TAN Books
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
The Progress of the Spiritual Life
by Fr Frederick W. Faber
Perhaps one of his best books, Growth in Holiness presents Fr. Faber's thoughts on the spiritual journey of the Christian soul as she yearns for God. No slouch in the spiritual life, Fr. Faber experienced intense suffering both physical and emotional as he struggled to be Catholic in anti-Catholic England; his keenest insights are gathered here, including such topics as:
- Ruling Passion,
- Human Respect,
- Right View of Faults,
- Abiding Sorrow for Sin,
- Scruples,
- Spiritual Idleness, and
- True Signs of Progress in the Spiritual Life.
Let Fr. Faber's deep wisdom guide you through growth in holiness—the true goal of each of our lives, far more than our natural welfare!
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 380 pages
Defending the Interior Castle of the Soul
by Pope Saint Leo IX
What is the greatest spiritual battle?
The greatest battles do not occur in a distant land or even in past times but in the depths of the human soul. It is the battle between virtue and vice, the conflict between aspiring to be a saint or living a mediocre life. The conflict between reaching heaven or forfeiting it.
In this spiritual masterpiece, Pope Saint Leo IX, identifies our foes: “The enemies in this battle—the vices and temptations which infect our fallen nature—are invisible and internal.”
These invisible and internal vices have dragged many souls to hell, and they will not stop until every person has surrendered to their pernicious and vile attacks. Are you saddened and discouraged by such daily assaults? There is hope. In these pages, you will find over twenty-five virtues to help you win the spiritual victory against sin. With God’s grace and virtues like humility, detachment, prudent restraint, firm stability, and others, the battle can be won.
But keep in mind that spiritual victory does not happen overnight. The battle wages on until your final breath. The question remains: Are you willing to fight?
Just as this book is a dialogue between the virtues and vices, so too must we learn to listen to the voice of truth and not the voice of lies. The Lord, the General of our souls, whispers words of encouragement and peace while the devil, the captain of vice and enemy of our souls, tempts us to sin and then accuses us.
On our earthly pilgrimage fraught with suffering, sorrow, and trials, let us keep our eyes fixed on our celestial homeland, the eternal city, where there will be perpetual peace. In Heaven, Our Lord will welcome His glorious martyrs and courageous soldiers, those who have kept the faith and fought victoriously.
There is nothing more important in this life than fortifying the interior castle of the soul with virtue.
Hardcover, size 7.25" x 5.25", 136 pages
In Simple, Solemn, and Pontifical Functions
by Dom Matthew Britt, O.S.B.
There is an increasing need today for trained altar servers, and what better way to assist than to resurrect this classic! This famous handbook will help altar boys from beginning to advanced. For home study, schools and sacristies.
Dom Matthew Britt begins by offering specific instructions on common ceremonial actions, including how to make the proper bow, how to light the candles, and how to carry the Missal. He walks you step-by-step through Low Mass (with one or two servers), High Mass, Solemn High Masses, Nuptial and Requiem Masses, Vespers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. With over 24 diagrams showing the various actions and positions of acolytes, Thurifer, Master of Ceremonies, Sub-Deacon, and Deacon. Includes servers' responses for the 1962 Latin Mass. It will once again become the standard reference for acolytes, handing on to young servers the disciplines necessary for reverent Catholic ceremonies.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 165 pages
A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades
by Susan Peek
A new historical novel about the unusual life of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the leper crusader king who - despite ascending to the throne at only 13, his early death at 24 and his debilitating disease - performed great and heroic deeds in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Teenagers and avid readers of all ages will be amazed at this story and be inspired by a faith that accomplished the impossible!
Age range 13 - adult
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 185 pages
In Catholic Teaching and Tradition
by Fr Pascal Parente
"See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my father who is in heaven." -Matthew, 18:10
Father Pascal Parente compiles in this little book nearly everything that is known with certainty about the angels. Drawing heavily from Tradition and Doctors and Fathers of the Church, Parente explains the angels' creation, intelligence, free will, language, powers, movements, number and particular duties. He also relates the history of devotion to the holy angels and discloses the little-known fact that there are guardian angels, not only of individuals, but of churches, dioceses, and nations!
