The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight - by Susan Joy Bellavance

About the Book

An amusing performer and pick-pocket, the Crooked Court Jester leads a life of jolly thievery. But he finally realizes how he hurt others. Sorrowful, he encounters the power of mercy ministered by a knight whose king is the true King of Mercy.

Book Synopsis

The Court Jester jingled when he walked, not only from the bells on his hat but also from the coins in his pouch. He was a hilarious performer and a sly pickpocket. After following the Jester through his adventurous life of jolly thievery, we behold the distress of a soul who realizes how one's misdeeds impact others. In the height of this sorrow, we encounter the great power of mercy ministered by a knight whose king is truly the King of Mercy. The Jester is transformed before the reader mercifully and gloriously changed. Based on entry nos. 1448 and 1507 of the Diary of St. Faustina, The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight brings the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to life. It reveals the powerful spiritual healing of repentance, confession, and the anointing, all gifts of the King of Mercy.

Review Quotes

"A well done marvelous little "parable" which opens the door to reflection and discussion about what we believe: the Lord, His Mercy, and the Sacraments. It is a wonderful way to help our children learn about self-reflection and the need for confession, contrition, forgiveness, and mercy. A well-done work of faith!"

• Very Reverend Shawn M. Therrien, Vicar General, Diocese of Manchester, NH

A delightful, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated allegory. It gave a great journey into the kingdom of Mercy. Thank you for your labor of love.

• Fr. Patrick Magee, FLHF, Diocese of Fall River, MA

"The Crooked Court Jester and The Last Knight powerfully captures the essence of God's unfathomable divine mercy: that those who seek forgiveness in the loving embrace of Jesus are experiencing God's own mercy and love. This book beautifully instantiates the reality of God the Father becoming visible in his mercy as a loving response to overcoming evil and suffering in the world."

- Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Diocese of Portland Oregon, Author, Building a Civilization of Love: A Catholic Response to Racism

"In the whimsical journey of 'The Crooked Court Jester and the Last Knight, ' sinfulness meets redemption in a tale that will warm your heart. A delightful read for children and adults alike, brimming with humor, heart, and the mercy of God."

• Danielle Bean, Author, Speaker, and Host of the Girlfriends Podcast

Students at my school listened with rapt attention to this not-so-subtle allegory on death and resurrection, despair and forgiveness, sorrow, and hope. They were angry at the jester's criminal misdeeds, but still wanted him to accept the mercy offered by the king. The two-page illustration (don't peek!) elicited some of the widest eyes and most joyful shrieks of any book I've read aloud!

We grownups need to be reminded of God's great mercy as well, for ourselves and our loved ones who may have fallen away. This story fills both student and teacher with hope!

• Robin Moorehouse, Catholic Elementary Teacher, Mount Royal Academy, Sunapee, New Hampshire