Apologia Pro Sancta Maria–Mater Pulchrae Dilectionis (Mother of Fair Love): Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church), Book 1

by Joseph P. Michael, Th.D.

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.

Hardback with Dust Jacket: $39.95 | Hardback Case Laminate: $34.95 | Paperback: $29.95 | Kindle: $9.99

RAISON D’ÊTRE

Written in 1859, Charles Dicken’s opening lines of a Tale of Two Cities are as timeless as they are prophetic, as relevant to society during the French Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment as they are to the rampant dissonance and darkness that threatens to engulf the present-day modern world. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.”

This work is as much a passionate apology to the Virgin Mother for mankind’s attitude of indifference to her wisdom and counsel where she has repeatedly warned of an ever-increasing vortex of darkness and immorality, of wars and of conflict and division as it is a scholarly investigation that proposes a series of rational arguments justifying another Marian dogma. The book is, at its very core, both a fervent and a rational appeal to ecclesiastical authorities and all who believe in Christ to reconsider the importance of the Marian doctrine of Mary, Mother of the Church that, if it were to be formally promulgated, holds the promise of a renaissance of Marian devotion, renewed hope for Christian unity and victories over the powers and principalities in their spiritual warfare with both believers and non-believers alike.

TESTIMONIALS

“In this book, Dr. Joseph P. Michael explores the deeper meaning of Mary as Mother of the Church. He shows that Mary’s bond of mutual love with the members of the Mystical Body of Christ is part of God’s eternal plan. Drawing upon Scripture, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Louis de Montfort and Catholic thinkers such as Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange, OP and Dietrich von Hildebrand, Dr. Michael shows how devotion to Mary is necessary for the members of the Church according to God’s will. This book is more than a theological exploration. It is a sustained meditation on the Virgin Mary as the Mother of Fair Love.” – Robert Fastiggi, Ph.D. Professor of Dogmatic Theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit and member of the Pontifical International Marian Academy

“Since the Second Vatican Council, we have seen very few works of theology of this sort, especially in Mariology. The author did something not seen in this area – he took for granted the truth and clarity of previous Church teaching and used these sources as if they were TRUE. As the generations of Catholic theologians tempted by Enlightenment cynicism pass into history, being replaced by more humble authors who mine the Scriptures and Catholic Tradition for the coherent treasures therein without standing in judgment of the truths of the Church, may we receive more works of this sort.” – from the “Introduction,” Fr. Gregory J. Lockwood, Christ the King Parish, Kansas City, MO

“The arguments presented provide the Church with a comprehensive treatment of the subject that, thus far, is otherwise lacking on the topic. I am confident that the conclusion that a Fifth Marian dogma for Mater Ecclesiae should be seriously considered by the Church will arouse a healthy debate among scholars.” – Rev. Randy Soto, STL, STD, Sacred Scripture scholar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARY, OUR BLESSED MOTHER

Apologia Pro Sancta Maria–Mater Pulchrae Dilectionis (Mother of Fair Love): Mater Viventium Sacramentorum Caritatis (Mother of the Living Sacraments of Charity), Book 2

by Joseph P. Michael, Th.D., with a foreword by Fr. Edward Looney

This work tackles another Marian topic that was left unresolved at the conclusion of Second Vatican Council, namely, Mary’s mediation of the grace of the sacraments. This work is partly apologetic, partly catechetical but mostly theological. The inquiry also identifies departures from Catholic teaching by non-Catholic Christian denominations which may serve the interests of the Church’s efforts directed to Christian unity and Catholic evangelization. In a slight departure from accepted scholarly approaches to systematic theology, this investigation introduces the mystical revelations of the Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich and the Venerable Sister Mary of Agreda in support of the argument that Mary mediates the grace of the sacraments ex opere operantis, helping to make a person more disposed to the worthy reception of the sacraments of charity so they become living sacraments of love.

Hardback with Dust Jacket: $39.95 | Hardback Case Laminate: $34.95 | Paperback: $29.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“This work offers the Church not only a theological explanation for an unresolved question that posed a conundrum for theologians at the Council but also a powerful reminder of the importance of Marian devotion, of the power of Mary’s mediation and of loving one another as a remedy to the difficult challenges facing the Church, a remedy which I heartedly endorse.” – from the foreword by Fr. Edward Looney, President Emeritus of the Mariological Society of America

“Joseph P. Michael’s text offers the reader a rich opportunity to reflect on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Mediator of All Grace, especially in the sacraments. He does so in a manner consistent with the rich Tradition of the Church, Thomistic theology, and the Magisterium. It is a rich treasure of wisdom.” – Rev. John P. Cush, STD, Professor of Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology, Saint Joseph’s Seminary and College (Dunwoodie), Yonkers, New York

Having evaluated a draft of this work, Fr. Soto said simply, “’Insisto (I insist)’ that this work continue.” – Rev. Randy Soto, STL, STD, Sacred Scripture scholar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARY, OUR BLESSED MOTHER

Apologia Pro Sancta Maria–Mater Pulchrae Dilectionis (Mother of Fair Love): Mater Mysticae Urbis Dei (Mother of the Mystical City of God), Book 3

by Joseph P. Michael, Th.D.