In a world that is increasingly curious about spiritual beings and at the same time skeptical about the existence and power of those beings, The Angels is a crucial tool for distinguishing the true from the false and the known from the unknown. It is a sure guide through the unseen and holy world of the angelic spirits-a book that truly instructs and inspires us to live in the presence of the Holy Angels!
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 190 pages
A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology
by Fr. Adolphe Tanquerey, SS, DD
The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology by Fr. Tanquerey is undoubtedly the finest, most comprehensive and best respected one-volume treatise on the spiritual life ever written.
Clear, thorough, easy to read, orthodox, authoritative, beautifully organized, logically developed, lively, and practical, the book covers the whole field of spirituality.
Based on Sacred Scripture, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, especially St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as other great Saints and spiritual writers of all ages.
Hardcover, size 8.75" x 5.75", 832 pages
by TAN Books
“The Holy Bible is like a mirror before our mind’s eye. In it we see our inner face. From the Scriptures we can learn our spiritual deformities and beauties. And there too we discover the progress we are making and how far we are from perfection.” — Saint Gregory the Great
The Douay-Rheims translation of the Holy Bible is the traditional English translation of the Bible for Catholics. Let our high-quality, leather-bound version of the Douay-Rheims Bible adorn your family’s mantle and bookshelves!
Its beautiful binding and stunning details make this the only copy of the Bible you will ever need to own.
In addition to the text, this copy contains:
- Elegant, readable typesetting with the Words of Christ in red
- A Calendar of Readings
- Favorite Catholic Prayers
- New Testament maps
- Illustrations depicting the life of Christ
- A historical and chronological index
- Family record pages
Faithfully rendering the Latin Vulgate, the version of Scripture used traditionally in the Liturgy and approved by the Council of Trent, the Douay-Rheims is historically the most important English translation of the Bible. The Douay-Rheims translation was the stand alone Catholic English translation of the Bible for over 300 years. Translated with profound respect for every word, the wonderful style of the Douay-Rheims Bible and the expansive annotations will make this Bible perfect for everyone.
Whether you are looking for a simple resource to help you encounter the word of God, to use in study, or to meditate upon the word of God, the Douay-Rheims translation is perfect for you!
“Let sleep find you holding your Bible, and when you head nods let it be resting on the sacred page.” — Saint Jerome
Deluxe Leatherette, size 8.2" x 5.5", 1408 pages
by St Catherine of Siena
St. Catherine of Siena's Dialogue describes the entire spiritual life through a series of conversations between God and the soul, represented by Catherine herself. Readers of The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena will find her revelations from God as informative—and formative—as those who recognized her sanctity during her life.
The universally applicable yet intimately personal messages she received from God are as much for us as they were for Catherine. We can read God's communications to His beloved daughter with detached awe, or we can receive His messages to us through her writings.
Do you long for certainty that Divine Providence exists in the midst of our chaotic world? Does your prayer seem too dry, or too routine? Have you sought guidance for the challenges of your life from unhelpful people or things? Or has pride kept you from humble obedience to the Church? If so, St. Catherine's Dialogue will provide consolation, encouragement, and hope.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 215 pages
Forty-Two Virtues to Reach Heaven
by St Albert the Great
“For I am certain that if anyone reaches perfection in just a single one of these virtues, they shall achieve perfection in them all. And whoever increases in one virtue, will simultaneously grow in every other virtue, too.” — Saint Albert the Great
What is virtue? It is not a question often asked anymore; yet throughout the centuries, philosophers have considered it one of the most important questions of human life. Coming from the Latin word for "strength," virtue denotes a steady habit of willing the good—in Christian terms, pursuing the love of God and neighbor—in some particular way. While most Catholics know the virtues of faith, hope, and charity, as well as prudence, temperance, courage, and justice, many of us are unaware of numerous other virtues, such as discretion, constancy, and holy silence.
Saint Albert the Great, one of the greatest Doctors of the Church, and one of the greatest intellects of all time, recognized 42 distinct virtues. His teachings not only name and define the virtues, but also direct and guide us in their fruitful exercise. Few are as qualified to teach on this subject as Albert, the Universal Doctor, best known as the teacher of Saint Thomas Aquinas himself. Only a man of true virtue could teach the truth of the virtues.
