Saints' lives for children
by Pierre and Germaine Noury
Last but not least in this trilogy of illustrated books about the saints, this wonderful retelling of the life of St. Francis has surprising depth for a children’s book. The story of St. Francis is full of inspiration for both young and old, for in his life, we see the triumph that the Holy Spirit can achieve through us when we say yes despite the weakness of our human nature.
When Francis was born, a mysterious visitor predicted that he would become one of the greatest men in the world. His father expected that this would be a worldly greatness, but God had a different plan. If Francis Bernardone had been merely a great merchant, we would likely have never heard of him. Instead, today he is among the most beloved of saints…all because he first said yes to God in little things, and this led to ever greater things.
Other titles in this series include: The Blessed Virgin: Mary our Mother and Saint Nicholas Patron Saint of Children.
Hardcover, size 11" x 8.5", 36 pages
Saints and Festivals
A Cycle of the Year for Young People
by Mother Mary Salome
Mother Mary Salome wrote a volume of meditations called The Feasts of Mother Church in 1904, covering many of the most important feasts of the Liturgical Year. In 1913, she followed up with Saints and Festivals, adapting portions of her earlier work for a younger audience.
In addition to Christmas, Easter and the stories of well-beloved saints, children will also discover the stories of lesser-known heroes of the Church such as St. Chad, St. Serapion, St. John the Dwarf and St. Hilda of Whitby. Even St. John Cantius finds a home in these pages. Peppered throughout with the imaginative illustrations of Gabriel Pippet, this volume makes a wonderful resource for children to take part in the yearly cycle of the Church.
Age range: 9 - 15
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 264 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 Catechetical Guild Comics
A “graphic novel” at its finest! Original copyright 1956! Contains 9 different short, wondrous tales about heroic martyrs, saintly nuns, and a great sorcerer!
- Martyr of Christ - St Issac Jogues,
- Quest of Honour, - Fr de Smet
- The Great Sorcerer - Fr John de Brebeuf,
- Saviour of Vincennes - Fr Pierre Gibault,
- Lady in Grey - St Marguerite D'Youville,
- America’s Mother Seton - St Elizabeth Seton,
- Faith was His Sword - Fr Junipero Serra,
- Revolt in the Sun - Fra Francisco Garces,
- Mexican Martyr - Fr Miguel Pro.
Paperback, 66 pages
Loving is Giving Everything Away
by Francesco Rizzato
In this colorful and vibrant graphic novel, St. Thérèse of Lisieux reveals to children the story of her soul and her secret to holiness: “To love is to give everything and to give yourself.” Children will come to understand that the “Little Way” of St. Thérèse consists of trust, love, and generosity, and they will learn how to abandon themselves in the arms of Jesus like the Little Flower.
Never before has the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux been presented in such a beautiful and engaging way for young readers.
With this book, children will come to know St. Thérèse, her goodness, her peace in times of trial, her devotion to Our Lady, and her intense love for the Holy Eucharist.
Hardcover, size 11" x 8.5", 48 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 St John Bosco
"The Life of Dominic Savio" has often been called Don Bosco's best work. However, the success of the book is to be found first in the striking personality of the subject and secondly in the author's keen penetration of his boyhood holiness. Being the lad's confessor, Don Bosco was able to probe the boy's soul to its depths; as an experienced educator he could analyze the inner workings of his mind and heart. Besides this, there was such a bond of sympathy linking both author and subject in a common holiness that the reader is forced to admit, "This is the life of a saint written by a saint!"
Paperback, size 8" x 5", 147 pages
by Msg Robert Hugh Benson
This book is a reproduction of the original 1905 impression made by Burns and Oates, London, England.
"The twenty-six SAINTS in this volume of rhymes
Lived in various places and various times;
But now they're together in Heaven, and know
All we think, say and do in the world here below;
And since all that you ask - if you pray for good ends -
Will be granted by GOD at the prayer of His friends,
You should call on these SAINTS in the days of your youth
For the Peace of the Church and the Triumph of Truth.
We hope, as these Rhymes are the best we can do,
That the SAINTS will be pleased, and that you'll be pleased, too."
Hardcover, size 10.25" x 7.25", 32 pages
Also available in Paperback.
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 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
The Flower of Fatima
by Cardinal Humberto S. Medeiros
This book made Our Lady of Fatima known to the world! Written shortly after the apparitions, the account here relies on the living memory of eyewitnesses and on the words of Lucia herself, who had been specifically interviewed for this book. Truly, this is a moving firsthand account of the life of the youngest saint of Fatima--and one the newest saints of the Church--Jacinta Marto. Jacinta, newly canonized in March 2017, is unique among the seers of Fatima in her ready, childlike enthusiasm to fulfill Mary's request, that they love God and offer reparation for sin. From then, Jacinta's life was consumed by an atoning love which made sacrifices of the biggest and the smallest things she experienced. Despite much persecution and suffering at the hands of both strangers and family, this little girl overcame her fears and attachments and became a saint, offering her life completely for love of Jesus and Mary. Told delightfully against the charming backdrop of the peaceful, natural beauty of Fatima, this is the intimate story of how the young Jacinta overcame her childish selfishness to become one of the most selfless saints of our day. It is a testimony to the power of her intercession, for the voice of the littlest, most innocent, and most fiercely loving saints of God has swayed him, time and again, to heal bodily ills and touch the most hardened of sinners.
