Well Known/Famous Persons
The Last Crusader
by William Thomas Walsh
Called by her people Isabella la Catolica, she was by any standard one of the greatest women of all history. A saint in her own right, she married Ferdinand of Aragon, and they forged modern Spain, cast out the Moslems, discovered the New World by backing Columbus, and established a powerful central government in Spain. This story is so thrilling it reads like a novel. Makes history really come alive. Highly readable and truly great in every respect!
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 650 pages
I want Holy God
Life-Story of Little Nellie of Holy God
by Fr Bernard Des Ronces
When the nuns of the Good Shepherd Convent in Cork, Ireland, welcomed the little three-year-old invalid Nellie Organ on May 11, 1907, little did they think that the great Pope Saint Pius X would say of her a few short years later:
“È un angeletto, she’s a little angel. Her patience was admirable, her resignation in suffering was so perfect. And then, she understood supernatural things in a superior manner. As for her innocence, no one can doubt of it. She’s an angel who lived with the Angels”.
Writing very shortly after her death, Father Bernard des Ronces bases his account of Little Nellie’s life on the most reliable sources. The result is possibly the most complete biography of the child who was chosen by God to encourage Pope Pius X to allow little children to receive Holy Communion. As the same Pope remarked when he was given Father de Ronces’ book in a private audience in 1912: “You’ve made a big book out of this small life!”
In it, the strands of Little Nellie’s life are interwoven with appropriate texts from the Saints and spiritual writers as well as beautiful poetry from Saint Therese of Lisieux and other authors.
“May God fill with every blessing all those who recommend frequent Communion to little boys and girls, proposing Little Nellie as their model” - Pope Saint Pius X
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 278 pages
by Hilaire Belloc
Sketch of the Cardinal's character - specifically of his Will - seen through his background, the figures surrounding him, and his line of action. In attempting to achieve for France the leadership of Europe, Richelieu loosed forces stronger than he could deal with, with the consequent weakening, if not destruction, of Catholicism. This gripping tale, unfolding at the heart of the European story, is a candid look at Richeliu's uncanny statesmanship and undoubted sincerity, and the unintended but disastrous effect of these upon the soul of Western civilization.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 272 pages
by Hilaire Belloc
This is a vivid portrayal of Charles II, as well as a historical investigation into the role of monarchy in pre-Revolution Europe. It looks closely at the role that the burgeoning financial powers played in shaping European politics and the effects of these powers on the English monarchy and on Europe generally. Belloc brings to his writing an intimate knowledge of the countries about which he is writing and a fervent belief in the Catholic faith and its role in the history of Europe.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 223 pages
by Hilaire Belloc
The Reformation in England led to its victory in much of the rest of Europe. That victory unleashed the forces of social disintegration Protestantism, Capitalism, and anti-Catholicism and led them to challenge the tradition of Monarchy on the field of battle. This book tells the story of how Charles I came to face those forces, manipulated by the Money Power, and how and why he failed.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 286 pages, Illus.
A Story of Father Jean Lamy
by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.
As a child, Jean Lamy, and his family did three things every evening: pray the Rosary, read a chapter from the ‘Imitation of Christ’ and read the life of the saint for the day from the ‘Lives of the Saints’. He was greatly devoted to Our Lady and carried a small statue of Her wherever he went. He worked hard and even though setbacks occurred he was able to enter the seminary at the age of twenty-three and commended his future work to the Blessed Virgin. Our Lady appeared to him and told him of the coming of World War I and the causes. Most people did not believe him until the war came to France. Reading this story can encourage us to follow in the footsteps of Father Jean Lamy by learning how to accept challenges no matter how difficult and how to live our lives so that we may receive the graces we need and to reach our true home in Heaven.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 96 pages
Mamma Margherita
Model Mother
by Fr Augustin Auffray, SDB
“The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”, goes the old saying. This has rarely been so true as in the case of Mamma Margherita Bosco, mother of the great apostle of youth, Saint John Bosco.
