Peter Paul Rubens was born in 1577. His father died when he was only ten, but his mother raised him to the best of her ability. She allowed him to be a page in the palace of Countess de Lalaing. While serving in her palace he would meet many great men and be taught by several Jesuits. He excelled in his studies. He studied under many famous artists and excelled in his talent as an artist. He continued to work his whole life. He painted numerous religious pictures and his greatest masterpiece is "Descent from the Cross".

Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Rubens by using the gifts that God gives us to the best of our ability.

Level 1 books in the Footsteps of the Saints series are about 32 pages each and are written as read-alouds for your beginning readers at about a second grade reading level. The print size is large to make it easier to read for young readers, and there are many wonderful illustrations to give a visual for your younger children who are listening.

Br. Ernest, C.S.C