Hardcover, 218 pages
by F. A. Forbes
St. John Bosco was a priest of the diocese of Turin, Italy, and founder of the Society of St. Francis de Sales. Famous for his kindliness and gentleness, he is a patron of disadvantaged youth because of his caring for children on the streets and juvenile delinquents, whose welfare he made his life's work. Giving them shelter and care, teaching them skills for future employment, and even enticing them with his uncanny magic tricks and juggling skills, Don Bosco was famous as a helper of the poor and needy children created by the Industrial Revolution, as well as a beloved publisher of catechetical works.
He was called to the priesthood at an early age and, through struggle and hard work, obtained the education necessary to be ordained. His life work was among the poor and needy, both young men and women (through the congregations he founded especially). He wrote volumes, including over 220 works, in addition to all the other efforts he made, which included pioneering a method of education that was based on love rather than punishment and guiding the Salesians to become one of the largest religious orders in the world. All of his students grew to love him, and he was ever seen teaching and guiding many youths to greater charity. He died in 1888; his funeral was attended by thousands.
But there was yet far more inside this powerhouse saint than meets the eye. Recorded in his memoirs, St. John Bosco's mystical dreams—provided in this short biography as well—reveal a side of the gentle saint that is scarcely recognizable, taking him squarely from the image of the saint of social welfare to one as a mystical pastor of souls. The dreams—really allegorical visions, and terrible ones—saw him tossing on the waves of the high seas of modernism that roiled and rocked the Barque of the Church, or facing a horrifying, massive snake that was strangled in the rope of the Rosary, or permeating by divine guidance straight to the depths of Hell and back again. Yes, Don Bosco was also a mystic—and an extraordinary one at that. Most of all, Don Bosco's life of service to others, especially the youth, and bringing them to Christ, show this: that the interior life is always the source of exterior action. Here is the life of an underrated and extremely important saint for our times.
Paperback, size 7" x 4.25, 209 pages
Apostle of Scotland
by F. A. Forbes
St. Fintan, one of the Saint's first companions in Iona, was asked once towards the end of Columba's life to describe him to one who had heard much of his holiness, but who did not know him. "He is a king amongst kings," answered Fintan, "a sage amongst wise men, a monk amongst monks. He is poor with God's poor; a mourner with those who weep, and joyful with those who rejoice. Yet amidst all the gifts of nature and of grace that have been so liberally showered on him by God, the true humility of Christ is as royally rooted in his heart as if it were its natural home." (Chapter IX)
“Columbcille was a man of great heart and of determined will; what he set himself to do was sure to be done” (Chapter IX)
“To be quick to take offence and slow to forgive an injury is a characteristic of the Celtic race all the world over, and Columba was no exception to the rule. Long and sharp was to be the struggle before that quick and imperious nature was wholly conquered by the grace of God, but great was to be the victory at last.” (Chapter I)
“It was Columba’s love of the Church that won for him among his companions the name by which he became famous in after-days– “Columb-cille” or “the dove of the Church.” He would slip away from their games whenever he could, but they always knew where to find him. “He nestles beside the altar like a dove in its nest,” they would say.” (Chapter I)
“But God shows His love for His Saints in ways which are not the ways of men, and the chastening fires of sorrow and of suffering were to purify that ardent and impulsive nature.” (Chapter III)
Originally published in 1919.
Paperback, size 7" x 5", 110 pages
Catholic Stories For Boys & Girls III
by Catholic Nuns in America
Continue your family’s reading adventures with Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls, Volume III! In the penultimate volume of this four-part series read:
- “Begga’s Bracelet”—The Irish Princess Begga’s promise to live for God alone - St Begga
- “In the Tower of London”—The story of St. Edmund Campion, with the disguises he used and dangers he faced as a priest to keep the Catholic Faith alive in England
- “Joseph”—A fictional account of the life of Saint Joseph from boyhood to his holy, happy death
- “Louise”— The story of how Louise’s generosity and kindness from childhood led her to sainthood - St Louise de Marillac
Written to be read aloud for the entire family’s entertainment, Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls offers four volumes each holding a handful of happy and courageous stories, compiled and written by Catholic nuns in the 1930's. Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls appeals to the whole family by using simple vocabulary to engage children but also providing well-developed plots to captivate adults’ interest.
Each story highlights a different virtue, and, to reinforce the virtue, every chapter closes with a two-line rhyming verse that provides both a chapter summary and a pithy message, all underlining the books’ main theme—the Church gives life to the soul through grace. Excellent when read by children, and even better when read to children by parents and older siblings, these timeless stories show the reward of virtue by the wondrous events that occur when one is generous with God.
As taken from the front cover of the book, the stories herein are republished in the hope that in a small way the Faith, Culture, and Tradition of the Holy Catholic Church may be preserved for our most prized possession, our children.
Our prayer for these books is the same as Baltimore’s first Archbishop, the Most Reverend Michael J. Curley, prayed when these books were first published:
“May our Divine Lord bless each boy and girl who reads these stories, as well as every one who helps to place them in their hands.”
Hardcover, size 7" x 4.75", 141 pages, Illustrated
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 Book in the Series of Amazing Saints
by Anna Kuck, illustrated by Sisters of the Congegation of the Mother of God
A true illustrated story of the Seven Holy Sleepers, which inspired Irving's "Rip Van Winkle". These Seven Holy Sleepers are early Christian martyrs that sleep for 184 years and wake up in a new era.
Age range froim 5-9
Paperback, size 8.5" x 8.5", 36 pages