A peasant by birth, Margherita already demonstrated virtue, courage and common sense as a young girl. After her husband’s death, she single-handedly raised her three boys while running the family farm. Then, when her beloved John called on her help for his budding Oratory in Turin, she generously answered his call. She once more became a mother – this time of hundreds of boys in Turin.
Partly using material from his monumental biography of Don Bosco and partly relying on the Saint’s memoirs, Father Auffray paints as complete a picture as possible of this great woman.
Father Auffray wrote this book in order to give mothers an example they could follow and in order to encourage them in the difficulties inherent in their sacred task of raising children.
“We offer to all women who feel in their heart the desire to be “mothers of a holy people” this model of energy, abnegation and Christian spirit in the education of her children”. Father Augustin Auffray (Preface)
Paperback, sixe 7" x 4.5", 174 pages
Miracles of Father Paul of Moll
by Edward Van Speybrouck
Multitudes flocked to Father Paul of Moll, a Benedictine monk in Belgium in the 1800s, to benefit from his astounding gifts, including miraculous healings, reading of hearts, prophecy, and bilocation. The stories herein will greatly surprise the modern reader in revealing the reasons behind certain illnesses and afflictions, and some so-called “poltergeist” activity.
As miracles were often granted Fr. Paul through the intercession of the great Patriarch of the West, St. Benedict, with the use of Benedict’s Medal, also included in this book is a guide to that powerful Medal from Dom Prosper Guéranger’s Liturgical Year (also published as The Medal of St. Benedict), and the Life of St. Benedict, taken from the writings of St. Gregory the Great, with additions from the visions of Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich.
First published in French in 1898 as Quelques traits de la vie du Très-Révérend Père Paul, de Moll, bénédictin, 1824-1896. Translated into English in 1910 as The Very Rev. Father Paul of Moll. Republished August 29, 2017. Some material has been reorganized. Footnotes have been updated. Devotions noted in the text have been added in an Appendix. A novena in honor of Fr. Paul has been added.
Hardcover, size 8.75" x 5.75", 352 pages
The Life and Writings of Rt. Rev. Alfred Allen Curtis, D.D.
Second Bishop of Wilmington, Delaware and Former Episcopalian Pastor
compiled by The Visitation Sisters of Wilmington
A convert from the Anglican ministry; he went on to become a Catholic priest and bishop and was regarded as a saint by those who knew him; especially the Visitation Sisters; who maintain he is powerful to answer prayers. Contains his brief Spiritual Counsels; alone worth the price of the book. Beautiful insights into the development of the Church in America and of a saintly soul.
Paperback, size 8.25" x 5.5", 450 pages, Impr
Mystic and Stigmatist, 1898-1962
by Adalbert Albert Vogl
The life and remarkable gifts of Therese Neumann (1898-1962); who bore the stigmata from 1926 to 1962; and suffered the Passion of Jesus on Fridays. She went without food and drink (save Communion) for 26 years.
Also tells of her visions; language phenomena; mystical recognition of the Holy Eucharist; of priests; priestly blessings and relics; her bilocation and other mystical gifts. Impr.
Paperback, size 8.25" x 5.5", 290 pages, 20 color Illus; 20 B&W Illus
The Greatest Catholic President
Garcia Moreno of Ecuador
by Frank M. Rega
Few Catholics today know the story of Gabriel Garcia Moreno, the devout, saintly leader who briefly re-established the shining light of Christendom in a small corner of the world during the nineteenth century. Garcia Moreno's role in Catholic history is so significant that the Blessed Virgin Mary specifically foretold his presidency more than two centuries before his birth.
Booklet, size 8.5” x 5.5”, 40 pages
Garcia Moreno
A Heroic Catholic President
by Fr Augustine Berthe
Preface by Fr. Paul Kimball.
