Bringing “The Snowshoe Priest” to children’s bookshelves

The U.P. Catholic

When Elizabeth Fust, local author and parishioner of St. Christopher Parish, Marquette, realized there wasn’t a story for younger audiences about the life of Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga, she decided to make that happen.

The accomplished author of children’s books, “The Hungry Kitten’s Tale” and “Wooly and the Good Shepherd,” approached the Bishop Baraga Association (BBA) and pitched the idea of a children’s book titled, “The Snowshoe Priest.” It would take children along the journey of Bishop Baraga’s life from the perspective of a visit to the Bishop Baraga Educational Center.

“From there, the ball got rolling,” Fust explained.

But who to illustrate? “The obvious choice was Olivia Theut,” Fust attests.
Theut, a friend of Fust’s from college, is gifted in graphic design and illustration. When she approached Theut about the prospect of illustrating the book, Fust attests, “She was all in. And she brought so much more to the table than just her artistic talents.”

Theut, a parishioner of St. Anne Parish, Escanaba, is a member of the Mackinac Band of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians. Her family is from the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula, mainly from Mackinac Island and St. Ignace. Theut has a deep passion for her heritage and her Catholic faith, and a strong connection to Venerable Bishop Baraga.

When asked about her involvement in the process, Theut expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. “It has been a privilege to be a part of this project. Through our research, we got to see first-hand how Bishop Baraga spread the gospel and how much he loved the Anishinaabe,” she said.

While Fust’s previous children’s books had been from the point of view of animals inserted into stories of the Gospel, this story takes children through the life of Bishop Baraga as narrated by “Joe” the tour guide. Leading readers through the Bishop Baraga Educational Center and Museum in Marquette, Joe retells the experiences of Bishop Baraga in both Slovenia and the various locations he served in the Midwest. It provides unique glimpses into the life of The Snowshoe Priest, making him accessible and tangible to younger readers.

“Throughout the illustrations you’re also going to see wildlife, too,” explained Fust, “animals such as a bear, a deer, among others, and what those animals represent are actually the totems of the various Native American clans.”

Including the totems was Theut’s suggestion and is intended to bring indigenous history to life, as well as emphasize Bishop Baraga’s connection to the people he ministered to and represent their culture.

“The clans are animals that represent different groups of people and their roles in society,” explained Theut. “Originally there were seven: crane, bear, marten, eagle, deer, loon, and fish (turtle). Some clans were leaders or healers, while others were protectors.”

Theut shared that it was quite special to be able to draw the different animals and place them throughout the story. “I’ve been meeting with an Elder to find out what clan my ancestors belonged to,” she said. “This entire project has been very healing for me, as I’ve been able to pay tribute to my ancestors and those that came before me.”

The research that Fust and Theut undertook to get to know Bishop Baraga was extensive. “Olivia and I read all the books, watched the documentaries, we had it all,” Fust explained. She also shared that having Len McKeen, director of the Bishop Baraga Association, able to advise them and give insight and clarification was invaluable in their understanding of Venerable Bishop Baraga and how to best represent him and his life’s work.

After going through the research, writing, and editing of “The Snowshoe Priest,” Fust has come away from an already powerful connection to Bishop Baraga with a reinvigorated appreciation and devotion to the saint and his intercession. The St. Johns, Mich., native explained that her connection to Baraga stretches back to her college days.

“There’s a lot of connection to Bishop Baraga as Northern Michigan University (NMU) alumna. Students come to NMU moving from all sorts of places – he moved here from Slovenia! He is not a native Yooper, while at the same time is one of the most iconic Yoopers. I know myself and other transplant Yoopers look to him and realize that we do get to be a part of this place even if we’re not from here. I think of driving those icy roads back up to school from Christmas break praying for The Snowshoe Priest’s intercession. It is so nice to have his experience to look to and his intercession. ‘You prayed and you came into a calm port, bring me to a calm port as well.’”

“It’s such a blessing to walk the paths he walked, and to know that he is here with us in all the texts he put together,” she continued. “And the BBA is doing such a wonderful job telling his story, and making sure it’s the true story, because the true story is a good one,” she emphasized. “I hope that with this picture book, it’s not only helpful for those of us who already know his story, but that by learning more about him we may better tell the story of, and give witness to, Catholicism in the U.P.”

Those interested in purchasing Fust’s book, “The Snowshoe Priest,” will be able to order the book later this year. A sign-up to receive more information will be available at the St. Louis the King Bazaar on Nov. 18, 2023. When published, the book will also be available at Sacred Heart Religious Goods in Marquette. All profits from the book’s sales will go to support the Bishop Baraga Association.

Questions regarding Venerable Bishop Baraga, or his cause for canonization, can be directed to the Bishop Baraga Association, located at 615 S. Fourth Street, Marquette, MI. Call (906) 227-9117 or visit www.bishopbaraga.org to learn more.