mass, feast days, and solemnities in Braille. The publication is similar to a missalette issued by the Xavier Society for the Blind.
Amato, 72, of St. Michael Parish in Netcong has used the Mass Propers since the 1980s. He has ordered other society publications in braille and audiobooks. They have “a great library,” said Amato, who used to play the piano for St. Michael’s Youth Choir.
A Catholic all his life, Amato said, “I’m grateful that the materials from the Xavier Society have helped deepen my knowledge of my faith.” In reading Bishop Barron’s book, he said, “I appreciated how it included the biblical roots in Genesis to help readers understand and appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
Since 1900, the Xavier Society for the Blind has provided the word of God and other Catholic materials to blind or visually impaired persons of any faith at no cost.
Margaret Coffey, a blind teacher of blind children, and Jesuit Joseph Stadelman started the nonprofit at the College of St. Francis Xavier, now Xavier High School in New York City. They wanted blind children to have materials to prepare for the sacraments. They purchased a new invention at the time, a stenographic machine, that could produce a large volume of materials in braille.
Providing children with religious education material remains at the core of the society’s mission, said Malachy Fallon, executive director. It sends the Mass Propers monthly to about 800 people in 20 countries.
The society aims to respond to individual patrons’ requests and appeal to potential new patrons. Braille books are produced in Span-ish as well. A certified braille transcriber is on staff, and they have an embossing machine.
“Technology is always changing. We are always trying to keep up,” Fallon said. Many titles are available in BRF (braille-ready file) downloadable from the society’s website.
Books on the lives of the saints, the Blessed Mother, the rosary, prayer, and meditation are popular. They also offer resources from the National Eucharistic Revival in Braille. Parents enjoy receiving sighted and braille versions of books so they can read with their children.
The society relies on the generosity of donors, including patrons. It also receives support from small foundations.
If interested in receiving braille or audiobooks, contact the society by visiting its website, https://xaviersocietyfortheblind.org, calling 212-473-7800 or 800-637-9193, or emailing info@xaviersocietyfortheblind.org