“Garcia Moreno is a shining example of what a heroic Catholic president looks like. He fought the good fight and dies a hero defending the Faith and his country.” -Fr. Paul Kimball
In the contemporary world, where the liberal ideology of strict separationism between Church and State is widespread, the idea of a Catholic government seems incredible. As recently as 150 years ago, however, it was still possible to find authentically Catholic political leaders in the world, such as Gabriel Garcia Moreno (1821-1875). Garcia Moreno served twice as President of Ecuador where he worked diligently to uplift Ecuadorian society with reforms directly shaped by Catholic principles.
Despite fierce opposition from liberals and Freemasons, Garcia Moreno promoted Catholicism as the official religion of Ecuador and oversaw the country’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
A victim for his fidelity to the Catholic Church, Garcia Moreno was assassinated following his third presidential victory. His death prompted Pope Leo XIII to lament that Garcia Moreno “fell under the steel of the wicked for the Church.” Despite politically motivated setbacks in his official canonization process, Garcia Moreno is rightly called a martyr for the Faith and a champion of Catholic social principles.
“In this book, the reader will see that it is possible to vanquish anti-Catholic revolutionaries and, like Garcia Moreno, stand up for applying Catholic social teachings and principles to the political sphere.” -Fr. Paul Kimball.
Hardcover, size 8.75" x 5.75", 401 pages, 66 photos and drawings
by Fr Augustine Berthe
Gabriel Garcia Moreno (1821-1875) was a model Catholic president of Ecuador. He courageously founded a Republic upon Catholic principles and publicly consecrated it to the Sacred Heart, and for this he was martyred by paid assassins. This biography by Fr. Berthe is the most complete and authoritative one in existence. It has been out of print in English since 1889 when it was first published.
Paperback, size 8" x 5", 412 pages
An Extraordinary Testament of Faith
by Walter J. Ciszek S.J. with Daniel L. Flaherty S.J.
Captured by a Russian army during World War II and convicted of being a “Vatican spy,” Jesuit Father Walter J. Ciszek spent twenty-three agonizing years in Soviet prisons and the labor camps of Siberia. Only through an utter reliance on God’s will did he manage to endure the extreme hardship. He tells of the courage he found in prayer—a courage that eased the loneliness, the pain, the frustration, the anguish, the fears, the despair. For, as Ciszek relates, the solace of spiritual contemplation gave him an inner serenity upon which he was able to draw amidst the “arrogance of evil” that surrounded him. Ciszek learns to accept the inhuman work in the infamous Siberian salt mines as a labor pleasing to God. And through that experience, he was able to turn the adverse forces of circumstance into a source of positive value and a means of drawing closer to the compassionate and never-forsaking Divine Spirit.
He Leadeth Me is a book to inspire all Christians to greater faith and trust in God—even in their darkest hour. As the author asks, “What can ultimately trouble the soul that accepts every moment of every day as a gift from the hands of God and strives always to do his will?”
Paperback, size 8" x 5.1", 208 pages
Roman Emperor 361-363
by Abbot Giuseppe Ricciotti
Julian The Apostate is a historical biography of the Roman Emperor Julian, who reigned from 361 to 363 AD. Julian was known as "The Apostate" because he rejected Christianity and attempted to revive traditional Roman paganism during his short reign. The book explores Julian's life, from his childhood and education to his ascension to the throne and his attempts to restore paganism. It also delves into the political and religious climate of the time, including the conflict between paganism and Christianity, and the struggles for power within the Roman Empire.Ricciotti presents a detailed and well-researched account of Julian's life, drawing on a variety of sources including ancient texts and archaeological evidence. He examines Julian's motivations and beliefs, as well as his successes and failures as emperor.
Overall, Julian The Apostate provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of one of Rome's most controversial and enigmatic emperors. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Roman history or the history of religion.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 275 pages, Impr.
by Baron Theodore de Bussieres
Alphonse Ratisbonne was a French Jew who was miraculously converted while at Rome in the Church of San Andrea della Frate. His brother had previously converted and become a Catholic priest, but Alphonse hated the Catholic church and vowed never to enter.
