“A gripping and morally charged narrative, Bliss’s novel draws readers into a shadowed landscape where faith, suffering, and human frailty collide, revealing grace not as escape, but as a hard-won illumination within darkness.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy
Virginia Lee Bliss brings the perspective of a traveler, teacher and biologist, to her published works. Her experience of living in Scotland and Poland appears in her books, as do her years of teaching college biology. She lives on a lake in Central Massachusetts, where she’s inspired by the history and beauty of New England.
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Jennifer Ristine interviewed Liz Tabish, the actress who plays Mary Magdalene on The Chosen. Click play on the video below.
“What a remarkable biblical, traditional, and creative exploration of the life of St. Mary Magdalene! I met Jennifer Ristine numerous year ago in Magdala, where she offered my pilgrimage group an inspiring tour of the excavations and prayer spaces of the Magdalene’s chosen city. Jennifer’s years in Magdala, and her journeys to Bethany, Jerusalem, and southern France, have prepared her contemplative heart to produce this imaginative historical novel. I love Mary Magdalene and I devoured this remarkable book. Order it, read it, and fill your imagination with holy, intimate imagery of Jesus and his dear friend and disciple.” – Stephen J. Binz, founder of Threshold Bible Study and author of Holy Land Pilgrimage, at http://www.Bridge-B.com
“I feel like I just met the Magdalene. What a beautiful blending of biblical and pious traditions with profound spiritual and psychological insight, the work not only of good scholarship but even more a true contemplative!” – Dr. Anthony Lilles, St. Patrick’s Seminary and University, Menlo Park, CA, co-founder the Avila Institute of Spiritual Formation
“Jennifer Ristine brings Mary Magdalene to vivid life, revealing the childhood wounds that shaped her into the woman we encounter in the Gospels—and how Jesus transformed her into the model of a female disciple. Weaving biblical scholarship with Ignatian spirituality, Ristine creates an original retreat experience. Following the “apostle of the apostles” through her story, familiar Gospel scenes come alive in startling new ways, while you discover the deeper terrain of your own wounded heart in need of divine mercy. A reading experience that becomes a spiritual journey—where Mary Magdalene’s story of redemption becomes a mirror for your own.” -Dr. Nina Heereman, author of Athirst for the Spirit: Biblical Wisdom for Desert Times
“Jesus Christ is the greatest storyteller of all time. HIStory is the one which matters most. “Becoming the Magdalene” highlights this reality by brilliantly retelling the story of Jesus through the eyes of Mary Magdalene. Followers of Christ never tire of hearing the words of scripture. Jennifer Ristine is obedient to hierarchical biblical accuracy, as she uses historical facts and recent archaeological findings, with a vibrant imagination, to give spiritual insights on the relationship between Mary Magdalene and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Readers are brought back to the first century where they will visualize the life and times of Jesus as they pore over every word He speaks in the Gospel. Ristine further explores the complexities and difficulties of the first century Apostles. This book invokes one to utter the perfect prayer with their lives. Through Mary Magdalene’s humility, and her title “Apostle to the Apostles”, we give thanks and praise to Our Lord Jesus Christ. We reflect in self-awareness, which leads to repentance and reparation. And finally, we commit our lives to the service of God.” – Mary Driscoll, Script Analyst/Writer
“I loved reading Becoming Magdalene: Historical Fiction. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres because it lets me learn while still getting lost in a story; and Jennifer Ristine does this so well. The history felt alive, and the storytelling pulled me in from the start.” – Fr. Anton Vogelsang, LC, author of Génesis: Crimen, castigo, bendición and El Éxodo: Conversión y regreso a casa
“Becoming Magdalene is a luminous work that blends fidelity to Scripture with imaginative depth. It invites readers into Mary’s journey with Christ, stirring the heart toward deeper faith, love, and discipleship.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy
Jennifer Ristine is a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi, which is a Society of Apostolic Life in the Catholic Church. She consecrated her life to God in 1997 and has been engaged in faith and spiritual formation primarily through teaching, writing, conferences, retreats and spiritual direction. She has been a contributor for RC Spirituality, epriest, and an instructor for the online Spiritual Director Certificate course at Divine Mercy University in Virginia. She is the author of Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala and Nine Days with Mary Magdalene. She served for 12 years as a teacher of pedagogy, theology and spirituality classes at Mater Ecclesiae College, and served from 2014-2018 as the Director of the Magdalena Institute and the Visitors’ Center Coordinator in Magdala, the ancient hometown of Mary Magdalene, a first century Jewish site and Christian pilgrim center. She has obtained degrees in Special Education from Western Illinois University, Pastoral and Religious studies from Regina Apostolorum in Rome, a Masters degree in Theology from Catholic Distance University in Virginia, a Masters in Ignatian Spirituality from the Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain and has studies in the Masters in the Mystics from CITeS and the Catholic University in Avila, Spain.
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This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the priestly vocation in light of Christ’s threefold office as King, Prophet, and Priest. Drawing from Scripture, Vatican II, the Catechism, and the writings of St. John Paul II, O Connor blends theology with lived parish experience. This guide equips seminarians, clergy, and lay leaders to shepherd, teach, and sanctify God’s people with wisdom and pastoral charity.
