The Catholic Bookworm

WCAT Radio
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Books

Kiki Latimer interviews Catholic authors who speak about theology, philosophy, spirituality, and literary works.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 307: Fr. John Henry Hanson on his book The Fire and the Silence (August 11, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. John Henry Hanson on his book The Fire and the Silence: Prayer, Thought, and the Battle for Inner Stillness. Why is it so hard to pray without distraction? Why does our mind wander to everything except God when we kneel to speak with him? And what do we do with the flood of thoughts that seem to overtake us in the very act of prayer? In this deeply contemplative yet practical book, Fr. John Henry Hanson takes us on a journey through the battleground of the mind, where attention, memory, and imagination often seem like saboteurs to prayer. Drawing on Scripture, the Desert Fathers, saints like Teresa of Avila and Augustine, and insights from modern psychology, this book offers not a quick fix, but something far better: a quiet revolution against wayward thoughts, a spiritual reorientation toward God. Fr. Hanson helps readers to understand how God meets us even in mental chaos: how he works not despite our distractions, but sometimes through them. Along the way, readers will discover the role of grace in thought-life, how to respond to distraction, and what it means to have ""the mind of Christ."" With lyrical clarity, theological depth, and a pastoral heart, this book becomes not merely a guide to prayer, but a companion in it."  https://scepterpublishers.org/products/preorder-the-fire-and-the-silence-prayer-thought-and-the-battle-for-inner-stillness?variant=47839455969457

  2. 5d ago

    Episode 306: Phyllis Calvey on her book The Perfect Timing of Butterflies (August 10, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Phyllis Calvey on her book The Perfect Timing of Butterflies. When a loved one dies, the grief we experience can feel so overwhelming. Helping a child navigate through loss can be even more challenging. How can we comfort them? What can we say? How do we explain things in a way they can understand? When my great-grandson was only four years old, my daughter’s lifelong friend died suddenly from a stroke. We tried our best to answer his questions, but it was difficult to explain what had happened to someone his age. For weeks, he could not let go of his weighty thoughts and wonders about dying. One day, I decided to tell him a story about Bella, a little girl who was just about his age when her Poppa died. When I finished the story, I asked him what he thought. His answer surprised me in a way I could never have imagined, and I realized that he was immediately comforted in just the way he needed. For decades, children and adults have shared with me their true stories, like Bella’s, of moments that felt too perfectly timed to be just a coincidence. Between the pages of this book, I share a small collection of those stories that I hope will serve as a powerful reminder of God’s love and presence during life’s most difficult seasons. In the perfect timing of butterflies, faith can transform grief into peace and remind us that we are never truly alone. https://perfecttimingofbutterflies.com/

  3. 5d ago

    Episode 305: Terry Modica on her books My Soul Shall Be Healed, The Father’s Heart, & Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well (August 10, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Terry Modica on her books My Soul Shall Be Healed, The Father’s Heart, & Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well (August 10, 2026) My Soul Shall Be Healed: A Study Guide on Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist)by Terry Modica 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.  My Soul Shall Be Healed: A Study Guide on Ecclesia de Eucharistia by Terry Modica | En Route Books and Media The Father’s Heart: Meet the Real Abba Father–Book One: 10 Spiritual Exercises to Heal from the Wounds of the Heartby Terry Modica; foreword by Bear WoznickThis is the first in a set of three workbooks on The Father’s Heart, all to help you experience the wonderfulness of the True Father so that your faith can be set free to reach its full potential. Each one of these, Meet the Real Abba Father, Discover What You Mean to Father God, and The Victory of God’s Fatherhood, used in this order, are inspirational guides to healing that will enable you to experience God the Father as he truly is. The books use scriptures, true life stories, and theological reflection. We’ll identify and overcome the most common misconceptions that interfere with faith in God. The Father’s Heart: Meet the Real Abba Father–Book One: 10 Spiritual Exercises to Heal from the Wounds of the Heart by Terry A. Modica | En Route Books and Media Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well: A Ministry Discernment Workbook based on the Daily Good News Reflectionsby Terry Modica; foreword by Bill SnyderA practical Catholic guide to discerning God’s will and discovering the mission He created you to fulfill. Do you wonder whether you’re making the right decisions? Have you ever wished you could recognize God’s voice more clearly and understand the purpose He created you for?In Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well, Terry Modica guides you through a practical and prayerful journey of discernment. Drawing from years of helping Christians experience life-changing “AHA!” moments through her popular Good News Reflections, Terry offers twenty engaging reflections that will help you: Recognize how God speaks in everyday lifeOvercome fears and misconceptions that hinder discernmentDiscover the unique gifts God has given youGain confidence in the mission He is calling you to fulfillLearn how to cooperate with God’s plans instead of merely guessing at themMore than a book, this is a workbook for spiritual growth. Reflection questions, journaling opportunities, and three self-assessment tests will help you identify your God-given strengths and discover where your gifts can best be used in service to others.Whether you are discerning a new ministry, seeking direction for an important decision, or simply longing to deepen your relationship with God, Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well will help you hear His voice more clearly—and respond with confidence. Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well: A Ministry Discernment Workbook based on the Daily Good News Reflections by Terry A. Modica | En Route Books and Media