This is the story of the power of prayer and a miracle of grace. It is a powerful, delightful, and consoling story that every apostolic Catholic should know.
This is how Ratisbonne related his experience in the church that cold day in January of 1842. “All I can say is that the moment when the Blessed Virgin made a sign with her hand, the veil fell from my eyes; not one veil only, but all the veils which were wrapped around me disappeared, just as snow melts beneath the rays of the sun.’ ‘I am asked how I attained a knowledge of these truths, since it is well known that I never opened a religious book, had never read a page of the Bible, and that the dogma of original sin, which is either denied or utterly forgotten by the modern Jews, had never for a single moment occupied my thoughts—indeed, I doubt whether I had ever heard the words which express it. How, then, did I arrive at a knowledge of it? I know not. All that I know is that when I entered that church I was profoundly ignorant of everything, and that when I came out I saw everything clearly and distinctly.”
Baron de Bussieres states, “We have given in this volume a literal translation of the original accounts of the conversion of M. Alphonse Ratisbonne along with many other letters and documents relating to the miraculous conversion.”
This edition is faithful to the original published in 1842.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 96 pages
An American Missionary's Story
by Dr Paul Lavin and Robert Lavin
Except for a year furlough home in the US, Father Joseph Lavin served the Chinese people for twenty years (1932-1953), traversing thousands of miles by foot or bicycle, and exposing himself every day to life threatening dangers. In 1953 the Communists expelled him from the mainland threatening him with death if he should ever return.
This well-documented book, written by the Iron Man's nephew, illustrates one of the reasons why there are ten million Catholics, loyal to Rome, in China today.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 337 pages
The True Story of the Knight of Vivar
by James Fitzhenry
This book is an inspiring biography about an extraordinary Catholic knight chosen by God to save his nation from Islamic aggression. Known by the honorary title of El Cid, Rodrigo Diaz is an epic hero who is relevant to our time. Exiled by his king, insulted and maligned by those who should have supported him, he selflessly fought against seemingly insurmountable odds to save Christian Spain. Commanding the respect even of his enemies, upon his death a Muslim historian acclaimed him a "miracle among the great miracles of the Almighty."
The Cid is an example of what can be achieved through devotion to duty, prayer, and trust in God.
Ages: 12 and older
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 186 pages
Priest, Pioneer, and Adventurer
by Agnes Repplier
The early French colonies in North America were a harsh and inhospitable place. Visitors to these settlements often remarked that these early colonialists, when compared with their European relations, seemed forged of a different metal: bold and brash, like the environment surrounding them. Yet, among such daring figures, a certain unassuming Jesuit missionary stands out. His name: Jacques Marquette. Born in France in 1637, Marquette became a Jesuit at the age of 17. Possessing a keen desire for adventure, coupled with a true missionary’s compassion and a gift for linguistics, it was not long before Marquette was assigned as a missionary to New France. Once there, his daring nature drove him into the wilderness of the Great Lakes, establishing missions and preaching the gospel to even the most remote tribes. Never hesitant to risk death by exposure, starvation, or Iroquois raid, Marquette would continue to minister to tribes as far south as the Arkansas River until his death in 1675. While such a remarkable figure might intimidate even the seasoned essayist, Agnes Repplier once again shows herself to be both a gifted storyteller and consummate biographer. Maintaining historical accuracy without sacrificing her own dramatic flair, she weaves a tale of priestly valour truly worthy of its subject matter.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 298 pages
A Story of Raphael
by Brother Ernest, C.S.C.
Raphael Santi was born in 1483 in Italy. His father, a well respected artist, encouraged young Raphael to develop his artistic talent. After he was orphaned at the age of 11, Raphael studied with other artists and painted many portraits of his favourite subject, the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1508, Pope Julius asked Raphael to work for him. In Rome, Raphael became known not only for his artistic masterpieces but also for his hard work, his humility, and his charity toward struggling young artists.
Level 2
Paperback, size 9" x 6", 94 pages