Brimming with heavenly insights, The Paradise of the Soul teaches what it means to attain beatitude—that is, the fulfillment of all virtue. But as Saint Albert knew, since the fullness of virtues is contained in love, and because God is love, ultimately, we can only achieve true plenitude of virtue by possessing God Himself. This is the true paradise of the soul. Let Saint Albert the Great, Doctor of the Angelic Doctor, instruct you on the path to sanctity among angels.
Hardcover, size 7" x 5", 288 pages
compiled from Traditional Sources by Joan Carroll Cruz
This unique book of powerful prayers and devotions compiled by Joan Carroll Cruz includes wonderful promises made by Our Lord or Our Lady, most of which were revealed to famous Saints, including St. Faustina, St. Gertrude, and St. Catherine Labouré. Author Joan Carroll Cruz has carefully selected and compiled devotions to Our Lady, the Infant Jesus, the Precious Blood, the Sacred Heart, Divine Mercy, St. Michael, and more in one place so that your daily prayer can be more powerful and more fruitful than ever before.
Among the many treasures in this book you will find:
- Supplemental prayers, devotions, and promises to the Holy Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet, making these common prayers even more fruitful.
- St. Louis de Montfort’s beautiful Consecration to Jesus through Mary
- Dozens of devotions to Our Lady from St. Bridget of Sweden, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and others, offer unique promises of grace and blessings
- Powerful, in-depth meditations and reflections on Our Lord’s Passion and Death, including the powerful graces promised to St. Martha Mary Chambon
The promises set forth in this book show that God is eager to grant us many favors—if we will just pray! Designed to fit in your pocket or purse, you will have these powerful prayers with you at all times.
Paperback, size 6" x 3.75", 142 pages
History of Nicola Aubry
by Fr Michael Mueller, C.Ss.R.
“Great was their terror when they saw how the devil writhed and howled in agony, as soon as the Blessed Sacrament was brought near him.” (Chapter II)
“By the power of the Blessed Sacrament, all the obstacles of Satan were overcome.” (Chapter II)
“At the sight of the Blessed Sacrament, the devil suffered the most frightful torture” (Chapter II)
“The Bishop now held the Blessed Sacrament close to the face of the possessed woman. The demon writhed in fearful agony. He tried in every way to escape from the presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.” (Chapter II)
“Many Protestants present also said: ‘I believe now in the Presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament; I have seen it with my eyes!...Oh, now I can understand what a good thing is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass!’” (Chapter II)
“The Bishop then took the Blessed Sacrament in his hand, and, holding It on high, he said, with a solemn voice: ‘O thou wicked, unclean spirit, Beelzebub! thou arch-enemy of the eternal God! behold, here present, the precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Lord and Master! I adjure thee, in the name and by the power of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, true God and true man, Who is here present; I command thee to depart instantly and forever, from this creature of God. Depart to the deepest depth of hell, there to be tormented forever. Go forth, unclean spirit, go forth—behold here thy Lord and Master!’” (Chapter II)
“Jesus Christ triumphed over the devil by His death on the cross; He broke his power. Hence it is that Satan bears an implacable hatred to Jesus Christ and His religion. What wonder, then, if we find that he is always engaged in undermining Christianity, and destroying all belief in it?” (Chapter III)
Originally published by Kreuzer Brothers, Baltimore, 1877.
Paperback, size 7" x 5", 140 pages
The Bishop Who Roared Against The Nazis
by Fr. Daniel Utrecht
“The dear God placed me in a position in which I had a duty to call black 'black' and white 'white'.” These words were spoken by Cardinal Clemens August von Galen, the bishop of the diocese of Münster in Germany from 1933 to 1946. In so doing, he risked death at the hands of the Nazis, one Gestapo leader even urging that he be publicly hanged. Joseph Goebbels and others in the Nazi leadership, knowing the bishop’s popularity, advised waiting, subscribing to the adage that “revenge is a dish best served cold.”
