Biography

A Holy Emperor and His Legacy October 3, 2004 saw what appeared to many to be a very strange thing: Emperor-King Charles of Austria-Hungary, last Habsburg to rule in Central Europe and wartime foe of the United States, was raised to the altars of the Church as a Blessed by St. John Paul II. But odd as this appeared, the real story of the “Peace Emperor” and his just as remarkable wife reads like a combination of a suspense thriller, Greek tragedy, and hagiography. The inheritor of a tradition...

This is the classic, fascinating and almost fabulous life of St. Antony of the Desert, the first hermit and the Father of Monasticism, all as recorded in the inimitable style of the great Doctor of the Church, St. Athanasius of Alexandria (c.297-373 A.D.).From St. Antony’s life, for example, we learn that there are swarms of devils everywhere, but that they are powerfulness to harm us if we use the Holy Name of Jesus and the sacramentals of the Church to ward them off. We also see how stalwar...

2 Volume Set Take a journey through the inspiring lives of the saints with this stunning boxed set. Our Lives of the Saints Boxed Set is an absolutely essential collection for anyone looking to deepen their connection to Christianity. Containing both volumes of Lives of the Saints and Lives of the Saints II, in a sturdy, well-crafted boxed set, this comprehensive collection is sure to be treasured for years to come. This two-volume set includes short biographies of 365 saints or blesseds – on...

Very few people know that Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) wrote a major work on Joan of Arc. Still fewer know that he considered it not only his most important but also his best work. He spent twelve years in research and many months in France doing archival work and then made several attempts until he felt he finally had the story he wanted to tell. He reached his conclusion about Joan's unique place in history only after studying in detail accounts written by both sides, the French and the Engl...

Marie-Antoinette, Daughter of the Caesars is about the life, death and legacy of Louis XVI's tragic Queen, based upon the author's thirty years of research. Whenever possible the historical persons speak for themselves out of memoirs and letters. Marie-Antoinette is seen in light of her Imperial heritage as a child of the Habsburg dynasty. Having assumed the crown of the Holy Roman Empire in the 1400’s, the crown which had originated with Charlemagne in the year 800, they were seen as the con...

Dive into the incredible story that is The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest, by John Gerard. This richly detailed tome tells the truth of a Jesuit priest living in England during Elizabethan times a time when England had declared being Catholic as treason and priests were on the run.Read about Fr. Gerard's incredible journey - smuggled into England at night and dumped on a Norfolk beach, he still persists despite all obstacles. Forced to disguise himself as a country gentleman, Fr. Gerard con...

Drawing on St Bonaventure’s own account of his life, The Life of St. Francis of Assisi provides readers with an unparalleled insight into the life of this extraordinary saint. This re-edition of the 1260 text is devoted to a complete and accurate text, including detailed footnotes that serve as great resources for Franciscan historians, theologians and lovers of spiritual readings. Told with striking detail, this book captures the story of St Francis' earnest dedication to seeking divine inte...

The life and work of Annibale Bugnini have helped shape the evolution of the Catholic Church over the past half-century, and now, Yves Chiron presents a comprehensive look into the man who helped reform its liturgy. In Annibale Bugnini: Reformer of the Liturgy, readers are invited to uncover Bugnini's biography, his intellectual trajectory, and his lasting legacy on the liturgical landscape.From his early academic studies in theology to debates at Vatican II to changes that continue to resona...

Her Life and Work & The People and Places In Her Story The product of twenty years of research and writing, this extraordinary new work is the most comprehensive portrait of Thérèse ever published, and the ultimate reference to her life and spirituality. A Companion to Saint Thérèse will appeal to all devotees of Thérèse, as well as those approaching her for the first time, who will find it a fascinating introduction. There is abundant material concerning her autobiography as well as her ...

In this brilliant reflection on the poor friar of Assisi, G.K. Chesterton unfolds the life and times of St. Francis, from his conversion as a young man to his receiving of the Stigmata at the end of his life. While many modern biographers stumble in their effort to grasp the essence of the saint, Chesterton shows that Francis' entire life, his prayer, his poverty, his asceticism, his love of creation, and all his eccentricities, flowed from his profound love for Christ and all men. In Chester...

