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

4 APR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Grace Bourget on her novel Ad Maré: Song of the Pleiades (April 3, 2024) A kingdom living in the shadow of a five-hundred year curse.A people banished for protecting their home against it.Seven stars gliding westward.One ancient city has already fallen to the sea.  The only hope to save Celae and her people lies in the sky overhead; in the star on one girl’s brow; and a haunting voice calling her over the sea.  Only her worst nightmares could prepare her for what lurked in the ancient mist.“For only the broken souls may shine with starlight.” https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/admare/

2 APR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Karina Fabian and Dcn. Steve Lumbert on their book There You Are God! (April 1, 2024) Far too often, we expect God to show Himself in grand ways yet ignore when He makes His presence known in the day to day. Neither Deacon Steve nor Karina had dramatic conversions. Rather, God led them into deeper faith through the seemingly minor details of life: pot of rice, a habit of prayer, a frustrating flight home, or a barefooted stranger. This father-daughter team have written a delightful, quick book about finding God in the day-to-day. With thought-provoking quotes, heartwarming stories, Bible verses, passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and simple exercises the reader can fit into his or her daily routine, they help others recognize God's presence. Great for the casual or converting Catholic longing for something more in their relationship with God, or the "advanced" Catholic wanting light spiritual exercise. https://www.amazon.com/There-You-Deacon-Steven-Lumbert/dp/1956489169

28 MAR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Lisa Wroble on her book Starving: Can We Feed Everyone? (March 27, 2024) Starving: Can We Feed Everyone delves into the critical issue of global food security and explores whether we can provide sustenance for the entire world population. https://www.amazon.com/Starving-Feed-Everyone-Life-Know/dp/0766073742

27 MAR 2024 · In this episode of Author to Author, Dr. Cynthia Toolin-Wilson interviews Maria Gallagher on her book Glorious Encounters with Mary (March 26, 2024)