Catholic Chronicles VBS

Day One:

Pevensie siblings get pulled back to Narnia, where they discover it is hundreds of years later in Narnia! They have arrived at Castle Paraval, but it is now overgrown and in ruins. They find the old treasure room, though, and their gifts from Aslan along with armor. All they have to eat are apples from the palace’s orchard. The next day they go to the sea and end up rescuing a dwarf named Trumpkin. It is from him that they learn the story of Prince Caspian and what is going on in Narnia. Prince Caspian’s family, originally from a neighboring land called Telmar, ruled Narnia for 10 generations, but after his father passed away, Caspian’s uncle, Miraz, took control. Miraz was a cruel ruler, he hated Caspian and was plotting to have him killed so Caspian ran away from the Castle but he hit his head in the forest and passed out. Luckily, a few “Old Narnians” rescued him –  Trufflehunter (Badger), Nikabrik (Dwarf), and Trumpkin (Dwarf). Prince Caspian didn’t know if any dwarves or talking animals still existed – Aslan and old Narnia was just a myth by then, not many people believed that it was real, but Prince Caspian did! They took him to meet other Narnia’s (Bear, Reepicheep, Red Squirrel) and learned that King Miraz’s army was setting out to capture Caspian and old Narnia. They knew they needed more help, so they blew Queen Susan’s magic horn and hoped help would come. Trumpkin told the siblings that he was looking for the help that was supposed to come when he got captured and then rescued. They all then set out to meet up with Caspian.

Characters: Lucy, Susan, Peter, Edmond, Prince Caspian, Trufflehunter (Badger), Nikabrik (Dwarf), Trumpkin (Dwarf), Reepicheep (Mouse), Bear, Red Squirrel
Costumes: School uniforms, Armor from the treasury, Prince/Knight costume, 2 dwarves, animals

Day Two:

The siblings and Trumpkin are trying to get to “Aslan’s How” – the fortress that has been built on top of the Stone Table. But since hundreds of years have passed in Narnia, nothing looks the same and they get lost and frustrated. Lucy sees Aslan but no one else does. He tells Lucy to follow him, but the others don’t believe her and they go another way. They are trying to get to the river, but it has now become a deep gorge and they find Miraz’ army at the both. They scramble back up and find themselves back to where Lucy saw Aslan. They rest for the night and Lucy wakes up in the middle of the night and sees the trees coming to life and Aslan with them. She didn’t stop to think if he was a dangerous lion, she ran right to him and buried her face in his mane. They talked about what had happened – how the other’s didn’t see him and follow him – and Aslan’s said Lucy should have come anyway. He told her to wake up the others and follow him this time, but Lucy was still afraid they wouldn’t listen. She hugged him again and felt his strength giving her courage. She woke Susan, Peter, Edmond and Trumpkin up, and although they grumbled about it, this time they did follow her, eventhough they still couldn’t see Aslan. Aslan led them right to a shortcut and to the site of the Stone Table and by the end of their journey, everyone could see him, even Trumpkin. They apologized to Aslan for not believing he was with them and he forgave them and gave them courage. He gave a loud roar that all in Narnia heard.

Characters: Lucy, Susan, Peter, Edmond, Trumpkin, Aslan
Costumes: Armor, animals

Day Three:

Meanwhile, Caspian has gathered many Narnians to defend Narnia against Miraz. Unfortunately, some Narnians, including Nikabrik the dwarf, want to try to bring the White Witch back from the dead. They didn’t believe in Aslan or think that he would come back. They try to convince Caspian, but Caspian says “no” and a fight breaks out. King Peter and Edmond rush in just at that moment to help, but Caspian is wounded. Trumpkin introduces everyone and King Peter praises Trufflehunter for never doubting help would come. They then decide to challenge Miraz to a one-on-one duel with Peter, since Caspian is hurt. Edmond brings the message and Miraz accepts. Both armies gathered for the duel. It was a very hard fight, both were good soldiers, but Peter knocked Miraz down and Miraz was too weak to get up. Peter won! But all of a sudden, some leaders from Miraz’s army killed Miraz and told everyone that Peter had done it. This caused both sides to start fighting, but soon Aslan himself led trees that had come back to life and more talking animals into the battle, and Miraz’s army surrendered. Prince Caspian and Aslan finally met and Aslan gave Prince Caspian Narnia back to rule over. All of a sudden, a sad parade came up to Aslan. Reepicheep was being carried by other mice. He had been wounded in battle – his tail has been cut off. Lucy healed him with her cordial, but his tail didn’t grow back and he was very embarrassed. The other mice with him vowed to cut off their tails too, to match their leader, but Aslan had pity on them all and made Reepicheep’s tail grow back, but he warned him not to care too much about his looks. Reepicheep was so glad to have such a special gift from Aslan. Miraz’s army was led to Caspian’s castle and put in jail, but treated well. Everyone else feasted and celebrated. In the morning Aslan gave everyone in Miraz’s army a choice – they could either stay in Narnia, under Caspian’s rule, or he could send them to another world, to a deserted island that they could make their own. Many chose to go, and soon it was also Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy’s time to go. Their mission to help Caspian was accomplished. They changed back into their school clothes and all the Narnia’s cheered and cried as they said goodbye.

Characters: Lucy, Susan, Peter, Edmond, Trumpkin, Aslan, Prince Caspian, Nikabrik, Trufflehunter, Miraz, armies, Reepicheep
Costumes: Armor, royal outfits (from the castle) and school clothes + animals

Day 1 – Recognizing Truth

• Caspian recognized truth when he heard it. He received the Narnian stories with a sense of wonder, not skepticism. He listened to his nurse and Dr. Cornelius. He paid attention to the stars and sought other signs of truth around him.
• Caspian could have been resentful of his situation. However, he recognizes he has a special mission, and he has the courage to step out in faith.
• At our baptism, we received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The seeds were planted. Are we allowing them to grow?
• The Holy Spirit’s voice comes in whispers. How can our hearts be softened to hear?
• Virtue of the Day: Docility, willingness to be taught. Goes against sloth or indifference.
• Saint of the Day: St. Joseph of Cupertino. His heart guided him toward acts of love, even when they seem strange to others.

Day 2 – Believing Without Seeing

• Faith- A free gift of the Holy Spirit that moves the heart and opens the eyes of the mind to God, enabling us to say, “I believe.”
• Lucy recognized Aslan right away, but the others did not.
• Jesus says to St. Thomas “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen but believed.” John 20:29
• Faith is certainty about things not seen or felt. Faith is not an emotion.
• Sometimes we must trust the growth of faith and listen to those (like our parents) who assure us of what is truth.
• Where do we see God? Nature, Friendships, the Eucharist, Stories of the Saints’ heroic virtue.
• Recognizing “beauty” and “goodness” is a first step in faith. Rituals of sacred liturgy, music, candlelight, beautiful clothing (like when a young girl receives her 1st Communion) draw us in. Caspian recognized his sense of wonder in hearing the stories of Old Narnia.
• When are times we choose not to see God? Ignoring someone on the playground
• Mustard Seed activity
• Virtue of the Day: Honesty/Sincerity, openness, and truthfulness in one’s words and actions.
• Even though Lucy tried her hardest to convince the others, she should have followed Aslan. Opposite vice is disobedience.
• What does honestly look like? Not telling or spreading lies. Also, to live consistently. Not to react in anger. Loving anyway.
• Connect to the Sacrament of Confession
• Saint of the Day: St. Teresa of Calcutta. Love not being a feeling but a choice; counter to the world’s constant encouragement to follow what you feel. She worked every day to see Christ in people, but still experienced desolation.
• Scripture of the Day: “Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Day 3 – Putting Our Hope in God

• Narnians were feeling like there was no hope. Some were waiting for help. Others were turning the wrong way in looking for help. Some Narnians, including Nikabrik, wanted to raise the White Witch from the dead. They don’t believe in Aslan or think he will come back. They allowed themselves to despair, rather than rely on faith.
• Peter challenges Miraz to a one-on-one dual. Peter won, but some of Miraz’ followers kill him and place the blame on Peter. False blame is not an obstacle for God but can be used for bringing about great things.
• How can we persevere? Seek God above all else
• Saint of the Day: St. Thomas More- choosing God because He knew the Truth.
• Virtue of the Day: Forbearance- patient self-control, and tolerance. Opposite vice is lust, indulgence.
• Scripture of the Day: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:6-8