St. Thomas Aquinas - For Chesterton, Thomas Aquinas is a man of mystery, who though born into a noble Neapolitan family chose the life of a mendicant friar. Shy and lumbering, his classmates dubbed him "the Dumb Ox". However he was to lead a revolution in Christian thought. Chesterton's portrayal will engage, enlighten and sometimes confound. His seminal sketch of the life and thought of this great man is as relevant today as when it was first published in 1933. ...... St Francis of Assisi - ...

The Life of Teresa of Jesus is a timeless work that provides an intimate glimpse into the life of one of Catholicism’s most revered figures. Written in 1565 at the request of her confessor, this autobiography reveals prose that is lyrical and deeply spiritual, offering an immensely engaging and inspiring read. Through its pages, we become entranced by the life story of Teresa, who sought to draw closer to God with great force and commitment. The remarkable woman displayed candor and wit throu...

Salazar and His Work is an indispensable volume that provides an in-depth overview of the life and legacy of one of Portugal's most beloved leaders. António de Oliveira Salazar was a statesman whose strong personal values guided his leadership, making him especially revered among the Portuguese citizens. He was highly intelligent, honest and dedicated to public service, working arduously with deep devotion to ensure a prosperous future for his country. Salazar and His Work is an insightful lo...

Here is a special two-in-one book that is both by G.K. Chesterton and about Chesterton. This volume offers an irresistible opportunity to see who this remarkable man really was. Chesterton was one of the most stimulating and well-loved writers of the 20th century. His 100 books, and hundreds of essays and columns on a great variety of themes have made G.K. Chesterton the most widely quoted writers of modern times. Here is Chesterton in his own words, in a book he preferred not to write, but d...

The life of St. Edmund Campion comes alive in the pages of Evelyn Waugh’s Edmund Campion. This captivating work traces the journey of a remarkable man—from a celebrated Oxford scholar to professorship in Prague and ultimately to becoming a martyr for his unshakable commitment to the Queen and faith. With its combination of striking prose, perfect historic truth and elements that any novelist would admire, this book is bound to captivate any reader. Tracing the arc of Edmund Campion’s incredib...

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 ...

Ignatius Press is proud to bring you The Shadow of His Wings, the must-have book this season. It is an incredible true story from Father Gereon Goldmann, a young German seminarian drafted into Hitler's dreaded SS during World War II. Despite being surrounded by evil, Father Goldmann persevered without compromising his Christian ideals and values. The Shadow of His Wings details all of Father Goldmann’s harrowing experiences – family life during wartime, the trials of war and his many near-dea...

This colorful memoir offers a rare, up-close glimpse of the life and personality of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, the beloved Italian monk who was blessed with extraordinary gifts. The late Fr. Amorth--well-known as an exorcist --enjoyed over two decades of a close friendship with the holy, quirky Padre Pio, whom he considered his spiritual father. Adding his own personal experience to a foundation of biographical research, Amorth gives an entertaining and illuminating account of perhaps one of the...

If you're looking for an engaging and inspiring way to deepen your spiritual journey, The Life & Revelations of Saint Gertrude the Great is the perfect book. An acclaimed classic of Catholic literature, this volume contains the conversations that St. Gertrude had with Our Lord, in which He reveals secrets of Heaven, spiritual shortcuts and more that can help guide all of us on our spiritual paths. From gaining a greater sense of how prayer affects our lives to truly understanding how good...

"A Heart For Europe" is a riveting book that introduces readers to the heartfelt story of Emperor Charles, the last Hapsburg ruler of the Austrio-Hungarian Empire. Now declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II in 2004, Emperor Charles was married to Princess Zita of Bourbon-Parma and inherited the throne in 1916 amidst World War One. Despite facing impossible odds, this devoted sovereign set out on a mission to bring peace to Europe and end the war. His efforts were recognized and he was honored ...

St. Maximilian Kolbe is an undeniable hero who, in true Knight of the Immaculata form, gave up his life for another. The legacy he left behind and the courage he showed should be celebrated and studied by all. That's why this new book - 'St. Maximilian Kolbe: Knight of the Immaculata' - is the perfect tool to learn more about the impressive accomplishments of this inspiring Saint.This stunning work not only paints a vivid portrait of St. Maximilian's life before WWII, but it captures his jour...