In this, the definitive English-language biography of the great Lion of Münster, readers will encounter the young von Galen as he learns the Catholic faith and love of the fatherland from his family, members of the German aristocracy. A nobleman, a “prince” of his people and of his Church, the boy grew into a man, a six-and-a-half-foot tall giant of a man, who, though he loved his homeland, loved God, His Church, and His law even more; for he knew that calling his homeland back to the ways of God is the one way in which a bishop can best demonstrate that love for the people under his spiritual care. And so, in three magnificent sermons and countless other speeches, communiques, and gestures, the Lion roared.
This story of his life and his stirring words provides readers with an indispensable glimpse into the confrontation between Church and State in Hitler’s Germany and will serve as a reminder to all men and women of good will of the duty to call black ‘black’ and white ‘white.’
Hardcover, size 9.25" x 6.25", 424 pages
The First Missionary Martyr to the Muslims
by Bl Ramon Llull
translated by Fr Robert Nixon, OSB
Blessed Ramon Llull’s ultimate act of final perseverance was not one single decision made by grace, but the culmination of a life spent adhering to the will of God. The Memoirs of Blessed Ramon Llull is a thrilling narrative, reading almost like an action novel. In this autobiographical work, he humbly details his triumphs as well as his own weaknesses and disappointments. Due to rivalries between Catholic leaders, Bl. Ramon’s missionary zeal faced indifference from within the Church as well as resistance from without.
This Franciscan tertiary is known as the Doctor Illuminatus because he wrote over 300 works that span dozens of disciplines, not least of which is his Greater Art (Arts Major). TAN’s edition of Llull’s autobiography also includes substantial extracts from his Booklet about the End. Translated in English for the first time, by Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, this work gives a detailed outline of his request made to Pope Clement V and the College of Cardinals for the establishment of monastic academies to train future missionaries in foreign languages. Unfortunately, his request was denied. A visionary among his fellow clergymen, Bl. Ramon was alone in recognizing the importance of learning the vernacular of the unconverted nations. Despite this and various additional disappointments he experienced, Bl. Ramon never swayed from the work Christ called him to.
Hardcover, size 7" x 5", 130 pages
The secret of peace and happiness
by Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure and St. Claude de la Colombière
To trust in God’s will is the “secret of happiness and content,” the one sure-fire way to attain serenity in this world and salvation in the next. Trustful Surrender simply and clearly answers questions that many Christians have regarding God’s will, the existence of evil, and the practice of trustful surrender, such as:
- How can God will or allow evil?
- Why does God allow bad things to happen to innocent people?
- Why does God appear not to answer our prayers?
- What is Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence?
This enriching classic will lay to rest many doubts and fears and open the door to peace and acceptance of God’s will. TAN’s pocket-sized edition helps you to carry it wherever you go, to constantly remind yourself that God is guarding you. He does not send you any joy too great to bear or any trial too difficult to overcome.
Paperback, size 6" x 4", 140 pages
The Ture Story of a Young Girl and Her Guardian Angel
by Sister Maria Antonia
Under Angel Wings is the true story of a young girl in Brazil who saw and heard her Guardian Angel during most of her life.
The book is filled with real-life anecdotes which are edifying, moving and often humorous. Cecy (See-see) Cony (1900-1937) tells story after story of how her Guardian Angel-whom she calls her "New Friend"-kept her from lying, stealing, revenge, immodesty, and from watching certain movies. She also describes how he protected her in moral dangers which she did not even understand, and how he aided her when she got into trouble because she was a "simpleton," as she puts it. Most beautiful of all, she relates how her Guardian Angel taught her to make sacrifices for Jesus and guided her in practicing acts of charity.
Cecy describes many incidents of temptation from her youth. In each one, we see the beautiful way in which her Guardian Angel led his little charge to perfect contrition for her faults and turned all these difficult situations to good. Under Angel Winds reveals God's great love and care for His children on earth. It reminds us that He has also given each of us our own "New Friend" who has a similar, even if less visible, love and care for us.
"My sisters read a lot. This book, they say, is undoubtedly the best....I think this book is awesome....I think you and your children would benefit from this book A LOT. I recommend it highly, highly."---Mother Angelica
Paperback, size 7" x 4.25", 246 pages
Mirror of the Blessed Virgin Mary
by St Bonaventure
Discover the Seraphic Doctor’s Profound Reflections on Our Blessed Mother
In Mirror of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Bonaventure, the "Seraphic Doctor," offers a profound investigation into the Blessed Virgin Mary’s distinctive role in humanity's redemption.
