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.

Apologia Pro Sancta Maria Mater Pulchrae Dilectionis: Mother of the Church (Mater Ecclesiae), Book I | En Route Books and Media