El Cid
God's Own Champion!

El Cid: God's Own Champion and Saint Fernando III relate the stories of exhilarating sanctity and success in battle against God's enemies in Catholic Spain! The Cid is a giant in the list of Catholic heroes. Do you know his story? Are you tired of the endless books that tell the story of little bad boy runs away from home, does something bad and becomes a saint? James Fitzhenry, owner of Catholic Vitality Publications wrote El Cid: God's Own Champion to meet the need for good Catholic history books. The true story of the Knight of Vivar is an inspiring biography about an extraordinary Catholic knight in Spanish history, "chosen by God to save his nation from Islamic aggression." This is a great book for giving as a gift or for using in Catholic high school curriculum.

Further, this Catholic hero is "Known by the honorary title of El Cid, Rodrigo Diaz is an epic hero who is relevant to our time." A Muslim historian, even, 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." (-Back cover.)

"The life of Rodrigo Diaz stands out in the history of Roman Catholic Church heroes as one of the most blessed and courageous knights in Catholic history. He is considered by many as one who is among both saints and soldiers."

My personal opinion is that El Cid: God's Own Champion is one of the best Catholic living history books available. Catholic schools, Catholic home school families, and adults will appreciate the detailed actions of the Cid, the beautiful descriptions of the country in which he rode, his pitiful plight in the face of injustice, and his strength in virtue. I was grateful to see that there were no suggestive romantic scenes, disproportionate admiration for older times, or denigration of women. It truly is one of the best Catholic history books I have had the pleasure to read. --M. Fifer, St. Anne's Helper

You may buy The Cid: God's Own Champion and other new and used Catholic books at Amazon here.

Saint Fernando III

Saint Fernando III

"The greatest Spanish monarch, King of Castile and Leon, Saint Fernando III was born in the year 1199 - exactly 100 years after the death of his illustrious ancestor, El Cid. In him would be combined the soul of a knight dedicated entirely to God, the irresistible power of the Cid, and due to his royal heritage, the authority to marshal the might of an entire kingdom against the enemies of Christ. Personally leading his armies into battle, he took back more territory from Islam than any other king in history. First cousin of St. Louis IX of France, he died a saintly death in the year 1252. His incorrupt body can still be seen in the Cathedral of Seville, and his feast day, May 30th, is a holy day of obligation in Spain." From the cover.

"Saint Fernando III is likely to be the best Catholic living history books that I have ever read. It tells the true story. The story is filled with phenomenal stories of miracles in battle against the enemies of God. Read El Cid: God's Own Champion first, and then get ready for Saint Fernando! It is exhilarating to follow the story of the Catholic king's youth, virtues and successes in the fight against the unjust aggressors in his land.The story continually confirms one's ability to trust in God by living the Catholic Faith, praying and doing one's duty. I am grateful to have this example of the Catholic catechism in action! In the face of unbeatable odds King Saint Fernando III always won God's battles. M. Fifer, St. Anne's Helper

You can buy it at Lepanto Press at Our Lady of Victory School.

Catholic Vitality Publications

Their Learning to Love God, is a children's book with 49 beautiful color illustrations to inspire your child to a greater love of God!

Learning to Love God fills a void in Traditional Catholic children’s literature. It is a unique and inspiring work to help parents and grandparents introduce the truths of the Faith – and the images of Catholicism – to their little ones. -Editor, Catholic Family News

"The purpose of this book, an entirely new creation, is to present God to young readers to make Him known and loved. This spiral bound book is child-friendly with large print, plenty of white space, color drawings that communicate the sense of the sacred, and is printed on heavy stock."

Order these books by emailing Catholic Vitality Publications at

catholicvitality@yahoo.com With the subject line:

From St. Anne's Helper

or by going to Catholic home school book providers like Amazon's New and Used Catholic Books,Emmanuel Books, Our Lady of Victory School, or Lepanto Press.

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