Ernest, Br CSC
Brother Ernest was born John Dominic Ryan on August 4, 1897, in Elyria, Ohio. In 1918, he entered the Congregation of Holy Cross of Notre Dame and took his vows in 1923. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1925, a degree in library science from Catholic University of America, and a master's degree from the University of Portland. Brother Ernest taught in Evansville, Indiana; New Orleans; Indianapolis; Portland, Oregon; and at Notre Dame. The Dujarie Press of Notre Dame was his creation. He founded it in 1943, but even before then he was an author. His first book is Our Brothers, from 1931, but in his thirty-year career, Brother Ernest wrote scores of books, most of them biographies of saints for young readers.
Brother Ernest, C.S.C. (Congregatio a Sancta Cruce) died on March 4, 1963, in Notre Dame and was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in the same place.
A Story of Father Jean Lamy
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
As a child, Jean Lamy, and his family did three things every evening: pray the Rosary, read a chapter from the ‘Imitation of Christ’ and read the life of the saint for the day from the ‘Lives of the Saints’. He was greatly devoted to Our Lady and carried a small statue of Her wherever he went. He worked hard and even though setbacks occurred he was able to enter the seminary at the age of twenty-three and commended his future work to the Blessed Virgin. Our Lady appeared to him and told him of the coming of World War I and the causes. Most people did not believe him until the war came to France. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Father Jean Lamy by learning how to accept challenges no matter how difficult and how to live our lives so that we may receive the graces we need and to reach our true home in Heaven.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
In 1842, Dominic Savio was born near Turin, Italy. As a boy he devoted his life to Jesus and Mary. He encouraged his classmates to say the Roasary and to avoid sin. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in Dominic's footprints who chose to avoid sin and to grow in holiness so he could be with Jesus and Mary in heaven.
Ages: 9-12
Paperback, 30 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
In 1425, a 13 year old peasant girl began to see visions of Saint Michael the Archangel. Through these visions she knew God was calling her to do a seemingly impossible job. Reading this story about Saint Joan can help us to see when we discern what God is calling us to do, we can trust that God will give us the grace and strength we need to do what He asks!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
In 1858, a 14 year old asthmatic girl saw many apparitions of Our Lady in Lourdes, France. Reading this story about Saint Bernadette can help us to see how to be patient and steadfast in the face of doubt and adversity!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
St Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster-father of Jesus. As a carpenter he worked hard to support his family. His selfless devotion to Mary and Jesus makes him a model for all. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Joseph, who listened to the word of God, devoted himself to Mary and Jesus, and humbly worked to build up God's kingdom.
Level 1
Paperback, 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Tarcisius was born toward the end of the third century. He lived to help others. He secretly carried the Blessed Sacrament to Christians that had been arrested and thrown into prison. These Christians were being tortured by the order of a cruel emperor that wanted them to give up their faith. Tarcisius knew he could be caught and tortured as well and one day some pagan boys wanted to know why he wouldn't stop and play with them. He was martyred that day.
Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Tarcisius by remembering Christ first, hold Him dear to your heart no matter what others are saying or doing.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of St Rose of Lima
by Brother Roberto, CSC
A baby named Isabel became known as Rose when before the eyes of her mother and her mother's friends her face seemed to become a beautiful white rose opening before their eyes. God gave Rose special graces to be able to bear pain and practice severe penances. She looked forward to suffering in union with Christ.