  4. Aug 5

    Episode 304: Claudia Cangilla McAdam on her book The Miracle of the August Snow (August 3, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Claudia McAdam on her book The Miracle of the August Snow. It is a hot and humid August day in Rome, and competitive twin boys Ignatius and Paulus are arguing as only brothers can. The boys and their parents live and work in the home of a wealthy Christian couple, Master Giovanni and Mistress Julia. One afternoon, when the boys suffer an unfortunate mishap, a wedge is driven between them. Meanwhile, in answer to a prayer from Giovanni and Julia, the Blessed Virgin Mary appears to them and to their friend Pope Liberius in a dream. She predicts a shocking miracle -- a snowfall in summer! She also makes a request that Ignatius and Paulus can help fulfill, but only if they put animosity behind them and work together. The Miracle of the August Snow retells the legend of the miraculous snowfall that occurred overnight on August 5, 358 in Rome. This story allows young readers to enter into a fun, faith-building account of an apparition of the Blessed Mother, which led to the building of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major).  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1681927985

  5. Aug 5

    Episode 303: Paul Murano on his book What is Marriage? (August 3, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Paul Murano on his book What is Marriage?: Toward a Theology of One-Flesh Union as the Image of the Trinity (August 3, 2026) What Is Marriage? offers a profound theological and philosophical exploration of marriage as a one-flesh union rooted in human nature and elevated by grace. Drawing on Scripture, natural law, historical analysis, and contemporary thought, Paul J. Murano presents marriage as an image of Trinitarian love. Addressing modern challenges to sex, family, and identity, this work proposes a compelling vision for renewing a culture of life grounded in truth, unity, and divine purpose. What is Marriage?: Toward a Theology of One-Flesh Union as the Image of the Trinity by Paul Murano | En Route Books and Media

  6. Jul 29

    Episode 302: Dcn. Tony Surozenski on his “Go in Peace”: May Our Lives Always Give Glory to God (July 28, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Dcn. Tony Surozenski on his “Go in Peace”: May Our Lives Always Give Glory to God. In Go in Peace: May Our Lives Always Give Glory to God, retired firefighter, deacon, chaplain, and teacher Tony Surozenski reflects on a lifetime of service shaped by faith, family, and courage. Through stories of firefighting, prayer, miracles of the Eucharist, and humble lessons learned, he reveals how God’s grace guided every chapter. A heartfelt testimony to finding peace, purpose, and gratitude in serving others for the greater glory of God. https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/goinpeace/

  7. Jul 28

    Episode 301: Pedro Gabriel on his book The Unknown Modern Side of St. Pius X (July 27, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Pedro Gabriel on his book The Unknown Modern Side of St. Pius X. Pope St. Pius X is often seen as the champion of anti-modernism, but this view overlooks his deep commitment to renewal and reform. The Unknown Modern Side of St. Pius X reveals how his liturgical, ecclesial, and pastoral initiatives anticipated key developments of Vatican II and even resonate with Pope Francis’ vision today. Far from being a reactionary, Pius X was a modern pope—one who sought not to resist change but to guide it, proving that continuity, not rupture, defines the Church’s path through history. https://www.amazon.com/dp/9893372798

  8. Jul 27

    Episode 300: Michael O'Neill on his book They Might be Saints: On the Path to Sainthood in America (July 27, 2026)

    In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Michael O'Neill on his book They Might be Saints: On the Path to Sainthood in America (July 27, 2026) Fundamental to the rapid growth of the Church in America are these exceptionally inspired men and women, not yet canonized, who lived heroic virtue and thereby changed the face of our country. Author Michael O’Neill unveils 24 of America’s greatest “blesseds” and “venerables,” whose causes for canonization are already underway.You’ll meet young Europeans who gave up secure lives for the wilderness of America―knowing they would never see their families again. You’ll meet the husband and wife who, despite being slaves, showed remarkable charity to their so-called “owners.” You’ll explore the miraculously productive life of Knights of Columbus founder Fr. Michael McGivney, who died at the age of 38, as well as the 23-year-old explorer priest who covered 200,000 square miles, heard Confessions for up to 14 hours at a stretch, ate prairie rats when necessary―and founded 30 parishes.You’ll also enjoy the remarkable stories of: Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, America’s first TV evangelistPierre Toussaint, once a slave, then an entrepreneur devoted to the poorFr. Patrick Peyton, “The Rosary Priest,” whose reached hundreds of thousands with his rallies and radio crusadesHenriette DeLille, the legendary “Saint of New Orleans”Fr. Augustus Tolton, the nation’s first black priest, himself a former slaveFive foundresses of religious communities who produced thousands of teaching nunsTwelve holy souls who quietly devoted their lives to the poorThey Might Be Saints: On the Path to Sainthood in America: Michael O'Neill: 9781682782248: Amazon.com: Books

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About

Kiki Latimer interviews Catholic authors who speak about theology, philosophy, spirituality, and literary works.

Information

  • Creator
    WCAT Radio
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    306
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright WCAT Radio
  • Show Website
    The Catholic Bookworm

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