When the first edition of Important Catholic Women of the 20th Century was published, I truly believed the writing process was complete. But books, as I’ve learned, take on a life of their own once they reach the hands of readers.
Over the past two years, hearing from book club coordinators and individual readers transformed how I viewed this work. Your reflections on how these sixteen women inspired your daily lives showed me that there was still more to offer. That feedback led directly to the creation of the complete, expanded Second Edition—available now!
A Grace-Filled Milestone: A Foreword by Bishop Anthony Taylor
One of the most humbling parts of this journey was reaching out to my bishop, Bishop Anthony Taylor of the Diocese of Little Rock. Knowing he had read the first edition, I asked if he would consider writing a foreword for the new edition.
His response was a pastor's reflection on what these sixteen women offer to the Church today. Bishop Taylor noted that their holiness was not built on grand, unattainable pedestals, but forged in the exact environments where real people live: inside messy households, complex political realities, and quiet daily routines.
As he beautifully writes in the foreword:
"The stories compiled here offer a powerful witness to sanctifying grace at work, reminding us that holiness is not reserved for grand, sweeping gestures, but is most often found in the mundane, sometimes frightening, realities of our daily lives."
What’s New in the Second Edition?
While preserving the heart of the original biographies, this edition introduces key enhancements designed to enrich both individual reading and group discussion:
Refined Historical Research & Sources: Updated references and expanded introductions to provide deeper historical and spiritual context for each figure.
Built-In Multi-Week Study Guide: The appendix now features structured session plans for 6-week, 8-week, or 16-week small group or parish studies, complete with reflection questions and thematic pairings, no extra workbook required.
Award-Winning Foundation: Honored with a Catholic Media Association Book Award, this expanded volume builds on the aspects readers loved most.
So Much Gratitude
Self-publishing is a journey of trust, sustained by a community of readers who believe these historical witnesses deserve to be remembered and shared. Whether you read the first edition, shared a copy with a friend, or led a parish discussion—thank you for making this second edition possible.
Where to Find the Book
The Second Edition is live today and available via Amazon and major retailers. You can order your copy and learn more at https://link.amazon/B02OkMqYh .