Matters of Soul Importance with Roxane Salonen

Vijaya Bodach is a scientist-turned-children's writer, an atheist-turned-Catholic, and an author-turned-publisher. She's the author of over 70 books for children for all ages, from "Ten Easter Eggs" for the youngest reader to "Bound" for children 12 and up. She's the wife of one, mother of two, and a new grandmother of two.

She lives in Charleston, South Carolina, where she sings in her Latin schola and a barbershop chorus.

SHOW NOTES:

• Personal blog: http://vijayabodach.blogspot.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vijayabodach/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573541473970

• Vijaya's latest picture book, "Shunya Means Zero," illustrated by Nayantara Surendranath, about the history of zero and some culture of India. https://amzn.to/46coaPe

• Vijaya's book, "Little Thief! Chota Chor!", also illustrated by Surendranath. "This book encourages children to question everything," Vijaya says, "which is sorely needed in today's world." https://amzn.to/4xKteGo

• Vijaya's picture book, "Ten Easter Eggs," https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Easter-Eggs-Vijaya-Bodach/dp/0545747309?

• Vijaya's debut young adult novel, "Bound," https://www.amazon.com/BOUND-Vijaya-Bodach/dp/1983227412/ref

REPUBLISHED EPISODE: "What is mercy?" earned a top award at the National Federation of Press Women conference in Ellicott City, Maryland, on Sept. 26, 2026.

Original publication date: April 18, 2025.

Monsignor Thomas Richter was named a Missionary of Mercy by Pope Francis in 2015. During that year, he traveled to various places throughout the United States to share the Good News of God's mercy for his people. Now, in 2025, a Jubilee Year dedicated to hope, it seems all the more necessary for people of faith to grasp mercy. In this episode, Monsignor Richter, currently serving the Bismarck Diocese as a pastor in Dickinson, North Dakota, will share what he's learned of mercy during his life, and how it connects with the Easter season in which we find ourselves.

SHOW NOTES:

• Missionaries of Mercy website: https://missionariesofmercyusa.org/

• "It is mercy I desire" talk from 2016: https://archive.org/details/It_Is_Mercy_That_I_Desire_-_Monsignor_Thomas_Richter_at_OLP_in_Marshfield_WI

• Presentation on how to receive the mercy of God in five steps, for 2016 Thirst conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luo5qeJkKfI

• Prime Matters publication featuring some of Monsignor Richter's speaking: https://primematters.com/contributors/msgr-thomas-j-richter

• Explanation of the Year of Mercy: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/33084/the-year-of-mercy-whats-it-all-about

• Sherry A. Weddell's, "Forming Intentional Disciples," as mentioned by Monsignor Richter: https://a.co/d/7l6AlA9

• "Do you pray like a pagan?" (Roxane's "Living Faith" column based on a talk by Monsignor Richter): https://roxanesalonen.com/2021/11/12/do-you-pray-like-a-pagan/

Elizabeth Rex is a Catholic bioethicist and an associate scholar of the Lozier Institute, the prestigious research arm of the pro-life movement.

Dr. Rex was a pre-med major who graduated from Columbia University before pursuing a master's degree in philosophy and a doctorate in Thomistic Ethics in Rome through the University of Navarra.

She is the author of three books on the morality of embryo adoption and a national speaker who faithfully presents the magisterial teachings of Donum Vitae and Dignitas Personae, as well as on the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

SHOW NOTES:

• Dr. Elizabeth Rex's website: www.DonumVitaeInstitute.org

• Dr. Elizabeth Rex's email: [email protected]

• Dr. Elizabeth Rex's phone number: (914) 629-3710

• Book: "The Zygote of Christ & the Mystery of Man: Selected Essays," En Route Books & Media, May 2025: https://www.amazon.com/zygote-christ-mystery-man-selected/dp/b0f9phltjg

• The Angelus Prayer: https://theangelusprayer.com/

• Book: "What Should Be Done with 'Orphaned' Frozen Embryos? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Magisterial Answers Quoted Directly from Donum Vitae and Dignitas Personae," co-edited with Dr. Alicia Thompson, DO. MPH, En Route Books & Media, March 2025: https://www.amazon.com/What-Should-Orphaned-Frozen-Embryos/dp/B0DYMLKKN5/

• Book: "A Handbook on the Moral Arguments in the Embryo Adoption Debate: What Does the Catholic Church Teach?" co-authored with Dr. Charles Robertson, En Route Books & Media, December 2024: https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Arguments-Embryo-Adoption-Debate/dp/B0DS219SLF/

