Magdalena and the Staff of Stories. A Life Story, at the Foot of the Shrine of Saint John the New of Suceava

Author: Cătălina Gheorghian

Illustrations: Elena Ciolacu

Format: 240×270

Number of pages: 34

Year of publication: 2026

Cover type: hardback

„I never thought I’d be able to write my own story. I mean… I didn’t think I’d have the courage to put down on paper the experiences that shaped me and weave them into a story. It seemed too painful to relive it all.”.

That was until a kind priest challenged me to write a story about the life of Saint John the New of Suceava. I was at the end of an event organized by the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți, where I had just launched one of my books, when the priest approached me with this suggestion.

After a few moments of hesitation, I told him I couldn’t. That I simply couldn’t. The Saint’s life is so immense to me—a monument of faith, witness, courage, and martyrdom—that, personally, I cannot „do justice to” it in writing.

But I told the priest that I would ask another writer—a very good friend of the saints—to write it. However, she was unable to do so either, for similar reasons.

And although my father listened sympathetically to all my reasons, he insisted on this idea. And I think he was right to do so because, in the end, I managed to write the story.

I hope you enjoy it! It is profound, full of deep emotional depth, painful, perhaps too honest, but at the same time, it offers hope. I see it as a winding path, full of obstacles, at the end of which the Light appears, enveloping us, step by step, with its goodness, peace, security, and tranquility.

This story is about rebirth. And I’m thinking now of Mother Siluana’s words: „You first encounter Christ in hell,” in the midst of the storm and the turmoil of the soul. Indeed, that is where you can feel His presence and His help the most. It was the same with Magdalene… and with me.

That’s how I felt I should write it. Exactly as it will unfold before you, page by page. And if it seems like too much, please forgive me. That’s just how it came to me. The story. I thank God and the Saint for the courage.

I hope you find this helpful. That's all. And please remember me in your prayers, if you feel so inclined.

”Please ask Saint John the New to watch over us all and keep us in his prayers!"

Cătălina Gheorghian