What Should Be Done With “Orphaned” Frozen Embryos? by Dr. Alicia Thompson and Dr. Elizabeth Rex

What Should Be Done With “Orphaned” Frozen Embryos? by Dr. Alicia Thompson and Dr. Elizabeth Rex

Judge Rules Frozen Human Embryos are Not Property
Visit the ITEST Resources from the May 8, 2021 Webinar
Pro-Life Organizations, Activities, and License Plates Labeled as 'Terrorist Groups' at Army's Anti-Terrorism Training
Custody of Embryonic Children Act 2023
Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program
National Embryo Donation Center

What Should Be Done With “Orphaned” Frozen Embryos?: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Magisterial Answers Quoted Directly from Donum Vitae and Dignitas Personae

by Dr. Alicia Thompson and Dr. Elizabeth B. Rex

Written in clear language, this book meets an urgent need for an easy-to-understand guide that reflects the Catholic Church’s ethical principles as detailed in Donum vitae (1987) and Dignitas personae (2008), answering frequently asked questions and demystifying bioethical complexities for those affected by infertility. By offering practical answers and thoughtful insights, this book empowers families to navigate the ethical challenges of assisted reproduction with faith and hope.

Paperback: $9.99 | Kindle: $9.99

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20 Years After Italy's "Medically Assisted Reproduction Law" in 2004: Model Legislation for the Legal Protection of Children Conceived with ART

IN THE NEWS

The John Henry Westen Show. (Mar 25, 2025). “Can we adopt frozen embryos from IVF? Catholic bioethicist weighs in.” Click here to access the interview.

“Embryo Adoption Debate, Part 1: Is rescuing frozen children an act of mercy—or a moral violation?” (April 1, 2025). LifeSite News. Click here to read the article.

“Is embryo adoption a form of surrogacy? Catholic bioethicists continue their debate” (April 8, 2025). LifeSite News. Click here to read the article. 

TESTIMONIALS FOR A Handbook on the Moral Arguments in the Embryo Adoption Debate, ed. by Elizabeth Rex and Charles Robertson

“What to do with the live human beings who are being warehoused as frozen embryos is one of the most important questions of our time. Embryos deserve to be treated as children, and not as property. They are the last group of humans being treated as property. Dr Elizabeth Rex is a world-class expert on this subject. I would urge everyone to consider her ideas deeply.” –Allan Parker, President, The Justice Foundation

“Although my perspective is heavily biased, I recommend this book as a thoughtful and provocative review of the moral and ethical issues involved in Embryo donation and adoption.  These 2 experts have provided thorough and compelling information on both sides of this controversial issue, and anyone with an interest in, or who works with couples involved with infertility should benefit from this work.” –Jeffrey A. Keenan, M.D., HCLD, Professor, Dept. of OB/GYN, Division of Reproductive, Endocrinology and Infertility, Univ. of Tennessee Medical Center, and Director, National Embryo Donation Center, Knoxville, TN

“Hannah Strege, the World’s First Adopted Frozen Embryo, offered the Opening Prayer for the ITEST Webinar that was devoted to the subject of this book. This very vividly shows us that the ethical debate embraced in this book, about whether or not it is morally right to adopt a frozen embryo, is about real people. Hannah went from being a frozen embryo who was placed for adoption, to being transferred to her adopted mother’s womb, to personally witnessing to the reality of being a human person. Let us prayerfully study Embryo Adoption, remembering that this is about helping children, like Hannah, to live to the full the gift of life we have all received.” – Francis Etheredge, Senior Fellow of The Donum Vitae institute, and author of 16 books including The Human Person: A Bioethical Word and Conception: An Icon of the Beginning

“A highly important read not only for those interested in embryo adoption but everyone concerned with the ethical issues involved.” – Ronda Chervin, Ph.D. Emerita Professor of Philosophy, Holy Apostles College and Seminary.  
“This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the embryo adoption debate. The essays present a clear and comprehensive look at both sides of this difficult issue. Highly recommended as the first point of reference on this subject.” – Richard A. Spinello, Professor, St. John’s Seminary and Boston College
“The embryo adoption debate is a crucial issue that concerns not only the fate of abandoned and frozen embryonic human beings but also the public credibility of Roman Catholic bioethical doctrine, pitting the charitable and sacrificial object of adoptive parents against complex, deductive arguments for the sinfulness of such action. Dr. Elizabeth Rex and Dr. Charles Robertson are two of the most recognizable voices in this debate. The pages of this book contain a lucid presentation of both sides in a rare attempt at finding points of agreement while clarifying the differences.” – Christopher Reilly, candidate for Th.D., M.A. theology, M.A. philosophy, M.P.I.A. public and international affairs 

​ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Alicia Thompson, DO, MPH, is a board certified ObGyn who is in private practice in Westerville, OH. She earned her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She completed her OB/GYN residency in Dayton, OH, and also served in the Air Force from 2006 to 2013.

