8 MAY 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews David Clayton on his book Veiling to Reveal: John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the Role of Clothing in Christian Art and Anthropology (May 7, 2024) In his writing on the human person and art, Pope John Paul II renewed interest in the nude in sacred art, calling artists to represent the human form "naked without shame." While some have interpreted this as a new Catholic permissiveness, David Clayton argues that John Paul II actually reaffirms the Church's traditional approach.In Veiling to Reveal, Clayton: - Examines how Christian artists should approach nudity to avoid licentiousness, using the Sistine Chapel's recent renovations as a starting point - Explores how good art deviates from perfect realism to depict essential truths not always visible to the naked eye - Guides Christian artists in avoiding the occasion of sin while providing alternative training methods for mastering the human figure https://www.amazon.com/Veiling-Reveal-Theology-Christian-Anthropology/dp/B0D11Z2SC8/

8 MAY 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews David Clayton on his book The Way of Beauty (May 6, 2024) In The Way of Beauty, David Clayton describes how a true Catholic education is both a program of liturgical catechesis and an inculturation that aims for the supernatural transformation of the person so that he can in turn transfigure the whole culture through the divine beauty of his daily action. There is no human activity, no matter how mundane, that cannot be enhanced by this formation in beauty. Such enhanced activity then resonates in harmony with the common good and, through its beauty, draws all people to the Church--and ultimately to the worship of God in the Sacred Liturgy. The Way of Beauty will be of profound interest not only to artists, architects, and composers, but also to educators, who can apply its principles in home and classroom for the formation and education of children and students of all ages and at all levels--family, homeschooling, high school, college, and university. https://www.amazon.com/Way-Beauty-Liturgy-Education-Inspiration/dp/1621381412/

2 MAY 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews David Clayton on his book The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home (April 30, 2024) Keeping a faithful prayer life with your family isn't easy. From herding distracted children to managing the seemingly endless litany of prayers and devotions, our spiritual life all too often feels frantic and burdensome.This isn't the way it should be. Our prayer life, our family life, and our work life should--and can!--be in harmony. When they are, our family is a powerhouse of grace, and Our Lord transforms our home into a little Eden--a little bit of heaven on earth.With simplicity and holy wisdom, authors David Clayton and Leila Marie Lawler show you how to bring peace to your home by integrating your family into the calm, truly joyful way of Mother Church. Her feasts and seasons, prayers and devotions are gifts that draw us closer to God and unfold before us His marvelous plan of salvation.To help you live the Liturgical Life of the Church more fully, David and Leila reclaim here an almost lost tradition that families used for centuries to build a beautiful bridge between home and church: the little oratory.Consisting of a modest table and icons, the little oratory is a visible sign of spiritual awareness and devotion. It extends the Eucharistic worship of the Mass into the heart of your home, spiritually nourishing your family and preparing them to transform the world through prayer and charity.Building your own little oratory is simple, and in these pages you'll discover just how easy it is. In fact, you likely have most of the pieces in your home already except, perhaps, the sacred art. That s why we've included here seven full-colored icons that are ready for framing, enabling you to get started right away!By following the wise advice in this book, you'll discover the peace and love that flows from a home that is focused on Christ. You'll also learn . . . - How to use sacred art to strengthen your prayer life. - How to extend Catholic beliefs and devotions into every room of the house. - Why the Liturgy of the Hours is important and how it can make your family holy. - How to pray the Rosary with children and keep the rowdiest of them calm and reverent. - The active role children can and should play in the prayer life of the family. - What to do when only one parent takes the spiritual life seriously. - How to overcome the feeling that you're too busy to pray. - Practical ways to extend the liturgical life into your workplace. - And countless other tips to help you practice your faith in the heart of your home. https://www.amazon.com/Little-Oratory-Beginners-Guide-Praying/dp/1622821769/

30 APR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews David Clayton on his book The Vision For You: How to Discover the Life You Were Made For. The Vision for You is the name of a process by which we, who have been through it, discovered our true calling in life – what we call our ‘personal vocation.’ Through this process we discovered the Great Fact – that we have a choice in life. We can choose to be happy or to be miserable. The goal is to be happy and to become, more and more, the people we were meant to be. We aim to lead a life that is a good, true, and beautiful path to a better life. We call this path the Way of Beauty. I believe that anyone who has a sense that their lives ought to be more fulfilled can benefit from this book if they are prepared to follow its directions as best they can. This book is a description of the transformation of life through a set of spiritual exercises called the Vision for You – it is a structured ‘process,’ or ‘program,’ of prayer, reflection, and good works. You don’t have to be Catholic, or even Christian for this process to work – you just need to be open-minded enough to do what is suggested. The principles in this book come from the ancient tradition of Western spirituality going right back to the Church Fathers. You don't need to accept the Christian understanding of why it works in order for it to work. You just need to take the actions it describes and be willing to believe that there is a God. In other words, act as though he exists regardless of whether you believe it.  https://www.amazon.com/Vision-You-Discover-Life-Were/dp/1980665230

