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.
Our Lady Comes To Pontmain
Our Lady Comes To Pontmain
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
On January 17,1871, during the final weeks of the Franco-Prussian War, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in the night sky outside the village of Pontmain, France. Only the children were able to see Mary; the adults could only tell that there were unusual stars in the night sky.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 90 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
On January 17,1871, during the final weeks of the Franco-Prussian War, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in the night sky outside the village of Pontmain, France. Only the children were able to see Mary; the adults could only tell that there were unusual stars in the night sky.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 90 pages
Our Lady's Portrait Painter
Our Lady's Portrait Painter
A Story of Raphael
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Raphael Santi was born in 1483 in Italy. His father, a well respected artist, encouraged young Raphael to develop his artistic talent. After he was orphaned at the age of 11, Raphael studied with other artists and painted many portraits of his favourite subject, the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1508, Pope Julius asked Raphael to work for him. In Rome, Raphael became known not only for his artistic masterpieces but also for his hard work, his humility, and his charity toward struggling young artists.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 94 pages
A Story of Raphael
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Raphael Santi was born in 1483 in Italy. His father, a well respected artist, encouraged young Raphael to develop his artistic talent. After he was orphaned at the age of 11, Raphael studied with other artists and painted many portraits of his favourite subject, the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1508, Pope Julius asked Raphael to work for him. In Rome, Raphael became known not only for his artistic masterpieces but also for his hard work, his humility, and his charity toward struggling young artists.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 94 pages
A Story of Raphael
Queen of the Poor
Queen of the Poor
A Story of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
by Brother Marco Daly, C.S.C.
Born in 1207, Princess Elizabeth was compassionate to all and followed the Corpral Works of Mercy her whole life. From feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and buring the dead she was loved by those that needed her help the most.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
by Brother Marco Daly, C.S.C.
Born in 1207, Princess Elizabeth was compassionate to all and followed the Corpral Works of Mercy her whole life. From feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and buring the dead she was loved by those that needed her help the most.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Stepping Stones To Heaven
Stepping Stones To Heaven
A Story of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo
by Brother Flavius, C.S.C.
Gaspar was born in Rome on January 6, 1786. When he was a young priest he was put in prison for refusing to take an oath of allegiance to Napoleon. He learned to deal with his feelings of anger by thinking about the sufferings of Jesus. He saw his trials in life as Stepping Stones to Heaven.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo
by Brother Flavius, C.S.C.
Gaspar was born in Rome on January 6, 1786. When he was a young priest he was put in prison for refusing to take an oath of allegiance to Napoleon. He learned to deal with his feelings of anger by thinking about the sufferings of Jesus. He saw his trials in life as Stepping Stones to Heaven.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo
Archer Saint
Archer Saint
A Story of St Hubert of Liege
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Born in 657, this young boy loved riding and hunting especially stag and deer hunting. Here was a young boy who someday would be a great leader in the church but during his youth, this was the farthest thing from his mind.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 90 pages
A Story of St Hubert of Liege
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Born in 657, this young boy loved riding and hunting especially stag and deer hunting. Here was a young boy who someday would be a great leader in the church but during his youth, this was the farthest thing from his mind.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 90 pages
A Story of St Hubert
The Boy from Cheapside
The Boy from Cheapside
A Story of Saint Thomas of Canterbury
by Brother Marco Daly, C.S.C.
Thomas Beckett was born around 1118 in London. His parents were middle class merchants who sent him to a good school taught by monks. There he began learning not only his lessons, but also how to control his quick temper. His hard work helped him to become one of the most powerful men in England-the Chancellor to King Henry II. Later, when the ambitious king appointed Thomas to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas knew that he would be forced to choose between serving God or king.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Thomas of Canterbury
by Brother Marco Daly, C.S.C.
Thomas Beckett was born around 1118 in London. His parents were middle class merchants who sent him to a good school taught by monks. There he began learning not only his lessons, but also how to control his quick temper. His hard work helped him to become one of the most powerful men in England-the Chancellor to King Henry II. Later, when the ambitious king appointed Thomas to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas knew that he would be forced to choose between serving God or king.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Thomas of Canterbury
Face In The Flames
Face In The Flames
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
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
A Story of Saint Bridget of Sweden
Girl Who Laughed at Satan
Girl Who Laughed at Satan
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
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
A Story of St Rose of Lima
The Hour Of The Dragon
The Hour Of The Dragon
A Story of Saint Theophane Venard
by Genard Greene, C.S.C.