Book III of Apologia Pro Sancta Maria takes up the legacy of Fr. Randall de Jesus Soto, who was convinced that a thorough examination of the private revelations of Spanish Mystics would prove to be of immense theological value, not only in its contribution to theological study, research, and the pedagogical work of the Catholic theologian, but also for the formation of men as a future alter Christus.

The investigation first defends the use of private revelation as a tool for theological study and introduces the reader to the lives of Thomas Aquinas, Teresa of Ávila, and John of the Cross. The inquiry then invites the reader to enter what will prove to be a mysterious labyrinth, examining the mystical dialogues between the Venerable Mary of Jesus of Ágreda and the Virgin Mother, as recorded in her 17th-century work, La Cité Mystique de Dieu.

What the author discovers is fascinating, namely, the revelation of the temperaments of the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mother that will prove to be, not only of immense importance to the Church’s efforts to encourage ecumenical dialogue, Christian unity, Catholic evangelization, and Synodality, but will also testify to the inconceivable power of the Virgin’s mediation as Mater quae audit, The Mother who listens.

Hardback with Dust Jacket: $39.95 | Hardback Case Laminate: $34.95 | Paperback: $29.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

Having evaluated a draft of this work, Fr. Soto said simply, “’Insisto (I insist)’ that this work continue.” – Rev. Randy Soto, STL, STD, Sacred Scripture scholar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARY, OUR BLESSED MOTHER

Mary, the New Woman: A Judeo-Christian view of the Conception, in the history of Salvation, of the Divine Will in the Sovereign of Heaven

by Diego G. Passadore

REVIEWS

Sr. Cathy Jones, “Review of Mary, the New Woman,” (November 2025), Maria, A Journal of Marian Studies. Click here to read the review.

Eileen Quinn Knight, “Review of Mary, the New Woman,” (October 23, 2024), Profiles in Catholicism. Click here to read the review.

ARTICLES WRITTEN BY DIEGO G. PASSADORE

Diego G. Passadore. “The Time Has Come for Easter Union,” Catholic Exchange (February 23, 2026). Click here to read the article.

Diego G. Passadore, “Our Lady can help humanity open its eyes to the evil of sacrificing children through abortion,” LifeSite News (December 11, 2024). Click here to read the article.

TESTIMONIALS

“In Mary, the New Woman, Diego Passadore takes us on a dynamic journey through time to connect his Catholic faith with the modern world. He reflects on the difference between Cronos (ordinary time) and Kairos (God’s time), which brings life to our spiritual and physical existence. For Christians, this is about how and when God reveals Himself in our lives, showing us the deep meaning of our being made in His image. Using a biblical-anthropological method, Passadore draws from his own experiences as a family man. He presents a fresh perspective where a Christian lay man speaks about women, emphasizing the love and unity found in marriage. The text explores the mystery of the Incarnation, where the Word becomes flesh, showing pure and chaste love for all. It highlights Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus, embodying both supernatural and natural elements, and affirms the importance of grace and shared responsibility among women and those who follow Mary. Mary, the New Woman is a well-crafted study, focusing on love rather than complex theology, that adheres to doctrine in the celebration of the Marian faith of the people, where all mothers, daughters, and wives reflect Mary’s essence. Key chapters address issues like discrimination and promoting the value of every human being in their discussion of the dignity of women. I encourage everyone who loves our Blessed Mother to read this work.” – Fr. Antonio Larocca, SMC, from Venezuela

“This book is the work of an author ecstatically in love with Christ and his Mother. Passadore calls for a multi-pronged renewal, including such things as intensified Scripture reading, the retrieval of the practice of fasting, appreciation for the charismatic movement in the Church, ardent contrition and repentance, fraternal solidarity and purification, and – the heart of the book – commending Mary as not only the New Eve but the New Woman.” – Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

This book is both scholarly and confessional in its approach to the theological implications of the Roman Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The Virgin Mary is the ‘New Woman’, according to Diego Passadore, because she restores humanity to the pure and faithful state that existed before the Fall. This book will inspire Christians throughout the world to reassess their relationship not only with Christ, the Saviour, but also with his blessed Mother as they seek to recover in themselves the image and likeness of God.” – Dr. Mary B. Cunningham, Honorary Associate Professor of Historical Theology, The University of Nottingham