Dr. Thompson was featured Speaker at the 2025 Bringing America Back to Life Convention where she discussed IVF from a Christian Perspective. Her presentation was titled, “IVF and Human Embryos: Finding Common Ground.”

 

​ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Elizabeth Rex is a Catholic Bioethicist who earned her MA and PhD in Thomistic Ethics at the University of Navarra and is now pursuing a doctorate in Theology at Pontifex University. Dr. Rex has taught Catholic Bioethics at Holy Apostles College & Seminary in Cromwell, CT, and was an Adjunct Professor of Catholic Studies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.

Given her scholarly expertise in IVF from the Catholic perspective, Dr. Rex was invited to become an Associate Scholar of the Charlotte Lozier Institute in 2024. She is the co-author of A Handbook on the Moral Arguments in the Embryo Adoption Debate (En Route Books & Media, 2025).

 

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The Joyous, Consequential Life of Dr. Francisco Marquez by Ryan Starrett

The Joyous, Consequential Life of Dr. Francisco Marquez by Ryan Starrett

The Joyous, Consequential Life of Dr. Francisco Marquez

by Ryan Starrett

 
It is the story of Dr. Francisco Marquez, a devout Catholic, Cuban-American principal who leaves a lucrative job in the Florida Keys to take a job on the edge of the Mississippi Delta, in backwoods, rural America. His natural charm, people skills and ability to compromise and compartmentalize turn his foundering school into a success. A success, that is, until the Catholic Far-Right headed by the uncompromising Mrs. Thelma Pruitt, decide to rid the community of the “liberal foreigner.”
 

Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan Starrett was birthed and reared in Jackson, Mississippi. After receiving degrees from the University of Dallas, Adams State University and Spring Hill College, as well as spending a ten-year hiatus in Texas, he has returned home to continue his teaching career at his alma mater in Madison, Mississippi.

OTHER LITERARY WORKS

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Currents of Water: A Widow’s Walk with Jesus and Mary

Currents of Water: A Widow’s Walk with Jesus and Mary

Wendy Forest presenting Currents of Water at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, July 20, 2025

Currents of Water: A Widow’s Walk with Jesus and Mary

by Wendy Forest

Currents of Water is a deeply personal and spiritual reflection on grief, faith, and healing. Following her husband’s death, the author embarks on a transformative journey, rediscovering her Christian faith and ultimately converting to Catholicism. Through devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, she finds comfort, strength, and renewed purpose. The book intertwines personal experiences with scriptural reflections, Catholic traditions, and historical perspectives on Mary’s role, offering a heartfelt guide for widows and others navigating loss through faith.

Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $9.99

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TESTIMONIALS

“Currents of Water is a beautifully written, deeply moving journey of grief, faith, and healing. A must-read for anyone seeking comfort and spiritual renewal through devotion to Mary.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists

“Currents of Water is a beautifully written poignant spiritual book. Get it for yourself if you are a widow and for other widows.” – Dr. Ronda Chervin, Catholic philosophy professor, TV presenter and author of many books

“As a widow I have read many books by widows about their journey. I can honestly say Currents of Water is one of the best! A beautiful story of faith, healing and hope.” – Pam Bates, co-author The Most Amazing Harvest – The Man Behind the Story, Founder Braving Widowhood ministry.

“Currents of Water is a beautifully written journey of faith. The author’s honest, vulnerable and creative story is inspirational.” –  Paula Patty, Co-Author The Most Amazing Harvest – The Man Behind the Story and Missionary in Spirit

“A heartfelt rendering of a Christian woman’s spiritual journey from grief and dislocation to hope and healing.  What spoke to me was the affinity that bloomed within Ms. Forest, mother and widow, for the Virgin Mary, mother and widow.”  – Jim Swinehart, Co-Founder of the Western Springs Writers Society

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After losing her husband to cancer, Wendy Forest embarked upon a journey with an external itinerary full of challenges, changes, and new directions. In her spiritual journey with Jesus and Mary, she found peace and hope.

Ms. Forest now enjoys accompanying widows on their journey, Parish ministries, time with family and friends, and travel.