Theophane Venard was an obedient child that accepted work as an everyday obligation. His parents, devout Catholics, carefully instructed their children in their obligations toward God and their Savior Jesus. The Mass, the Rosary and prayer became most important in their daily lives. After being ordained a priest he was sent to China as a missionary. He suffered greatly and was eventually put to death for his faith. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Theophane Venard by praying to receive grace to face suffering of everyday life bravely, offering all to God and asking to receive death calmly and heroically.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Theophane Venard
by Genard Greene, C.S.C.
Theophane Venard was an obedient child that accepted work as an everyday obligation. His parents, devout Catholics, carefully instructed their children in their obligations toward God and their Savior Jesus. The Mass, the Rosary and prayer became most important in their daily lives. After being ordained a priest he was sent to China as a missionary. He suffered greatly and was eventually put to death for his faith. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Theophane Venard by praying to receive grace to face suffering of everyday life bravely, offering all to God and asking to receive death calmly and heroically.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Theophane Venard
The Man Who Limped To Heaven
The Man Who Limped To Heaven
A Story of Saint Ignatius Loyola
by Brother Roberto, CSC
Ignatius was a soldier leading his men in battle when his legs were wounded by a cannon ball. During his long recovery, he read a book about the lives of the saints. Inspired by their example, he asked himself: “If these men could do it, why can’t I? They all had faults and they overcame them. I wonder if I could overcome mine with the grace of God.” Ignatius devoted the rest of his life to leading people to heaven. In 1534, he founded the Society of Jesus. He also wrote a wonderful book called The Spiritual Exercises. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius Loyola, who overcame his faults with the grace of God and devoted his life to leading people to heaven.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Ignatius Loyola
by Brother Roberto, CSC
Ignatius was a soldier leading his men in battle when his legs were wounded by a cannon ball. During his long recovery, he read a book about the lives of the saints. Inspired by their example, he asked himself: “If these men could do it, why can’t I? They all had faults and they overcame them. I wonder if I could overcome mine with the grace of God.” Ignatius devoted the rest of his life to leading people to heaven. In 1534, he founded the Society of Jesus. He also wrote a wonderful book called The Spiritual Exercises. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius Loyola, who overcame his faults with the grace of God and devoted his life to leading people to heaven.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Ignatius Loyola
The Miracle Man of Muro
The Miracle Man of Muro
A story of St Gerard Majella
by Brother Ernest, CSC
Born in 1726 in Muro, Italy he was an apprentice to a tailor. Later he became a Redemptorist Brother who was known to perform many miracles while attending to his duties.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A story of St Gerard Majella
by Brother Ernest, CSC
Born in 1726 in Muro, Italy he was an apprentice to a tailor. Later he became a Redemptorist Brother who was known to perform many miracles while attending to his duties.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A story of St Gerard Majella
Ox Was An Angel
Ox Was An Angel
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
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
A Story of Saint Thomas Aquinas
When All Ships Failed
When All Ships Failed
A Story of Saint Raymond of Pennafort
by Brother Ernest, CSC
Raymond lived a long life focused on doing God's Will. He was born in 1175 near Barcelona, Spain and died there in 1275. As a Dominican priest of great learning, he was a canon lawyer who helped popes and advised kings. He was a humble man who allowed God to use him to do His Will.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 94 pages
A Story of Saint Raymond of Pennafort
by Brother Ernest, CSC
Raymond lived a long life focused on doing God's Will. He was born in 1175 near Barcelona, Spain and died there in 1275. As a Dominican priest of great learning, he was a canon lawyer who helped popes and advised kings. He was a humble man who allowed God to use him to do His Will.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 94 pages
A Story of Saint Raymond of Pennafort
Don't Turn Back!
Don't Turn Back!
A Story of Saint Ignatius Loyola
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
Ignatius was born in Spain in the year 1491. He became a Spanish soldier, and he lived a sinful life until he was thirty years old. After he was wounded in battle, Ignatius asked for some books to read during his long recovery. Instead of novels about romance or adventure, his brother brought him a book entitled "Lives of the Saints." Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, who was drawn closer to God by reading stories about the saints.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 141 pages
A Story of Saint Ignatius Loyola
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
Ignatius was born in Spain in the year 1491. He became a Spanish soldier, and he lived a sinful life until he was thirty years old. After he was wounded in battle, Ignatius asked for some books to read during his long recovery. Instead of novels about romance or adventure, his brother brought him a book entitled "Lives of the Saints." Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, who was drawn closer to God by reading stories about the saints.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 141 pages
A Story of Saint Ignatius Loyola
Jeremiah the Prophet
Jeremiah the Prophet
by Brother Anthony Blasi, C.S.C.
Jeremiah lived about 600 years before the birth of Jesus. He lived at a time when God was punishing the Jewish nation and allowing them to be conquered by foreign armies. God inspired the prophet Jeremiah and gave him words to speak to the Jewish leaders. Jeremiah knew that the message he had to give would be unpopular. He could face punishment and even death if he dared to speak it. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Jeremiah the prophet, who had the courage and conviction to speak out against the evils of his day and to tell the truth about God’s plan for his people.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 135 pages
by Brother Anthony Blasi, C.S.C.
Jeremiah lived about 600 years before the birth of Jesus. He lived at a time when God was punishing the Jewish nation and allowing them to be conquered by foreign armies. God inspired the prophet Jeremiah and gave him words to speak to the Jewish leaders. Jeremiah knew that the message he had to give would be unpopular. He could face punishment and even death if he dared to speak it. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Jeremiah the prophet, who had the courage and conviction to speak out against the evils of his day and to tell the truth about God’s plan for his people.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 135 pages
I Serve the King
I Serve the King
A Story of Saint Francis Borgia
by Brother Roberto, CSC
Born in 1510, Francis served the court of King Charles V of Spain. He and his wife had 8 chidren. After the death of his wife, he felt called to the religious life and became a priest under the direction of Ignatius Loyola.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Francis Borgia
by Brother Roberto, CSC
Born in 1510, Francis served the court of King Charles V of Spain. He and his wife had 8 chidren. After the death of his wife, he felt called to the religious life and became a priest under the direction of Ignatius Loyola.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Francis Borgia
Story of St Roch
A Story of St Roch
by Brother Franklin Cullen, C.S.C.
Roch, as a small boy, brought home a puppy and with a promise to his mother of being willing to care for it, she allowed him to keep it. These two friends were companions until his dog passed away. But even later in life he often remembered his friend fondly. After his parents died, when he was around twenty, he gave all his money to the poor and left on a pilgrimage to Rome. It was on this trip that he encountered many sick people that had contracted the plague and he stayed to help them before becoming sick as well. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Roch as he realized you don't need riches or honors to be a saint but you do need to do God's Will.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Franklin Cullen, C.S.C.
Roch, as a small boy, brought home a puppy and with a promise to his mother of being willing to care for it, she allowed him to keep it. These two friends were companions until his dog passed away. But even later in life he often remembered his friend fondly. After his parents died, when he was around twenty, he gave all his money to the poor and left on a pilgrimage to Rome. It was on this trip that he encountered many sick people that had contracted the plague and he stayed to help them before becoming sick as well. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Roch as he realized you don't need riches or honors to be a saint but you do need to do God's Will.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of St Peregrine
A Story of St Peregrine
by Brother Ernerst, C.S.C.
Born in 1260 this wealthy young man headed down the wrong road before returning to God. He had a sore on his leg that the doctors realized they could not cure so they decided to cut his leg off to save his life. Peregrine prayed to Our Lord and was healed that night.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernerst, C.S.C.
Born in 1260 this wealthy young man headed down the wrong road before returning to God. He had a sore on his leg that the doctors realized they could not cure so they decided to cut his leg off to save his life. Peregrine prayed to Our Lord and was healed that night.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of Saint Marguerite D'Youville
A Story of Saint Marguerite D'Youville
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Marguerite D'Youville spent her life imitating the charity of Christ. She suffered many hardships in her marriage. After the death of her husband she supported her family and worked hard to pay off her husband's debts. She spent her life caring for the poor, placing those in need above herself. Despite much opposition she founded the religious community of the Grey Nuns. Her example shows others that we must love everyone for all are children of the Eternal Father and as such worthy of love.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Marguerite D'Youville spent her life imitating the charity of Christ. She suffered many hardships in her marriage. After the death of her husband she supported her family and worked hard to pay off her husband's debts. She spent her life caring for the poor, placing those in need above herself. Despite much opposition she founded the religious community of the Grey Nuns. Her example shows others that we must love everyone for all are children of the Eternal Father and as such worthy of love.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of St Margaret of Scotland
A Story of St Margaret of Scotland
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
When the Normans invaded England in 1066, Princess Margaret was forced to flee to Scotland. Her piety and care for those in need won the hearts of all. Reading this story of Saint Margaret can help us see the importance of being generous with our time, talent, and treasure!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
When the Normans invaded England in 1066, Princess Margaret was forced to flee to Scotland. Her piety and care for those in need won the hearts of all. Reading this story of Saint Margaret can help us see the importance of being generous with our time, talent, and treasure!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages