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.
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
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
A Story of St John Gualbert
A Story of St John Gualbert
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
John was born in the late 900's in Florence, Italy. His parents were wealthy and they had their children (John and Hugo) taught at home by a teacher hired by their father. After his brother was murdered he sought to find the killer and get revenge for his murder. It was through God's grace that when John found this man and he pleaded for his life that John realized this was not what God wanted of him. On his way home he stopped at a monastery to give thanks for God's grace and beg forgiveness for his own sins. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint John Gualbert by remembering to grant forgiveness and also beg for forgiveness ourselves, as we pray for God's grace as this is most important in all our lives.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
John was born in the late 900's in Florence, Italy. His parents were wealthy and they had their children (John and Hugo) taught at home by a teacher hired by their father. After his brother was murdered he sought to find the killer and get revenge for his murder. It was through God's grace that when John found this man and he pleaded for his life that John realized this was not what God wanted of him. On his way home he stopped at a monastery to give thanks for God's grace and beg forgiveness for his own sins. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint John Gualbert by remembering to grant forgiveness and also beg for forgiveness ourselves, as we pray for God's grace as this is most important in all our lives.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of St Lawrence
A Story of St Lawrence
by Lawrence Emge, C.S.C.
St Lawrence of Rome was 1 of 7 deacons of the Church in Rome and was martyred in the year 258. He was a student of Pope Sixtus II and when the Emperor Valerian started persecuting Christians the Pope was one of the first to be seized. Lawrence wanted to go with the Holy Father, but instead stayed back to distribute the treasures of the Church to the poor before he himself was taken away to be martyred.This story can encourage us to be obedient even in the midst of persecution.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Lawrence Emge, C.S.C.
St Lawrence of Rome was 1 of 7 deacons of the Church in Rome and was martyred in the year 258. He was a student of Pope Sixtus II and when the Emperor Valerian started persecuting Christians the Pope was one of the first to be seized. Lawrence wanted to go with the Holy Father, but instead stayed back to distribute the treasures of the Church to the poor before he himself was taken away to be martyred.This story can encourage us to be obedient even in the midst of persecution.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of St Louise de Marillac
A Story of St Louise de Marillac
by Brother Ernerst, C.S.C.
In 1591, Louise was born into a wealthy family. Her father was a member of the French Parliment. She was married and had a son. After her husband's death she vowed to spend the rest of her life caring for the sick and poor. With the help of her Spiritual Director, St Vincent de Paul, she founded the Sisters of Charity.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernerst, C.S.C.
In 1591, Louise was born into a wealthy family. Her father was a member of the French Parliment. She was married and had a son. After her husband's death she vowed to spend the rest of her life caring for the sick and poor. With the help of her Spiritual Director, St Vincent de Paul, she founded the Sisters of Charity.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of St Elizabeth Seton
A Story of St Elizabeth Seton
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Elizabeth Bayley, known to us as Mother Seton, was born in New York in 1774. Her mother died when she was still young and her father remarried. When she was nineteen she met her future husband, William Seton. Both her and her husband belonged to the Anglican church but after her husband died God had plans for her. After reading a book about the life of St. Francis de Sales and much prayer she took instructions in the Catholic Faith.
Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Elizabeth Seton because even though she had much to suffer she turned to God and in the process helped others on their path to Him as well.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Elizabeth Bayley, known to us as Mother Seton, was born in New York in 1774. Her mother died when she was still young and her father remarried. When she was nineteen she met her future husband, William Seton. Both her and her husband belonged to the Anglican church but after her husband died God had plans for her. After reading a book about the life of St. Francis de Sales and much prayer she took instructions in the Catholic Faith.
Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Elizabeth Seton because even though she had much to suffer she turned to God and in the process helped others on their path to Him as well.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of St Elizabeth of Hungary
A Story of St Elizabeth of Hungary
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Just a few years after her birth in 1207, Princess Elizabeth of Hungary was promised in marriage to a son of the governor of Thuringia. At the age of four, she was sent to the castle of Thuringia to live with the family of her future husband, Lewis. Reading this story about Saint elizabeth can help us see that God will indeed take care of us when we give of our time and treasure to help those in need!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Just a few years after her birth in 1207, Princess Elizabeth of Hungary was promised in marriage to a son of the governor of Thuringia. At the age of four, she was sent to the castle of Thuringia to live with the family of her future husband, Lewis. Reading this story about Saint elizabeth can help us see that God will indeed take care of us when we give of our time and treasure to help those in need!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt
A Story of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
As a young girl Pauline lost her mother and one of her brothers to typhoid. To lose your mother at an early age is very difficult indeed! But through the grace of God she helped her father and later she founded the Sisters of Christian Charity to care for the blind and needy.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
As a young girl Pauline lost her mother and one of her brothers to typhoid. To lose your mother at an early age is very difficult indeed! But through the grace of God she helped her father and later she founded the Sisters of Christian Charity to care for the blind and needy.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of St Agatha
Story of St Agatha
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
This story of Saint Agatha is set in the year 251 during a great persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.Reading this story about Saint Agatha can help us see that the most important thing we can do is to live for God-even if we must die to the things of the world!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
This story of Saint Agatha is set in the year 251 during a great persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.Reading this story about Saint Agatha can help us see that the most important thing we can do is to live for God-even if we must die to the things of the world!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of St Angela Merici
Story of St Angela Merici
by Br Ernest, CSC
Angela Merici was born around 1474 in Italy. When she was a teenager her parents and sister died. Despite her great sorrow, Angela decided to trust in God. Through a vision she discerned that God was calling her to do with her life. She founded the Ursulines, a religious teaching Order devoted to educating girls. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Angela, who trusted God and did something that no one had ever done before-founded the first religious teaching Order for girls.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
Angela Merici was born around 1474 in Italy. When she was a teenager her parents and sister died. Despite her great sorrow, Angela decided to trust in God. Through a vision she discerned that God was calling her to do with her life. She founded the Ursulines, a religious teaching Order devoted to educating girls. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Angela, who trusted God and did something that no one had ever done before-founded the first religious teaching Order for girls.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of Saint Meinrad
A Story of Saint Meinrad
by Brother Ernest, CSC
Little is known about Meinrad's childhood. He received a good education, joined the Benedictine monks and was ordained a priest. He left the monastery with permission of his Abbot and built a hermitage for himself in the forest. Most of his time was spent in prayer for he wanted to praise God for all those who did not praise Him. His life teaches us we are on earth to know, love and serve God so that we too can become saints.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, CSC
Little is known about Meinrad's childhood. He received a good education, joined the Benedictine monks and was ordained a priest. He left the monastery with permission of his Abbot and built a hermitage for himself in the forest. Most of his time was spent in prayer for he wanted to praise God for all those who did not praise Him. His life teaches us we are on earth to know, love and serve God so that we too can become saints.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages