Fabiola or The Church of the Catacombs is a compelling historical novel by Cardinal Nicholas Patrick Wiseman that takes readers back to the early days of Christianity in Rome. The story follows the journey of Fabiola, a wealthy and impulsive young woman who undergoes a dramatic transformation after witnessing the bravery and faith of the early Christians.

Wiseman skillfully weaves together elements of romance, suspense, and spiritual reflection as Fabiola is challenged to confront her own beliefs and values. Through her interactions with a diverse cast of characters, including slaves, gladiators, and martyrs, Fabiola learns the true meaning of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

The novel is filled with vivid descriptions of ancient Rome, from its bustling streets to its hidden catacombs where persecuted Christians gather in secret. Wiseman's meticulous research and attention to detail bring this historical period to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and struggles of early Christianity.

Overall, Fabiola or The Church of the Catacombs is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers a unique glimpse into the early days of the Christian faith. Cardinal Wiseman's powerful storytelling and rich character development make this novel a memorable and inspiring work of historical fiction.

Book Description:
This historical novel is set in Rome in the early 4th century AD, during the time of the cruel persecution of Christians under the Emperor Diocletian. The heroine of the book is Fabiola, a young pagan beauty from a noble Roman family. Fabiola seems to have everything, including a superior education in the philosophers, yet under the surface, she is not content with her life. One day, in a fit of rage, she attacks and wounds her slave girl Syra, who is a secret Christian. The proud, spoiled Roman girl is humbled by Syra's humility, maturity and devotion to her in this situation, and a slow transformation begins.

Woven into this fictitious story are a number of martyrdom accounts of real-life Christian saints, including Saint Agnes, Saint Tarcisius and Saint Sebastian.

Cardinal Wiseman wrote Fabiola in part as an answer to the vigorously anti-Catholic book Hypatia by Charles Kingsley. The novel was mainly aimed at the embattled Catholic minority in England, who had recently emerged from a half-illegal status.