17 APR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Joseph P. Michael, Th.D., on his book Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church), Book 1 (April 15, 2024) The author offers the Church something that the Church does not currently possess, namely a comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment of the subject of Maria, Mater Ecclesiae, arguing that Mary was divinely predestined to be Mother of the Church from the dawn of creation. The book is both persuasive and provocative, potentially troublesome for those who remain indifferent to the Virgin Mother’s participation in Christ’s mission of redemption. The inquiry spans the intellectual spectrum, on one hand clarifying terminology for the purposes of catechetical and ecumenical dialogue, on the other hand providing voluminous authoritative references that call upon various theologians, philosophers, Saints, Doctors of the Church and scripture passages that are seemingly difficult to refute. At the heart of this investigation lies the existential reality of Mary’s maternal charity and the understanding of love as a reciprocal relationship between Mary and her adopted children. It is the mutual nature of love that spawns the idea that this Marian doctrine may benefit ecumenical dialogue and evangelization by appealing both to the heart and the importance of loving one another. But perhaps the most potentially contentious aspect of this investigation lies in the argument that as the doctrine relies on the principle of mutual love for one another, it becomes abundantly clear that love and devotion for the Virgin Mother becomes necessary if one aspires to eternal happiness. https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/motherofthechurch/

15 APR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Maria Riley on her book Saint John Bosco: The Juggling Saint (April 14, 2024) Summer is over, and Joshua is about to start at his brand-new school. He feels so nervous about starting somewhere new, and he’s not sure if he’ll get lost or if he will make any friends. Luke, Becca, and Joshua go on a special journey and meet Saint John Bosco - a priest who juggles and does acrobatics! What could this quirky priest be able to teach the kids? Will Joshua be ok on his first day? https://www.amazon.com/Saint-John-Bosco-Juggling-Adventures/dp/1959607030/

13 APR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Allison Gingras on her book Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (April 12, 2024) After a friend gave Allison Gingras a Miraculous Medal, she began to incorporate it and other sacramentals into her personal prayer time and family devotions. She soon discovered that these tangible signs—which Catholics believe prepare us to receive the grace of the sacraments—helped both her and her profoundly deaf daughter connect with God and the spiritual motherhood of Mary, who is intimately connected to so many of these practices.Blessings, prayers, devotions, and objects such as rosaries and scapulars are forms of sacramentals. In Encountering Signs of Faith, Gingras—founder of Reconciled to You ministries—shares the story of how these helped her discern the adoption of her daughter from China, strengthened her faith as she waited to meet her, helped her bond with the toddler, and taught her daughter about her faith.Gingras offers examples of saints who inspired and embraced sacramentals, including Juan Diego, Faustina, Bernadette, and Venerable Patrick Peyton. You will also learn about the spiritual benefits of incorporating sacramentals such as sacred images, novenas, prayer cards, lectio divina (sacred reading), and holy water into daily life. Reflection questions and grace-building activities are included with each chapter.Gingras will guide you and your family to experience these sacred signs in a new way and to connect you more meaningfully to Jesus, Mary, and the saints. https://www.amazon.com/Encountering-Signs-Faith-Unexpected-Sacramentals/dp/1646801415

13 APR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Terry Modica on her book My Soul Shall Be Healed: A Study Guide on Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist) (April 11, 2024) This easy-to-understand study guide explains in ordinary language how to understand the very important Church document, Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist) an encyclical by Pope Saint John Paul II. You’ll be able to apply it to your everyday life in today’s world. You’ll discover how to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. You’ll learn why Catholicism teaches that the Eucharist as the “source and summit of the Christian life.” You’ll find out—with clarity—what Catholics believe and do not believe about the Eucharist. And you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the reason why only Catholic priests can consecrate the communion elements alongside the important role you have, with the whole community, in the Eucharistic celebration.  https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/mysoulshallbehealed/

5 APR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Cathy Gilmore, creator of VirtueHeroes.com. For more on this series, visit https://www.virtueheroes.com/

4 APR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews L. Thane Belan on his book Help Me Lord, I Need YOU (April 3, 2024) Their cries for help and their discovery of how God leads us to freedom is an inspiration to us all. Help Me Lord, I Need YOU is a composition of true stories illustrating people’s life struggles and demonstrating the many ways God can help us in our similar struggles. This book leads us on a path of Discovery, forgiveness, Healing, and Faith, hope and Love to “The Help.” Come journey with these real people in their stories to real Help and learn how their lessons could help you too. The lessons learned in these stories are worth noting and reflecting on. Space is provided throughout this book that allow you to do that. https://www.amazon.com/Help-Me-Lord-Need-YOU/dp/B08NYGJFPN