Explore the extraordinary life of a beloved and devoted saint in The Autobiography of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, an unforgettable and inspiring work by venerated spiritual author Veronica Brandewey. This intimate book offers rare insights into the life and teachings of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the French Visitation nun to whom Our Lord gave the Sacred Heart revelations. Containing transcripts from her dictations, words from Our Lord Himself, and details on how she sought out suffering for...

Saint Monica: Model of Christian Mothers is a hard-hitting book that celebrates one woman's faith and the incredible legacy she left behind. It tells the gripping story of St. Monica, an extraordinary woman who devotedly prayed for her son Augustine's conversion to Christianity, even as he struggled against her wishes for years. Against all odds and in the face of many challenges, she successfully pushed through and finally achieved exceptional success—converting not only Augustine, but also ...

Travel back to the 15th century and discover the life, legacy and journey of Joan of Arc with Stein and Day’s classic 1966 publication. This authoritative work offers an insight into one of the most iconic figures of all time, providing a thorough exploration of historical accounts written by both allies and enemies. It delves into how she was brought up from relative obscurity through to becoming a revolutionary force in history. With Régine Pernoud's expert historical translation, this book...

Common Sense 101 is the perfect book for any reader looking to add clarity and insight to their worldview. Authored by Dale Ahlquist, president of the American Chesterton Society, this book gives readers a wonderful insight into how G. K. Chesterton looked at the world at large. With over a hundred books published on a variety of topics, thousands of essays in London newspapers, epic poetry, detective stories, illustrations and humor articles under his name, Chesterton has become one of the m...

Father Augustus Tolton was a faithful servant of the Lord who faced oppression and adversity, but still proclaimed the Good News of Jesus’ love with determination. In this gripping book, popular author and speaker Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers recounts the powerful story of Tolton’s heroic journey from a humble birth in slavery to becoming the first black American priest. Through every obstacle that came his way - untimely death of his father, abject poverty, and even being denied admission from...

No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy is a remarkable and inspiring story of transformation and redemption. Discover the compelling account of Fr. Donald's journey from high school dropout to a devoted Catholic Marian priest. Through his own words, discover how Divine Mercy, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, changed his life dramatically.Using vivid and captivating language, Fr. Donald recounts the full account of his life prior to conversion - with tales of being kicked out of a ...

The beautiful, true story of the 12-year-old girl who in 1902 died a martyr to preserve her purity. Describes her virtuous life, poverty, holiness, valiant resistance, heroic and lingering death, conversion of her murderer and canonization in 1950 with her mother, her murderer and over 500,000 present. This is the famous, popular, classic biography! This is a good book to read to children, so they have someone worthwhile to imitate. By having Maria put before them as a model, they will learn ...

If you're looking for comprehensive evidence of the truth of Catholicism, look no further. Surprised by Truth is an eye-opening collection of 11 personal conversion accounts from atheists, Evangelicals, Fundamentalists, and Pentecostals. Each account contains thorough biblical, theological, and historical proofs that together paint a compelling picture of the Catholic faith.This book opens with a powerful preface by Chief Editor Scott Hahn about the importance of conversion to Catholicism and...

From 1899 until her death in 1903, the young Italian woman St. Gemma Galgani physically experienced the wounds of Christ every Thursday evening. The stigmata would appear and bleed on her hands, feet, and side, stopping only on Friday afternoon and leaving white marks as a reminder. St. Gemma also experienced countless visions, raptures, ecstasies, and other mystical graces― as well as intense temptations from the devil.Here is the remarkable diary of this young saint, which her spiritual dir...

God uses the most unlikely people in mysterious ways. Madeleine Mirabal was born into a poor family in 19th century Paris. She suffered throughout her whole life. Despite not being raised in the Catholic Faith, she found God and step by step surrendered herself to His love, coming to realise that the very heart and essence of the Catholic Faith is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It was to her that God gave the inspiration for the devotion of the Mass of Reparation. Saddened by the absence of ...

A Priest in the Prisons of Communist Albania The dissemination of Dom Simon Jubani's testimony of faith, who was a priest in our Archdiocese during his lifetime, offers everyone with good will the possibility to discover or better know the terrible experience under Enver Hoxha's communist dictatorship in Albania. Through the eyes of this priest, who was one of the most affirmed and well-known figures in our country and overseas, the reader will thoroughly understand what these years meant for...