May every widow find her new destination.

OTHER PRACTICAL THEOLOGY BOOKS

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See by Vincent Salamoni

See by Vincent Salamoni

On November 13, 2025, Pope Leo XIV established the Apostolate of the Sea, defining the Church’s global pastoral ministry to seafarers and maritime communities. Operating under the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, it establishes governance structures and responsibilities for coordination, formation, pastoral care, and financial administration worldwide. For more, click here.

Through this statute, the Holy See reaffirms the Church’s commitment to accompany those whose work is connected to the sea—merchant mariners, fishermen, port workers, and their families—many of whom face long periods of isolation and limited access to parish life. The Apostolate of the Sea seeks to ensure that these communities remain connected to the sacramental and pastoral life of the Church wherever their work takes them.

The statute outlines an international structure of assemblies, councils, and leadership roles responsible for guiding and coordinating the mission of the Apostolate. These bodies will support cooperation among dioceses, maritime chaplaincies, and Catholic organizations serving seafarers in ports around the world.

A key dimension of the Apostolate’s mission is providing spiritual care and human support through port chaplaincies, pastoral visits, sacramental ministry, and outreach to those experiencing hardship or loneliness. By strengthening this global network, Pope Leo XIV underscores the Church’s enduring concern for maritime workers and its mission to bring the Gospel and compassionate care to those who live and labor on the seas.

For more, click here.

Devotional for vocational discernment, For Fishing People invites readers to “cast into the deep,” reflecting on biblical fishing images, prayer, and mission. Rooted in the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles’ charism, it encourages action today.

This short book 
is for a long process 
for yours and other’s life.
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Simply described as a collection of information, which perhaps will be USEFUL TO YOU AND/OR OTHERS! Father Vincent’s book of meditative reflections offers a spiritual journey into the depths of grace through the maritime imagery of the Mercy Ocean.
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This book is a catalyst, of a beginning voyage. Here it is a short one, yet a long interesting one. It starts a new genre / category / oeuvre. It is a prototype book. These are commentaries of special nautical books about virtues. The collection includes previews of past and future voyages. In words, it develops a nautical spirituality.
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Guadalupe with Lepanto is a devotional-historical reflection linking Our Lady of Guadalupe to the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, exploring Marian imagery, naval history, and rosary-centered faith across continents traditions.

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SEE the SEA? invites readers into a journey of maritime spirituality through the eyes of Vincent A. Salamoni, a retired Navy chaplain and Missionary of the Holy Apostles. Blending nautical imagery, Scripture, and personal reflection, the book navigates themes of hope, gratitude, and divine guidance—offering a spiritual anchor for those sailing the seas of life’s challenges and mysteries.

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The Conquering Heart is a spiritual collection by Vincent A. Salamoni blending theology, poetry, naval imagery, and reflections on Christ’s Mystical Body. It inspires virtue, grace, and divine participation in the modern world through Eucharistic devotion and vocational calling.

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ST JAW explores the relationship between artificial and human intelligence through theological reflection, prayer, and poetry, presenting a symbolic figure representing the Heart of Christ’s Mystical Body.

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Inspired by Padre Pio’s timeless counsel, this brief reflection explores prayer, hope, and trust in God as pathways to peace, offering spiritual insight, scriptural grounding, and pastoral encouragement for daily life.

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Find in this work all of the above combined!

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Listen to "Episode 130: Rev. Vincent Salamoni, MSA, on The Mercy Ocean (November 22, 2021)" on Spreaker.

TESTIMONIALS

“Fr. Salamoni’s unique reflections on Faith and Life in a nautical context have always spoken to me and others who are involved in maritime work and the ministry to the People of the Sea. May this collection be an inspiration to all mariners, and all who live, recreate or work upon the vast waters.” – Doreen M Badeaux, Secretary General Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America

“I have served with Fr Salamoni for many years as a fellow Active Duty Navy Chaplain. I have been the beneficiary of his writings which were always joyful, thought provoking, and a delight to read. I heartily and happily give my endorsement to this latest collection. Enjoy!” – Bishop Joseph L Coffey, Vicar for Veterans Affairs, Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