Originally penned as a humble tribute to Mary’s virtues and divine favour, this work illuminates the depths of her sanctity and her pivotal role in the salvation of souls. Beginning with meditations on the angelic salutation, this enduring text advances into reflections on Mary’s purity, her spiritual endowments, the layered significance and manifold meanings of her name, her singular virtues triumphing over vice, and Mary’s intimate communion with God. Each passage unveils a deeply theological and poetic homage to Mary’s sanctity, drawing from Scripture and the wisdom of early Church Fathers.
For readers eager to enrich their devotion or develop a more refined theological comprehension, Mirror of the Blessed Virgin Mary presents a clear and elegantly crafted window into Marian spirituality, guiding readers ever closer toward Our Blessed Mother as an exemplar of faith, virtue, and divine grace.
Paperback, size 7" x 5", 240 pages
Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi
by Fr Albert Bessieres, S.J.
The story of Blessed Anna-Maria Taigi, a woman singled out at the age of twenty-one, to receive revelations from Our Lord and the Blessed Mother, which continued until her death. In her visions she foresaw much of the political turmoil that took place during her life most significantly the French Revolution and subsequent weakening of the Church's temporal authority. She also read the state of souls, both living and dead.
Despite these miraculous gifts, she was content to fulfill her station in life as the wife of a poor serving-man and the mother of seven children. Wife, Mother and Mystic chronicles the events of an extraordinary life and yet, the great lesson of this biography is not found in the extraordinary, but in this modest woman's constant, hidden "striving after holiness" in her most ordinary tasks.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 232 pages
The Life of Venerable Leo Dupont
Apostle of the Holy Face Devotion
by Dorothy Scallan
The life of Venerable Leo Dupont, besides being one of the finest biographies of a saint the reader will likely ever encounter, is also the suspenseful story of the Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus and how it was established—first at Tours, France and then worldwide, as authorized by Pope Leo XIII in 1885. However, before it was approved by the Church, Leo Dupont practiced this devotion privately in his drawing room, where a true likeness of Veronica’s vail was perpetually venerated by a burning lamp, and before which he would pray for hours on end. Soon miracles began to occur by the application of the oil from this perpetual lamp to the afflicted members of sick people and invalids.
The miracles became so numerous that Pope Pius IX declared Leo Dupont to be perhaps the greatest miracle-worker in Church history. People from all over Europe and around the world would write to Monsieur Dupont for a few ounces of this holy oil, often addressing him simply as “The Holy Man of Tours, Tours, France.” The postmen at Tours always knew to whom they meant. Whereas The Golden Arrow: The Autobiography and Revelations of Sr. Mary of St. Peter (1816–1848) contains the actual moving revelations of Our Lord about the powerful Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus.
The Holy Man of Tours is in reality the fascinating story of this great devotion, especially of the seemingly insurmountable difficulties encountered in having it officially recognized by the Church. In many respects, The Holy Many of Tours is one of the most moving and best written Catholic books in print today—and is certainly one which will reward the reader far beyond what he might ever possibly anticipate.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 280 pages, Impr 1951
Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary
by Charles A. Coulombe
Empress Zita of Austria (1892—1989) was declared a Servant of God by Pope Benedict XVI. But who is she? What is it about her life and spirituality that inspired the Church to open the investigation into her beatification?
Zita’s life and her integral role within the House of Habsburg during the tumultuous 20th century are not well known. In Zita: Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, Charles Coulombe takes readers through Zita’s lineage and the political climate she was born into, Bl. Charles and Zita’s marriage, her support of Bl. Charles amid the destruction of the Catholic Monarchy, and much more. Bl. Charles and Zita’s story is one of hope, perseverance, and great faith. Through this couple’s devotion to the Sacred Heart, they inspired their children and their peoples to a greater love of God and country, despite the many trials they faced. As we similarly live in a society that denies God and attacks the family, we can turn to the example of this saintly couple.
Journey with Zita to learn how she persevered after Charles’s death, which left her in exile with their seven children and an eighth on the way, and how she kept the hope of a restored House of Habsburg alive, even under the threat of Nazism.
Hardcover, size 8.5" x 5.5", 424 pages