When Women Pray: Eleven Catholic Women on the Power of Prayer - Paperback

Nihil obstat: Fr. Hugh Barbour, O. Praem., Censor Librorum
Imprimatur: Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, J.C.D., D.D.,
Bishop of Orange, February 24, 2017

A Transformative Collection on Catholic Women's Prayer

This book brings together eleven prominent Catholic women who share their personal journeys with prayer, offering practical guidance for developing a deeper spiritual life. Each contributor provides authentic stories of encountering Christ through the Eucharist, Scripture, and Marian devotion.

Contributors include Kathleen Beckman (Foundation of Prayer for Priests co-founder), Johnnette Benkovic (EWTN's Women of Grace founder), Dr. Ronda Chervin (Holy Apostles College philosophy professor), Dr. Pia de Solenni (Augustine Institute Associate Dean), Dr. Mary Healy (Sacred Scripture professor), Lisa M. Hendey (CatholicMom.com founder), Joan Lewis (EWTN Rome Bureau Chief), Kathryn Jean Lopez (National Review Editor-at-Large), Marilyn Quirk (Magnificat founder), Vicki Thorn (Project Rachel founder), and Kelly Wahlquist (WINE ministry founder).

What You'll Discover

The book explores prayer as a willed response to Divine Love, examining how Mary's example guides feminine spirituality. Learn why spiritual mothers serve as powerful intercessors against evil, how the Holy Spirit releases prayer's transformative power, and how prayer heals wounded hearts and strengthens families.

Each chapter addresses real struggles: Kathleen Beckman shares her journey from spiritual numbness to being aflame with Divine Love. Johnnette Benkovic unpacks the Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus. Dr. Ronda Chervin tells her remarkable conversion from atheism despite devastating personal losses. Marilyn Quirk candidly discusses becoming "dead in sin" while maintaining external piety, then finding authentic union with Christ.

Designed for Personal and Group Retreats

Every chapter concludes with "Ponder, Practice, Pray" spiritual reflections and "Feminine Wisdom" from women saints, making this an ideal resource for retreat settings or personal spiritual direction. The Foreword by Sr. Regina Marie Gorman, OCD, speaks directly to women seeking deeper contemplative lives while remaining active in the world.

These Catholic women illuminate the Marian vocation of living as contemplatives in action, demonstrating how prayer transforms ordinary life into extraordinary grace. Their stories span from 3 am prayers in dark family rooms to international ministries, from dealing with life-threatening illnesses to founding healing apostolates.

Whether you're seeking to rebuild your prayer life, heal from past wounds, or deepen your relationship with Christ through the Eucharist and Scripture, these eleven voices offer wisdom born from authentic lived experience in the Catholic faith.