Rose devoted her life to making reparation for sins of others. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Rose of Lima, who by offering her sufferings for the sins of others showed how deep her love of God was.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 94 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
Saint Anthony of Padua, born in 1195, is one of the most well-known of the Franciscan saints. Reading this story about Saint Anthony can help us see that happiness is not found by doing what we want to do, but by doing what God wants us to do!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of Saint Thomas Aquinas
by Brother Edward Overstreet, CSC
On Decemeber 6th, 1273, the great philosopher and theologian, Thomas Aquinas, was humbly kneeling in front of the Blessed Sacrament. A witness reported that he saw Thomas rising up in the air in front of the large crucifix. He then heard the crucifix speak, "Thou hast written well of Me, Thomas. What reward do you ask?" Then Thomas replied, "Only Thyself, Lord." Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Thomas Aquinas, who had a burning love and devotion to Christ in the Eucharist.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 144 pages
by Brother Ernest, CSC
Benedict was born around the year 480 in Italy. He began his education at home and later attended a public school in Rome. he was shcoked by the immoral behavior of his fellow students and decided to get away and gointo the mountains. There he met a monk who taught him how to lead a life of prayer and penance. As time passed others joined Benedict and they learned to live a certain way which later became known as the Rule of St Benedict. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Benedict who helped others grow in virtue through a life of work and prayer.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
Peter and his brother Andrew were humble fishermen when Jesus called them to become "Fishers of Men". Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Peter, who professed his faith in Jesus and learned trust that the Lord would save him.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of the Divine Infant Jesus of Prague
by Brother Gerard Hagemann, C.S.C.
Around 1628, during the Thirty Years’ War, a small statue of the Infant Jesus was given to a Carmelite monastery in Prague. The monastery was soon abandoned when an army invaded the city. In 1637, Father Cyril found the broken statue and heard the words, “The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you.” Today, many people visit Prague to see the statue, and replicas of the statue can be found in churches and homes around the world. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of those who have had a devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Like them, we can honor Jesus by our life, by our good example, and by our prayers.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Around 1628, during the Thirty Years' War, a small statue of the Infant Jases was given to a Carmelite monastery in Prague. The monastery was soon abandoned when an army invaded the city. In 1637, Father Cyril found the broken statue and heard the words, :The more you honour Me, the more I will bless you."
Today, many people visit Prague to see this statue, and replicas can be seen in churches and homes around the world. Reading this story about the Infant Jesus of Prague can help us see the blessings given to those who have a devotion to the Infant Jesus. We can learn to honour Jesus by our good lives, by our good example, and by our prayers!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
This story of Saint Cecilia is set during the papacy of Urban I, which began in the year 222. Reding this story about Saint Cecilia can help us to see how the sacrament of Baptism can strengthen our faith in God and help us view the world in a new light!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
In 1194, Saint Clare was born into a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy. Her father wanted her to marry a wealthy man, but Clare believed that God did not want her to marry. After hearing St Francis preach she asked him for his advice. through his help she realized God was calling her to a life of prayer and poverty, With St Francis' help they founded a cloistered Order for women, which is known as the Poor Clares.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of Monsignor Ronald Knox
by Brother Edward Overstreet, C.S.C.
Ronald Knox was born in England in 1888, and he grew up in the Church of England. After much study and prayer, Ronald decided to join the Roman Catholic Church in 1917. Ronald was ordained a priest in 1919. Father Knox was a brilliant writer who published many works, but he saw a great need in the English-speaking Church: the need for a new translation of the Bible.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 145 pages
by Brother Flavius, C.S.C.
Catherine was born into a noble family in Egypt around the year 292. When Catherine grew up and was considering marriage, she had a wonderful dream in which the Blessed Mother presented Jesus to her. Catherine fell in love with Jesus and wanted to be His spouse, but He refused because she was not baptized. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Catherine who loved Jesus above all others and tried her best to please Him.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of Saint Bridget of Sweden
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
Born in the early 1300's this Catholic was destined for great things. One of her daughters also became a saint as well. She was known to be generous to the poor.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
Saul was born in the early 1st century. His father was Jewish and a Roman citizen. He was a tentmaker by trade and Saul planned on following in his father's trade. While growing up he was given a good education and enjoyed athletics. As a Jew he didn't like Christians and wanted to hunt them down and bring them to trial. He was even present at the stoning of St. Stephen, who is known as the first martyr of the Christian religion. But as you will read God has other plans for Saul later known as Paul. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul by realizing that we need to follow Jesus and that even if we make mistakes we need to understand that His mercy is endless.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
As a teenager Patrick was captured by invaders and taken to Ireland where he was sold as a slave. After many years he escaped and went to France.After being ordained a priest Patrick went back to Ireland to become its Bishop. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Patrick who answered God's call and helped bring a whole nation closer to God.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages