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.
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
Bring Me An Axe
Bring Me An Axe
A Story of St Boniface of Germany
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
"Get out of my way!" Boniface shouted at last as he saw the huge tree totter and begin to fall. At once the pagons scurried out of the path of the falling mass and the great tree fell with a roar and a swish to the ground. With the fall of the great oak of Geismar, paganism in central Germany was given a crushing blow.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of St Boniface of Germany
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
"Get out of my way!" Boniface shouted at last as he saw the huge tree totter and begin to fall. At once the pagons scurried out of the path of the falling mass and the great tree fell with a roar and a swish to the ground. With the fall of the great oak of Geismar, paganism in central Germany was given a crushing blow.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
A Story of St Boniface of Germany
Dante And His Journey
Dante And His Journey
by Brother Evan Schmid, C.S.C.
Dante Alighieri was born in Florence, Italy in 1261. As a brilliant and well-respected Florentine, he entered politics. In 1301, after a political upheaval in Florence, Dante was unjustly banished from the city of his birth. Exhiled for the rest of his life, Dante turned his poetic genius to writing a masterpiece of Italian poetry, The Divine Comedy. Reading this story can encourage us to follow the footsteps of Dante who responded to physical adversity by focusing his energy on the spiritual world and remaining true to the Faith.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 143 pages
by Brother Evan Schmid, C.S.C.
Dante Alighieri was born in Florence, Italy in 1261. As a brilliant and well-respected Florentine, he entered politics. In 1301, after a political upheaval in Florence, Dante was unjustly banished from the city of his birth. Exhiled for the rest of his life, Dante turned his poetic genius to writing a masterpiece of Italian poetry, The Divine Comedy. Reading this story can encourage us to follow the footsteps of Dante who responded to physical adversity by focusing his energy on the spiritual world and remaining true to the Faith.
Level 3
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 143 pages
Andrew the Apostle
Andrew the Apostle
by S.E. Danielski
Saint Andrew was the brother of Saint Peter, the first Pope of the Catholic Church. After listening to the teachings of St John the Baptist, Saint Andrew became the first disciple of Jesus. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Andrew who answered the call to holiness and brought others to Jesus.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by S.E. Danielski
Saint Andrew was the brother of Saint Peter, the first Pope of the Catholic Church. After listening to the teachings of St John the Baptist, Saint Andrew became the first disciple of Jesus. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of St Andrew who answered the call to holiness and brought others to Jesus.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of Captain John Barry
A Story of Captain John Barry
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Captain John Barry was born in Ireland in 1745 and grew up in a loving Catholic family. As a teenager his parents gave him permission to sail to America. He served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolution. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of John Barry, who was faithful to his duties and kind to those under his leadership.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Captain John Barry was born in Ireland in 1745 and grew up in a loving Catholic family. As a teenager his parents gave him permission to sail to America. He served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolution. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of John Barry, who was faithful to his duties and kind to those under his leadership.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of Diego Mendez
A Story of Diego Mendez
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Diego Mendez sailed to America with Christopher Columbus on his final voyage. Without his help Columbus would not have been able to return to Spain after this last voyage. Diego risked his life on several occasions to serve his well-loved friend Christopher Columbus. In all his trials he prayed and placed his faith In God. He loved God and the Catholic Church and was always an example of piety to others. His life teaches us we must place our faith and complete trust in God in all our trials regardless of how difficult the task awaiting us seems to be.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Diego Mendez sailed to America with Christopher Columbus on his final voyage. Without his help Columbus would not have been able to return to Spain after this last voyage. Diego risked his life on several occasions to serve his well-loved friend Christopher Columbus. In all his trials he prayed and placed his faith In God. He loved God and the Catholic Church and was always an example of piety to others. His life teaches us we must place our faith and complete trust in God in all our trials regardless of how difficult the task awaiting us seems to be.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of Louis Braille
A Story of Louis Braille
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
In 1812, when Louis Braille was only 3 years old, he was blinded by an accident in his father's workshop. His family wanted him to still get an education so they sent him to a school for the blind in Paris. He studied music and became the organist at St Anne's Church in Paris. Later he developed the Braille system of reading which used raised dots to form letters and words. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Louis braille, who was determined to overcome his disability and to help others.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
In 1812, when Louis Braille was only 3 years old, he was blinded by an accident in his father's workshop. His family wanted him to still get an education so they sent him to a school for the blind in Paris. He studied music and became the organist at St Anne's Church in Paris. Later he developed the Braille system of reading which used raised dots to form letters and words. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Louis braille, who was determined to overcome his disability and to help others.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of Dvorak
A Story of Dvorak
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Antonin Dvorak was born on the Feast of Our Lady's Nativity, September 8, 1841. Even as a child he was fascinated by music. His father wanted him to follow in his footsteps as an inn keeper and village butcher but in time he realized what a gift his son had for music.
After graduating from Organ School he met his future wife. Sorrow was to be a part of their married life when they lost in death two of their children within two months of each other. Antonin joined his sorrows with the sorrow of Our Lady and wrote the "Sabat Mater".
Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Antonin Dvorak as even though he was a world famous composer he remained a humble man until death.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of Michelangelo
A Story of Michelangelo
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in Italy in 1475. As a young man he carved many statues and was an accomplished artist. When Pope Julius II asked him to paint frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel he hesitated as he considered himself a sculptor, not a painter. But he listened to the pope and began painting. Reading this story can encourage us to follow int he footsteps of Michelangelo who had the courage to use his talents in new ways, thereby bringing greater glory to God.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in Italy in 1475. As a young man he carved many statues and was an accomplished artist. When Pope Julius II asked him to paint frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel he hesitated as he considered himself a sculptor, not a painter. But he listened to the pope and began painting. Reading this story can encourage us to follow int he footsteps of Michelangelo who had the courage to use his talents in new ways, thereby bringing greater glory to God.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of Rubens
A Story of Rubens
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Peter Paul Rubens was born in 1577. His father died when he was only ten but his mother raised him to the best of her ability. She allowed him to be a page in the palace of Countess de Lalaing. While serving in her palace he would meet many great men and be taught by several Jesuits. He excelled in his studies. He studied under many famous artists and excelled in his talent as an artist. He continued to work his whole life. He painted numerous religious pictures and his greatest masterpiece is "Descent from the Cross". Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Rubens by using the gifts that God gives us to the best of our ability.
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
Peter Paul Rubens was born in 1577. His father died when he was only ten but his mother raised him to the best of her ability. She allowed him to be a page in the palace of Countess de Lalaing. While serving in her palace he would meet many great men and be taught by several Jesuits. He excelled in his studies. He studied under many famous artists and excelled in his talent as an artist. He continued to work his whole life. He painted numerous religious pictures and his greatest masterpiece is "Descent from the Cross". Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Rubens by using the gifts that God gives us to the best of our ability.
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
Story of Schubert
A Story of Schubert
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
In 1797, Franz Schubert was born near Vienna, Austria. At a young age he began taking piano and violin lessons. He joined the local choir and began taking organ and voice lessons. Soon he started composing his own music. He composed 6 Mass settings, 9 symphonies and more than 500 songs during his short life. Franz Schubert used his talents to glorify God by writing beautiful music that has touched the hearts of many.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C
In 1797, Franz Schubert was born near Vienna, Austria. At a young age he began taking piano and violin lessons. He joined the local choir and began taking organ and voice lessons. Soon he started composing his own music. He composed 6 Mass settings, 9 symphonies and more than 500 songs during his short life. Franz Schubert used his talents to glorify God by writing beautiful music that has touched the hearts of many.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Story of Saint Martin de Porres
A Story of Saint Martin de Porres
by Br Ernest, CSC
Martin was born on Decemeber 9, 1579, in Peru. Though his father did not care for him very much, through the love of his mother she taught him to pray and never sin. At an early age he was sent to learn a barber's trade as well as learning about medicine. A few short years later his father told him to leave and not to come back. Martin felt sorry for his father but happy for himself because he could now do what God wanted of him. He helped the sick and the wounded, keeping little money for himself and giving the rest to the poor. He fasted, prayed and did penance. After several years he joined the Dominicans. As he worked in the infirmary his heart was with God and Our Lady. God worked many miracles through Martin.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
Martin was born on Decemeber 9, 1579, in Peru. Though his father did not care for him very much, through the love of his mother she taught him to pray and never sin. At an early age he was sent to learn a barber's trade as well as learning about medicine. A few short years later his father told him to leave and not to come back. Martin felt sorry for his father but happy for himself because he could now do what God wanted of him. He helped the sick and the wounded, keeping little money for himself and giving the rest to the poor. He fasted, prayed and did penance. After several years he joined the Dominicans. As he worked in the infirmary his heart was with God and Our Lady. God worked many miracles through Martin.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages