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 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 St Cyprian
A Story of St Cyprian
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Cyprian was born in Africa around the year 200. His excellence at public speaking allowed him to become a very successful lawyer.But fame and fortune did not make him happy.After learning about Jesus he was batized into the Catholic faith. Cyprian became a priest and then became the Bishop f Carthage. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Cyprian who spoke out for th epoor and encouraged all to remain true to the faith.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Cyprian was born in Africa around the year 200. His excellence at public speaking allowed him to become a very successful lawyer.But fame and fortune did not make him happy.After learning about Jesus he was batized into the Catholic faith. Cyprian became a priest and then became the Bishop f Carthage. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Cyprian who spoke out for th epoor and encouraged all to remain true to the faith.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of St Catherine of Alexandria
A Story of St Catherine of Alexandria
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
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
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
Story of St Stanislaus Kostka
A Story of St Stanislaus Kostka
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Saint Stanislaus' story is set in the year 1550, in the Country of Poland. Stanislaus was only 18 when he died but what a Saint he was. Beloved by the Polish people.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Saint Stanislaus' story is set in the year 1550, in the Country of Poland. Stanislaus was only 18 when he died but what a Saint he was. Beloved by the Polish people.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of St Zita
Story of St Zita
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Zita was born in Italy at the beginning of the thirteenth century. Her parents were poor but everything they did was done for God. At the age of twelve she became a servant, worked hard and went to daily Mass. She believed in performing many penances in her daily life. Numerous miracles took place for her to help her in times of trouble. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Zita as she shows us that it is possible to become a saint in any walk of life as long as we use the graces God gives us.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Zita was born in Italy at the beginning of the thirteenth century. Her parents were poor but everything they did was done for God. At the age of twelve she became a servant, worked hard and went to daily Mass. She believed in performing many penances in her daily life. Numerous miracles took place for her to help her in times of trouble. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Zita as she shows us that it is possible to become a saint in any walk of life as long as we use the graces God gives us.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Dawn Brings Glory
Dawn Brings Glory
A Story of Blessed Miguel Pro SJ
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
Miguel Pro was born on January 15, 1891. He was a michievous boy who liked to have fun and make people laugh. In 1911, after a three-day retreat given by the Jesuits, Miguel became a novice in the Society of Jesus. Around this time, a political revolution in Mexico brought about a government that began to persecute and kill Catholics. Miguel had to flee Mexico to finish his studies. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Bl. Miguel Pro, who helped bring Christ to those in need- even when it meant sacrificing his life.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 145 pages
A Story of Blessed Miguel Pro SJ
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
Miguel Pro was born on January 15, 1891. He was a michievous boy who liked to have fun and make people laugh. In 1911, after a three-day retreat given by the Jesuits, Miguel became a novice in the Society of Jesus. Around this time, a political revolution in Mexico brought about a government that began to persecute and kill Catholics. Miguel had to flee Mexico to finish his studies. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Bl. Miguel Pro, who helped bring Christ to those in need- even when it meant sacrificing his life.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 145 pages
A Story of Blessed Miguel Pro SJ
King of Colors
King of Colors
A Story of Fra Angelico
by Br Roberto, CSC
This story in 1407 when two brothers made their way to a monastery gatehouse to ask to be admitted into the reformed Dominicans. One of the brothers, later known as Fra Angelico, would work hard to overcome many obstacles to perfect himself as an artist. Many of his paintings are still seen today.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 94 pages
A Story of Fra Angelico
by Br Roberto, CSC
This story in 1407 when two brothers made their way to a monastery gatehouse to ask to be admitted into the reformed Dominicans. One of the brothers, later known as Fra Angelico, would work hard to overcome many obstacles to perfect himself as an artist. Many of his paintings are still seen today.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 94 pages
A Story of Fra Angelico
Music From the Hunger Pit
Music From the Hunger Pit
A Story of Saint Maximillian Kolbe
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
In the evening of the 13th of July, it was discovered that one of the prisoners of Cell Block 14 had escaped. "You know the penalty for this crime!" said Krott. "Ten of you will go to the Bunker of Hunger tomorrow if your friend does not return during the night!"
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Maximillian Kolbe
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
In the evening of the 13th of July, it was discovered that one of the prisoners of Cell Block 14 had escaped. "You know the penalty for this crime!" said Krott. "Ten of you will go to the Bunker of Hunger tomorrow if your friend does not return during the night!"
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint Maximillian Kolbe
No Tears For The Bride
No Tears For The Bride
A Story of St Perpetua
by Br Roberto, CSC
This story is set in the early church years of late 100s and early 200s. Shortly after her wedding, while her husband was away on business, there was a decree set forth by the emperor that would put to death many young Christions including Perpetua. She would stand strong for her faith until the death!
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of St Perpetua
by Br Roberto, CSC
This story is set in the early church years of late 100s and early 200s. Shortly after her wedding, while her husband was away on business, there was a decree set forth by the emperor that would put to death many young Christions including Perpetua. She would stand strong for her faith until the death!
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of St Perpetua
Our Lady Comes to Beauraing
Our Lady Comes to Beauraing
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Our Lady appeared in Beauraing, Belgium, to five children, ages nine to fifteen. The year was 1932. She spoke to them saying, “Pray, pray much, Pray always. I will convert sinners. I am the Mother of God and the Queen of Heaven-Pray Always. Do you love My Son? Do you love Me? Sacrifice yourself for Me. There can be no love without sacrifice.” Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of these children and families of the people of Beauraing. The message to “Pray, Pray much, Pray always” is needed today more than ever. A deep devotion to Our Blessed Mother will help you and your family.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 90 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Our Lady appeared in Beauraing, Belgium, to five children, ages nine to fifteen. The year was 1932. She spoke to them saying, “Pray, pray much, Pray always. I will convert sinners. I am the Mother of God and the Queen of Heaven-Pray Always. Do you love My Son? Do you love Me? Sacrifice yourself for Me. There can be no love without sacrifice.” Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of these children and families of the people of Beauraing. The message to “Pray, Pray much, Pray always” is needed today more than ever. A deep devotion to Our Blessed Mother will help you and your family.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 90 pages
A Light On The Mountain
A Light On The Mountain
A Story of St Paul of the Cross
by Brother Roberto, CSC
Paul of the Cross was born in 1694 in Italy. One day while praying before the Blessed Sacrament, Paul heard the words, “My child, whoever comes close to Me, embraces thorns.” Paul knew that sufferings were coming to him, but he trusted in God, and like Jesus, embraced his sufferings. With patience, persistence and great humility, Paul went on to found the Passionists—an order that spreads devotion to the Passion of Christ. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul of the Cross, who trusted God, spread devotion to Christ’s suffering, and worked tirelessly to bring others to Christ.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of St Paul of the Cross
by Brother Roberto, CSC
Paul of the Cross was born in 1694 in Italy. One day while praying before the Blessed Sacrament, Paul heard the words, “My child, whoever comes close to Me, embraces thorns.” Paul knew that sufferings were coming to him, but he trusted in God, and like Jesus, embraced his sufferings. With patience, persistence and great humility, Paul went on to found the Passionists—an order that spreads devotion to the Passion of Christ. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Saint Paul of the Cross, who trusted God, spread devotion to Christ’s suffering, and worked tirelessly to bring others to Christ.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of St Paul of the Cross
Torch In The Darkness
Torch In The Darkness
A Story of Saint John of Capistrano
by Brother Roberto, CSC
Born in 1386 in Capistrano, Italy, John was like many boys who preferred to play outdoors rather than do his schoolwork. He grew to be a repected lawyer and became the governor of Perugia. In time he heard God's calling to be a Franciscan preacher and a great defender of the Catholic Faith.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint John of Capistrano
by Brother Roberto, CSC
Born in 1386 in Capistrano, Italy, John was like many boys who preferred to play outdoors rather than do his schoolwork. He grew to be a repected lawyer and became the governor of Perugia. In time he heard God's calling to be a Franciscan preacher and a great defender of the Catholic Faith.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of Saint John of Capistrano