Joseph N. Padilla

Aurora a Child of God Joseph N. Padilla

Aurora is the story of a young woman, pure of heart, who lives in ancient Judea at the time of Jesus and the Roman occupation. Named for the new dawn by an angel in her father's dream, even from very young Aurora has visions and dreams of angles. As she grows up with her father, Jonah, her mother Elizabeth, her brother, Gillen, and their dog Auckie, she begins to wonder deeply about the role of women in their faith that follows the teachings of Jesus. When both parents pass away, the siblings are force to leave the small farm for economic reasons to move to Jerusalem to the estate of their uncle, Samuel. It is there that Aurora's destiny is to be fulfilled. For she has been chosen by God to represent women, and to bring the word to the new Christian followers, that women should be able to express and discuss their love for God and Jesus in public. Distressed to learn of Jesus' passing, Aurora meets the High Priest of the Temple of Herod, Eleazar, who guides and teaches her more of Jesus' ways. She too meets Mary Magdalene. All who meet Aurora feel she is blessed by God. But will Aurora be able to reach the Christians followers, not to mention the hostile Jewish Sanhedrin authorities and their followers, at the important meeting at the Garden of Gethsemane? And what actions will the governor, Pontius Pilate take? He who has already executed one guilt of heresy. Aurora is the life and courage of a woman who, blessed by God, and must come to understand the role set before her to speak up amongst a people that forbids her to do so.