On the occasion of the 9/11 Boatlift 20th Anniversary Tribute: “Thank you Chaplain: We appreciate you thinking of us as we prepare to honor the heroes, victims and survivors. Your maritime-related prayers continue to uplift many of our members.” – Jessica LM Hitchen, Executive Director, New York Council Navy League 
“May The Mercy Ocean be a source of consolation for all who ponder on its gems of wisdom.” — Very Rev. Peter S. Kucer, MSA, STD; President-Rector of Holy Apostles College & Seminary.
“To those who meditate, the Spirit’s gift of Knowledge and Understanding is abundant, and the Heart of Jesus is open for us to see if we seek Him in such a path.  Father Vincent’s short work of collected meditations and memorable quotes from various sources is a simple and genuine fruit of his own labor of meditation.  Enveloped in beautiful images, and even more beautiful thoughts, The Mercy Ocean is a piece meant to help those along their own path of meditation. Read slowly, read carefully, and read seeking the face of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” — Fra. Angelo, Knights of the Holy Eucharist
“Antoine de Saint Exupéry (1900-1944), a French writer and aviator, once wrote: ‘If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.’ Fr. Vincent Salamoni’s The Mercy Ocean accomplishes this. More than a sailor’s retreat, this book is a sailor’s delight in the way it inspires the contemplative to cast out into the deep of God’s mercy and grace.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy: a hundred-day guided journal

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fr. Vincent A. Salamoni, M.S.A. (Vincent Gaspar Anthony Rizzuti Salamoni), is a member of the Society of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.). Their charism is to promote, form and accompany vocations to the priesthood and other ministries.

He ministered from on board from a dugout canoe in the Peruvian Amazon to on board the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) nuclear air carrier, which is not the starship!

He is retired from in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy.

Now, he is a Provincial Emeritus of the MSA-USA and is being through, with, and in, the Mercy Ocean.

An Autobiography (abridged)

CHILDHOOD:

My four grandparents born in Sicily. They went to New York City, in approximately their twenties. They lived in the USA about 50 years and never spoke English. My father was 6 years old when he arrived in NYC. My mother was born in the USA; some of her siblings were born in Sicily. My father was an iconic NYC taxi driver for over 40 years. My mother worked as a seamstress in the NYC garment industry, and afterwards was a full-time housewife. I have three older sisters … extended biological family …

EXPERIMENTAL:

The development of my worldview: Received a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Worked 5 years in the insurance industry. Sailed 2 years in the U.S. Navy as a Radarman / Operations Specialist. Became a Vietnam veteran.

PRIESTHOOD:

Ordained in 1984; theological studies: 2 years in USA, 2 years in Rome. Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.)  2 years in Vicariate Apostolic San José del Amazonas (Peru); 1 year Connecticut; 2 years near Lima, 6 years near Caracas. U.S. Navy, Chaplain Corps: 13 active years: including – Okinawa; USS ENTERPRISE, not a starship, rather an aircraft carrier; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Iceland; Virginia; San Diego, Naval Hospital; Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands et cetera. Emeritus USA-MSA Provincial Animator (Superior) “Pastoral” Pasture

“After a dangerous voyage, at last I am in sight of the port I have been trying to get to for so long. I shall now be able to enjoy my God … and I shall be freed from a heavy load which I just can’t bear.” – Saint Louis of Anjou, on his deathbed

[Cited in THE MERCY OCEAN.]

The Power of Humor by Fr. Eugene Azorji

The Power of Humor by Fr. Eugene Azorji

Parish Book Signing
March 2025

The Power of Humor

by Fr. Eugene Azorji

This book explores the profound role humor and metaphor play in communication, spirituality, and human relationships. Through biblical insights, cultural anecdotes, and theological reflections, the book reveals how humor is not only a source of joy but also a divine tool for teaching, healing, and understanding life’s challenges. Fr. Azorji’s engaging narrative invites readers to embrace laughter as a bridge to wisdom, faith, and deeper human connection.

Paperback $9.99 | Kindle $9.99

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“The Power of Humor is a brilliant exploration of faith, laughter, and wisdom. Fr. Eugene Azorji masterfully shows how humor deepens our understanding of God, strengthens relationships, and enriches our spiritual journey.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rev. Eugene Azorji is a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Ahiara in Nigeria currently on a mission in the Diocese of Dallas, Texas. He was the pioneer rector of Seat of Wisdom major seminary Ariam in Umuahia diocese. He is currently the resident spiritual director at Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas, Texas. He has a doctorate in Dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome and a master’s in education from St John’s University New York. He was ordained a priest in 1980 and has served as a formator, teacher, and spiritual director for over thirty years.  He is the author of Why do Priests and Religious Die Young. The Voices We Hear Daily, Eritis Mihi Testes, and The Power of Humor are the latest of his publications.

OTHER CATHOLIC SPIRITUALITY BOOKS

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