Following after brilliant authoritarian Pope Pius XII and good-humored Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI seemed hesitant, anxious, even tormented. Yet the impact of his fifteen-year-long papacy was colossal: not a single aspect of Church life was left untouched in the whirlwind of change unleashed by the Ecumenical Council he guided and sought to implement. Who was this man, Giovanni Battista Montini (1897-1978), who so altered the face, the voice, the bearing of Catholicism? Versatile historian ...

The Autobiography of a Latin Mass Exile Fr Bryan Houghton's life was fraught with momentous transitions. As a Protestant child educated in a Catholic school, he gradually awakened to the truth of the Faith and eventually converted. He responded to the call to priesthood, which he understood in its traditional sense as an office of offering sacrifice, reconciling sinners, feeding the spiritually hungry, and preaching divinely revealed truths. When the Second Vatican Council hit, and even more ...

Every great religious order runs into difficulties, and God provides a saint for those difficulties. Where would the Benedictines be without St. Maurus, the Franciscans without St. Bonaventure, or the Dominicans without Blessed Jordan? Likewise, where would the Poor Clares be without St. Colette? Colette of Corbie was born in one of the most turbulent times in the Church, the 14th century. She moved within the world of the Western Schism, having interacted with many of the great figures of he...

Mediatrix Press is pleased to put back into print: The Life of Pope Leo XIII written by the learned American Fr. Bernard O'Reilly, while that Pope was alive, and based on a memoir furnished to him by the Holy See. Thus, this work is nearly autobiographical, being based on the Pope's life as he wished it to be written. Fr. O'Reilly, making copious use of the Pope's Italian memoir, presents to us Gioacchomo Pecci, the future Leo XIII, in the midst of the dramatic and revolutionary changes affec...

G. K. Chesterton’s patriotism and growing sympathy for the poor had always vied with his appreciation of Jewish family values and his gratitude to the Jewish people for bringing God to the world. Then, with the rise of Nazism, Chesterton once again became their champion. Chesterton and the Jews peels away post-Holocaust assumptions to reveal his complex feelings for “the Jews” — admiration, fascination, and fear — uncovering neglected layers of meaning in stories hitherto seen as anti-Semitic...

A modern-day Confessions of Saint Augustine, The Seven Storey Mountain is one of the most influential religious works of the twentieth century. This edition contains an introduction by Merton's editor, Robert Giroux, and a note to the reader by biographer William H. Shannon. It tells of the growing restlessness of a brilliant and passionate young man whose search for peace and faith leads him, at the age of twenty-six, to take vows in one of the most demanding Catholic orders--the Trappist mo...

Into the Deep traces one woman's spiritual odyssey from birthright evangelicalism through postmodern feminism and, ultimately, into the Roman Catholic Church. As a college student, Abigail Favale experienced a feminist awakening that reshaped her life and faith. A decade later, on the verge of atheism, she found herself entering the oldest male-helmed institution on the planet--the last place she expected to be.With humor and insight, Favale describes her gradual exodus from Christian orthodo...

Explore the life and spirituality of Blessed Conchita, a mystic, saintly wife, and mother of nine, through "Beautiful Holiness: A Spiritual Journey with Blessed Conchita to the Heart of Jesus" by Kathleen Beckman. Discover how Blessed Conchita's experiences and writings offer profound insights for priests, religious, and married people alike. Learn about her vision of the Cross, her spiritual marriage with Christ, and her numerous mystical encounters, all while living a domestic life. This bo...

The well-known and very popular Catholic couple, Scott and Kimberly Hahn, have been constantly travelling and speaking all over North America for the last few years about their conversion to the Catholic Church. Now these two outstanding Catholic apologists tell in their own words about the incredible spiritual journey that led them to embrace Catholicism. Scott Hahn was a Presbyterian minister, the top student in his seminary class, a brilliant Scripture scholar, and militantly anti-Catholic...

From Fire, by Water is an inspiring and captivating account of one man’s journey to the Catholic faith. This book offers a firsthand look at Sohrab Ahmari’s incredible transformation from an atheist teenager in Iran to a devout Roman Catholic, bridging ancient faith with modern-day life. Through his eyes, readers will gain a unique perspective on the intellectual and spiritual struggles he faced in his search for higher truths.A unique and detailed memoir filled with personal reflections, Fro...