• Trailer for the forthcoming "Frozen Orphans" documentary: https://frozenorphans.org/

• Podcast: "Italy's Embryo Protection Law at 20: A Legacy of John Paul II and Benedict II." Dr. Rafael Gonzalez interviews Dr. Elizabeth Rex on his "My Catholic Two Cents" regarding her recent article published in the National Catholic Register on October 22, 2025. The YouTube interview is titled, "This Law Changed Everything – And Nobody Noticed." November 25, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=jJk__XhsuTo

• Podcast: "Is It Licit to Adopt Frozen Embryos? A Catholic Bioethicist on IVF & Embryo Adoption" with Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut interviewing Dr. Rex on his weekly podcast, "Let Me Be Frank," October 17, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo4JoqUI6KE

• Podcast: "Mercy and Hope for the Millions of Orphaned Frozen Embryos" Virtual Conference Speaker at the 33rd International Week of Prayer and Fasting: "Mercy & Healing for the Jubilee Year of Hope," November 18, 2025: https://iwopf.org/this-years-event/

• Podcast: "Embryo Adoption Explained: Moral Questions Every Catholic Must Understand" - Part II of II. Jim Havens interviews Dr. Rex on "The Simple Truth," November 17, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLDbPclKTwI

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo4JoqUI6KE

• Podcast: Elizabeth Rex with Francis Etheredge on WCAT TV to discuss their co-authored book, "The Zygote of Christ & The Mystery of Man": https://youtu.be/RvXEoAiexek?si=CPiG5xxGYpi44NoH

My guest today, Jack Lyrek, is a 24-year-old software developer—though not for much longer. He starts his master's in clinical counseling this fall, hoping to become a Christian counselor.

He's also an aspiring author, working "very ploddingly," as he puts it, on a book about suffering. The youngest of four, Jack grew up in a Christian household in the suburbs of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Ellie Hiller is a Catholic convert, mother, wife, registered nurse, and author.

A former competitive CrossFit athlete who spent years training and competing at an elite level, she developed a deep appreciation for the significance of the body, discipline, and formation.

Those convictions ultimately led her to the incarnational and sacramental vision of Catholicism.

She is the author of "To Whom Shall I Go?: Why I Laid Down My Protest," a memoir chronicling her journey from Evangelical Christianity into the Catholic Church.

Through her writing and speaking, Ellie explores embodied faith, conversion, and the integration of body and soul at the heart of Christian life.

SHOW NOTES:

• BOOK GIVEAWAY: Email [email protected]. The first two listeners to reach me by Sept. 12 will receive a free copy of Ellie's memoir!

• Ellie's memoir, To Whom Shall I Go?: https://amzn.to/43bXcG9

• Ellie's husband Sean's YouTube channel that she appears on every now and then, geared to helping people better understand the Catholic faith: https://youtube.com/@lectiowithseanhiller?si=3ldN3j_DXDwPfNyK

• Ellie's Instagram: @Elliehiller

• Ellie's website: https://www.elliehillerauthor.com/

• Ellie's interviews on EWTN TV's "At Home with Jim and Joy": Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im; Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgG_cBiaDb4 [NOTE TO STEPH: Added on Aug. 30]

• Louis DeMontfort's Consecration to Mary, which Ellie mentioned: https://www.catholiccompany.com/pages/how-to-make-your-st-louis-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary

Patti Maguire Armstrong is a TV talk show host for Ladies of Another View and an award-winning author and journalist with the National Catholic Register. Her latest books are Michelle Duppong: Hope in the Depths of Suffering, What Would Monica Do?, the Dear God children's series, and Holy Hacks. She was also the co-author and managing editor of the Amazing Grace series. Patti has a B.A. in social work and M.A. in public administration and worked in those fields before staying home as a freelance writer. She and her late husband, Mark, raised their ten children in North Dakota and now have 21 grandchildren.