Paperback: $34.95 | Kindle: $9.99
“Pastoral Lessons: A Study in Pastoral Theology, Theory and Practice by Fr. Richard O’Connor is a well-constructed book for the pastoral formation of both priests and the laity. This is a comprehensive yet practical guide to the cooperation necessary in the parish to move the shepherds and the sheep toward the Kingdom of God. Grounded in the doctrines of the Church while being within reach of those without advanced degrees, this magnificent work speaks to all of us, priests, married couples, families, single parishioners, as we, in our varied but connected roles, share in the pastoral work of parish life.” – Kiki Latimer, author of Home for the Homily: The Sacred Art of Homiletics
“Fr. O Connor’s Pastoral Lessons masterfully bridges theology and lived ministry. With clarity and depth, he offers a timeless guide for priests and lay leaders seeking to shepherd God’s people with wisdom, faith, and pastoral charity.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism
Fr Richard O Connor, D.D., is an Irish priest, ordained in 1976, who worked in the diocese of Kerry for many years. He was also head of philosophy in All Hallows Seminary in Dublin from 1981-1983 and has been a professor of theology at the Angelicum University in Rome from 2008 to the present.
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“I am happy to endorse Eric Gilhooly’s book To a Younger Brother. In an easy-to-read style, it offers practical wisdom to men in the earlier years of formation. Born of his own spiritual journey and with the love of a wise older brother, Eric shares real-life insights to encourage others as they seek to know the Lord’s will and prepare for ordination. This book would also be an excellent resource for someone considering the priesthood or religious life.” – Most Reverend Robert J. Fisher, Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, Michigan
“Even challenging journeys can be found enjoyable when there is a good companion to guide you – someone who knows the struggles and the pitfalls along the way – and the journey of seminary formation is no exception. Through sharing his own reflections on his years in formation, Father Gilhooly is this welcome companion. A helpful ‘older brother’ to any seminarian, he provides insights in this book that are both wise and relatable.” – Deacon Paul Gardner, Fourth-Year Seminarian Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri
Eric Gilhooly was born on August 12, 1986, in Syracuse, New York. He entered the minor seminary in 1999. His major seminary formation took him to Ireland, Connecticut, and Rome. He studied in the Pontifical Athenum Regina Apostolorum, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree in philosophy as well as his bachelor’s degree in theology. He was ordained to the diaconate in Syracuse on May 19, 2018, and was sent to Bogotá, Colombia to begin his ministry. He was ordained a priest on May 4, 2019.
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Daily Journal: 30-Day Prayer Prescription is a practical spiritual guide designed to deepen daily communion with God. Over 30 days, readers receive scripture-based reflections, intentional prayer prompts, and actionable steps for spiritual renewal. Whether seeking healing, peace, or a stronger faith life, this book offers a clear, consistent framework to cultivate a richer prayer habit and draw closer to God in everyday living.
Paperback $19.95
“Many in our modern world struggle to commit to prayer, or to recommit to the prayer time that may have slipped away. Gina Witt offers here a simple and beautiful way back. It is a kind of blueprint for daily prayer. It is neither overwhelming in terms of details, nor vague. After introductory remarks, she sets forth a daily ritual with opportunities to reflect and journal. It is indeed a 30-day prayer prescription for better spiritual health. Please read and share this wonderful new book.” – Msgr. Charles Pope, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
“Time and time again in this exorcism and deliverance ministry we witness the power of God as wielded by the Church. The Mass and Eucharist, Confession and other sacraments are wonderful graces of healing and salvation. Moreover, the Church’s many sacramentals, especially the Rite of Exorcism itself, are uniquely powerful in protecting the faithful and casting out evil spirits. But we often overlook the importance of our personal prayer with the Lord. Over the years I have witnessed that liberation is expedited and sustained by a fervent personal prayer life. Developing a solid prayer life and regular reception of the sacraments is most important in the process of sanctification and liberation. This 30-day prescription is an effective tool in beginning to grow in this all-important personal relationship with Jesus Christ who is the ultimate exorcist!” – Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti PhD, DMin, President and Founder, St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal
“Rooted in Scripture and the Church’s tradition, this journal is a healer’s kit for the soul. Clear, pastoral, and bold, it invites beginners and veterans into daily prayer that births freedom, gratitude, and courageous faith.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy: a hundred-day guided journal
Gina Witt serves at the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal as its Director for Healing Ministries. She is an auxiliary member of the International Association of Exorcists (A.I.E), and the lay ministry team leader for the deliverance and exorcism ministry at the Center. Gina is a spiritual director, accompanying afflicted persons as they journey to deeper freedom and faith.
She was among the first group of women trained through the Women Speak for Themselves (WSFT) Spokeswoman Training with Helen Alvare. This national grassroots movement was founded to empower women to better speak and write in the media, local communities, and online about topics such as the dignity of life and religious freedom.
Gina is a graduate of the spiritual direction program at the Avila Institute in partnership with the Heart of Christ Spiritual Direction Program. She serves souls as they seek to better know, love & serve the Lord. She has dedicated her life to the Pope’s call to the New Evangelization, sharing her faith journey with others to spread the Good News of God’s love, mercy, and healing.
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