“Diego Passadore may not be a theologian, but he has captured the essence of Aquinas’ teaching that the contemplation of divine truths is the highest form of human activity. The book offers the perspicacious reader the opportunity to discover a new understanding of that ‘woman’ revealed in the Book of Revelation and how every contemporary woman may come to understand what femininity truly means and be transformed into a new woman by fulfilling the divine will in the imitation of the Virgin Mother.” – Dr. Joseph P. Michael, author of Apologia Pro Sancta Maria: Mater Pulchrae Dilectionis, Maria, Mater Ecclesiae

“In an exercise in ressourcement, Diego Passadore’s work draws together the historic teachings of the Church with the insights of Vatican II to argue for the dignity of women within the Catholic tradition, as seen in the doctrine of the New Eve—or ‘New Woman’.  This book should encourage deeper reflection on the relationship between Mary, the Church, and our understanding of sexual difference.” – Dr. Sarah Jane Boss, Founder and Director of the Centre for Marian Studies & Lecturer in Theology at The University of Wales Lampeter, London, UK

“Mary, the New Woman is more than just an argument for Mary as the “New Woman.” It is a rich synthesis of insights into Mary as—inter alia—the Ark of the Covenant, the mother of all, and the model of contemplation. Passadore brings together many beautiful reflections on Mary from Church fathers, medieval theologians —such as Hugh of St. Victor, Bonaventure, and Gregory Palamas—and more recent figures such as Edith Stein, John Paul II, and Pope Francis. In addition, he shows the importance of Mary for the dignity of women, the feminine dimension of the Church, and the promotion of peace and human fraternity. Readers will benefit from the many deep insights drawn from Scripture, the Protoevangelium of James, and the writings of mystics.” — from the Proem, authored by Robert Fastiggi, Ph.D. Professor of Dogmatic Theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan USA and member of the Pontifical International Marian Academy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARY, OUR BLESSED MOTHER

Our Sorrowful Mother: Meditations on Mary’s Seven Dolors

by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R.

TESTIMONIALS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fr. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R., is Professor Emeritus of the history of moral theology and Christian spirituality at the Alphonsian Academy of the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome and currently serves as The Robert F. Leavitt Distinguished Service Chair in Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore. An American Redemptorist of the Baltimore Province, Fr. Billy has advanced degrees from Harvard University, the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum), and the Graduate Theological Foundation. The author of numerous books and articles on a variety of religious topics, he is also active in his order’s retreat apostolate and in the ministry of spiritual direction.

Mary, Star of the New Evangelization

by James Likoudis, edited by Andrew Likoudis

This anthology of Dr. James Likoudis’s essays in Mariology, entitled Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, offers readers a comprehensive look into the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church on one of Her most profound and rich fields of study. Within these pages, Dr. Likoudis establishes a strong foundation for an eventual 5^th Marian Dogma, focusing on Mary’s roles as Mediatrix, Co-redemptrix, and Advocate, with an eye toward our separated Eastern brethren, and their understanding of the Mother of God. It is our hope that the conversation around this potential dogma, long delayed due to polemics, can, with the aid offered here, be significantly furthered, and that this aid will also resolve difficulties standing in the way of a long-awaited full reconciliation between East and West.

Paperback: $29.95 | Audible: $14.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“In Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, James Likoudis covers many important themes such as Mary’s knowledge of her Son’s divinity, her role in the work of redemption, and her relation to the Church’s evangelizing mission. The main contribution of this volume, however, is its serious engagement with Eastern Orthodox Mariology on topics such as the Immaculate Conception, Mary’s predestination, and her mediation of grace. This book is especially valuable for its exposition of the Mariology of Gregory Palamas (1296–1359) and its examination of the significance of Our Lady of Fatima for the conversion of Russia.” – Robert Fastiggi, PhD, Former President, Mariological Society of America; Member, Theological Commission of the International Marian Association; Corresponding Member, Pontifical Marian Academy

“The special contribution of Mary, Star of the New Evangelization is the insight James Likoudis shares in recognizing that the Blessed Virgin Mary is key to evangelization in the post-modern, secular world. With personal experience as a Greek Orthodox convert to Hellenic Greek Catholicism, as well as years of teaching, Likoudis analyzes Patristic, Magisterial, and Eastern liturgical texts to overcome contemporary confusions about Mary. His book illustrates how “the Church must breathe with both her lungs” (Ut Unum Sint, §54) in sharing our Blessed Mother with a world that does not know her as it should.” – Gloria Falcão Dodd, SThD, Research Professor, International Marian Research Institute, University of Dayton, and President of the Mariological Society of America