SHOW NOTES:

• Patti's co-authored book on Michelle Duppong's life, Michelle Duppong: Hope in the Depths of Suffering: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/michelle-duppong/

• Patti's author website: PattiMaguireArmstrong.com

• "Radiating Joy" documentary on Michelle's life: https://watch.formed.org/radiating-joy-the-michelle-duppong-story

• Servant of God Michelle Duppong Guild: https://michelleduppongcause.org/

• Michelle's Caringbridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/site/013ce138-4dfa-3555-974e-c3a284523b79/post/431cb465-e9f0-32b1-9209-5e954ffd7ded

• Roxane's podcast interview with Michelle's sister Lisa, "Is my sister Michelle Duppong a saint?": https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/is-my-sister-michelle-duppong-a-saint

Brenda Posch believes that Sister Annella Zervas, who was born and died in Moorhead, Minnesota, is a saint. Today, she'll share why.

Brenda lives in Moorhead, Minnesota, and attends St. Joseph's Church—the home parish of now Servant of God Annella Zervas, who died at 26 years old 100 years ago, and whose cause for sainthood is underway. Brenda came to know the story of Sister Annella and her heroic suffering with a rare skin condition while her husband, "Chip" Posch, was undergoing a health trial. Today, we'll hear about her strong belief that Sister Annella was an extraordinary person who can help us on our journeys to heaven.

SHOW NOTES:

• AN INVITATION FOR AUG. 8, 2026: The Centennial Celebration of the Death of Servant of God Annella Zervas, OSB. Join Bishop Cozzens and the Sister Annella Guild to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Servant of God Annella Zervas; 3:45 Blessing and Dedication of the Zervas Family Monument (St. Joseph's Cemetery); 5:00 Celebration of Holy Mass (St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in North Moorhead) (reception to follow). Kindly RSVP and find additional event information at: sisterannella.org/centennial-celebration-day

• Website to advance the cause of Sister Annella: www.sisterannella.org, which includes much information about her and the Guild, written from a variety of people, on her role in their lives, prayers, and the "Ticket for Eternity" book about her life.

• The "Ticket for Eternity" book details the life and suffering of Sister Annella and includes a Litany of Suffering based upon her life. "After reading this book I believe people will understand better why she is a saint," Brenda said. This book can be purchased or downloaded from the website.

• "Faith Conversations" article Roxane wrote about Sister Annella with Brenda's input: www.inforum.com/opinion/columns/nun-being-eyed-for-sainthood-returns-to-st-joes

Rose Folsom has helped thousands of Christians move from "Am I doing this prayer thing right?" to a deeper, more peaceful relationship with God. A convert to Catholicism and Lay Dominican, Rose brings more than 30 years of study—and wrestling with the distractions of her own prayer life—to her coaching and writing. Previously, she owned a successful calligraphy studio in the Washington, D.C., area and later served as director of a White House office. She's written place cards for kings, flown on Air Force II, and now helps people hear God more clearly.

SHOW NOTES:

• Rose's self-published prayer journal, "Bless You, Daughter: praying with resilient women of the Bible," is available through her "Sacred Pause" website: https://rosefolsom.substack.com/. On the home page, click "Prayer Journal" button to purchase this journal, which applies the wisdom of women in Scripture to the struggles we face in our daily lives.

• Rose's gift to listeners of "Matters of Soul Importance": Visit https://rosefolsom.substack.com/p/youre-not-bad-at-prayer to watch a free, short video, "Sacred Connection," explaining Rose's core teachings on how to connect with God to ensure he's listening. Rose says, "My clients love this piece of my Sacred Belonging Program," noting that it has caused many of her clients, longtime Christians, to realize something simple that they were missing in their prayer life, which makes all the difference for them.

• To reach Rose directly, email: [email protected]

Lynn Kotrba is a wife, mom and co-founder of Harvest Hope Farm with her husband Jason. For the past 29 years, Lynn has worked with youth from all backgrounds through her work in foster care and for the past eight, through the youth programs she has created at the farm. Lynn and Jason have eight children who are the inspiration to her work at Harvest Hope Farm. They live in rural Moorhead.

SHOW NOTES:

• Lynn's and Jason's website: Harvesthopefarm.org

• Social: Search for "Harvest Hope Farm" on Facebook and Instagram

Dia Boyle is a graduate of Cornell College and of the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, where she earned her M.S.L. and met her husband. Happily at home in a university community in Minnesota, Dia has raised three children, made a home for her family, and fostered lasting friendships around her coffee table. She is an author, most recently of The Thoughtful Home, a book about what a home is and what it is for.

SHOW NOTES:

• Dia's newest book: The Thoughtful Home (Scepter Publishing 2024) https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Home-Dia-Boyle/dp/1594175373

• Dia's website: www.diaboyle.com