The Foundling by Cardinal Spellman

by Christina
(Caseyville, IL)

This book was written in the very early 50's and is no longer in print. I read it when I was in high school in the 60's. It made an impression on me then and I always wanted to own the book. About ten years ago, I came across a copy in an antique store. When I re-read it, I realized that the prose was not well written and it really was just a very simple story. BUT, I still loved it and consider it my all time favorite.

Since nobody will probably ever read it, I don't think I will give anything away by telling you about it.

A young man comes home from WWII, scarred both inside and out. He stumbles into St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York on Christmas Eve. While sitting there, he hears a sound and discovers a baby in a manger in the Christmas display. He takes the baby to the local orphanage.

Paul is missing a leg and his face is terribly scarred. He went to pray that night for forgiveness and enlightenment -- for help. After taking the baby somewhere safe, he gets to courage to visit his girlfriend who welcomes him with open arms.

The nuns name the baby Peter and Paul becomes a constant in his life. He is never adopted. At the age of 10 Peter asks Paul why he never adopted him and Paul tells him, since he was found in a Catholic church they assumed the mother wanted him to be raised Catholic and Paul was not Catholic.

Years pass and Peter becomes a gifted musician, falling in love, and also as Paul had done years before, went off to war. He comes home blind and to a girl who welcomes him with open arms.

Corny -- yes, but I didn't care. I loved it.