“As people are abandoning their Catholic faith for other denominations or no religion at all, Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, presents inspiring light for those who desire to deepen their relationship with God and for those looking for greater hope in the future of the Church. Our Blessed Mother Mary appeared to God’s people in various cultures in times of distress, of great need, in war, and in persecution. She appears from heaven to aid us in our zeal for love of God and serving His people in evangelization that springs forth as an overflow from our relationship with Him. Like a lighthouse with its rays radiating in the darkness, Mary is the guiding light that directs and points us to her son Jesus Christ. Mary, Mother of Hope, comes to console us when we turn to her, and she becomes the Cause of our Joy.” – Angelus Virata, MA, Director of Evangelization, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—America’s First Cathedral

“The many Marian contributions of James Likoudis found within Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, edited by his grandson, Andrew Likoudis, may elicit the question: Another book on Our Lady? Yes, happily another book on Our Lady! How fitting that the ever ancient, ever new truths about the Mother of God be considered time and time again. This volume presents a host of Marian topics—for example, the Ever-Virgin’s role in contemporary evangelization, the Immaculate Conception, the Mariology of Gregory Palamas, Mary’s understanding of the Sacred Divinity of her Son (in the words of the esteemed Mariologist, the Reverend Dominic J. Unger, OFM Cap., “not only in His infancy, but at the Annunciation”) and Our Lady of Fatima and the Church’s unity—that will both inform and inspire. A special feature of this book is the discussion of how Mary is viewed by Christian believers in the West and in the East. And Mary, Star of the New Evangelization provides a service to readers by offering the text of Chapter Eight of the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium (November 21, 1964) as well as that of the Apostolic Exhortation Marialis Cultus (February 2, 1974) from Pope Saint Paul VI. There is much about Our Blessed Lady herein that deserves our careful attention.” – Monsignor Charles M. Mangan, JCL, Associate Professor of Theology, Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmittsburg, Maryland

“The lifetime writings of Mr. James Likoudis constitute a living witness to the fact that an authentic Catholic can at once be entirely Marian, and also entirely ecumenical. Of like witness to the complementary goals of defending the “whole truth about Mary,” and the imperative for Christian Unity as profoundly embodied by Pope St. John Paul the Great, James Likoudis also comprises a contemporary theological and catechetical voice for full Mariological truth, not as an obstacle, but rather as a means to authentic ecumenical unity.” – Mark Miravalle, St. John Paul II Chair of Mariology, Franciscan University of Steubenville; Constance Shifflin-Blum Chair of Mariology, Ave Maria University; President, International Marian Association (From the Foreword)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE EDITOR

Andrew Likoudis is a Catholic scholar working in ecclesiology, ecumenism, and liturgy. He serves as Digital Editor of Where Peter Is and holds an M.A. in Catholic Studies from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is the author of To His Face: Indefectibility and the Problem of Dissent (En Route, 2026), with a foreword by Robert Fastiggi and an afterword by Emmett O’Regan, and he organized and edited Faith in Crisis (En Route, 2025), a 40-chapter volume drawing some thirty contributors—among them Robert Cardinal Sarah, Jimmy Akin, and Mike Aquilina—with a foreword by Rocco Buttiglione, praised in Word on Fire’s Evangelization & Culture journal as “an impressive labor of love.” His most recent editorial work includes the fiftieth-anniversary edition of Yves Congar’s Challenge to the Church: The Case of Archbishop Lefebvre (En Route, 2026), which he edited and introduced, with a foreword by Larry Chapp, and the third edition of James Likoudis’s Ending the Byzantine Greek Schism (Emmaus Road, 2026), with a foreword by Scott Hahn—the opening volume of a trilogy on Catholic-Orthodox reunion. In all he has authored, edited, or compiled thirteen volumes on Catholic ecclesiology and the papacy, and published 60+ articles in outlets including the National Catholic Register, Philosophy Now, Fellowship & Fairydust Magazine, Catholic Review, and Where Peter Is.

He is the grandson of Catholic apologist James Likoudis, President Emeritus of Catholics United for the Faith, and the nephew and godson of Paul Likoudis, longtime editor of The Wanderer, the oldest national Catholic weekly in the US. As founder and president of the Likoudis Legacy Foundation, which co-sponsored the 30th Orientale Lumen Conference attended by bishops of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, he directs the foundation’s ecumenical journal The Kydones Review, which carries a foreword from Archbishop Flavio Pace, the Secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. Likoudis provides consulting, research, organizational strategy, and communications services to Catholic publishers, nonprofits, and institutions. He writes frequently at his Substack, Tradition & Renewal, and is a parishioner at the Baltimore Basilica—America’s First Cathedral. He enjoys kayaking, bachata, tennis, and chess. More at andrewlikoudis.com

MARY, OUR BLESSED MOTHER