Christopher Closeup

Maria Morera Johnson, the author of "A Beautiful Second Act," explores how a stroke at age 49 led her to look to the saints and other notable women for lessons on aging with grace, finding joy even in times of hardship, and discerning God's will in the process.

Gary Jansen, the author of "The Healing Power of Praying the Rosary," discusses how an encounter at the gym led him to new insights about the rosary, how meditative prayer can improve our physical and spiritual well-being, and why a good prayer life can help us make the kingdom of God more present to others.

"American Mother" co- author Diane Foley reveals  how her Catholic faith helped her in the aftermath of her son's murder by terrorists – and how she handled it when one of her son's torturers and killers offered to meet with her.

Diane Foley, co- author of the book "American Mother" discusses the life and legacy of her son, journalist James Foley, who was taken hostage by terrorists in Syria and murdered in 2014. She explores the dangers faced by journalists in war zones, the quest for truth which motivated James' work, and the faith in God that guided him through difficult times.

Sister Orianne Pietra René Dyck – the author of "Dive Deep: 40 Days with God at Sea" discusses how this book can help young people discern God's presence in their lives, better  understand Scripture, and grow spiritually.

Christopher Award-winning author Kathy Izard discusses her new book "Trust the Whisper," which shares stories about individuals who listened for God's still, small voice in their lives and wound up making a positive difference in the lives of the homeless, the mentally ill, and many more.

Singer-songwriter Sarah Hart discusses her new Advent and Christmas album "All the Earth Alive Rejoicing," how performing at a prison enabled her to see Jesus in all the inmates, and what it felt like to be adopted by her stepfather as an adult.

Author and counselor Sister Ave Clark discusses her books "Joy is Blooming" and "Alleluia: A Grace to Hold Life's Interruptions," how beholding God in everything and everyone can lead us towards joy, the power of lightheartedness, and what Jesus on the cross can teach us about grace.

Gary Jansen, the author of "Saints, Angels, and Demons: An A-to-Z Guide to the Holy and the Damned," discusses the seeds of his interest in the saints, why we  need to remember the saints were "imperfect individuals," how actor Bill Murray is linked to St. Catherine of Siena, and the enduring legacies of the two Francises: de Sales and of Assisi.

Inspired by her sister with intellectual disabilities, writer Delaney Coyne discusses the Catholic Church's ministries for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – and how more can be done to lovingly welcome this sometimes-overlooked community into the family of faith.

Actor and author Jonathan Jackson discusses his return to the ABC TV series "General Hospital," in the role of Lucky Spencer (the character he originated at age 11 in 1993), what it was like having Tony Geary and Genie Francis as his TV parents, and what he learned about fame at an early age. He also further explores his book "the Harrowing of Hell" and why mercy  is the path to heaven.

Actor, author, and singer Jonathan Jackson discusses the best ways that parents can pass on their religious faith to their children, the book he's written titled "The Harrowing of Hell," the love and mercy that God extends to us, how our free will fits into that equation, and why he remains completely in awe of Jesus's radical acts of humility.

José M. Hernández, the subject of the Christopher Award-winning Amazon Prime film "A Million Miles Away," discusses the work ethic, family support, and religious faith that led him from being a migrant farmworker as a child to becoming a NASA astronaut who traveled to space as an adult.

Author Jean Duffy  discusses her Christopher Award-winning book "Soccer Grannies," which profiles the South African grandmothers, ranging in age from 40s to 80s, who created their own soccer league to benefit their physical, mental, and spiritual health .

Television legend and best-selling author Kathie Lee Gifford discusses her book "Herod and Mary," in which she explores the historical evils committed by King Herod – and contrasts them with the humble and holy life of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Two-time Christopher Award-winning author Torrey Maldonado discusses his latest novel,  "Hands," which shares a semi-autobiographical story about a 12-year- old boy torn between using his hands to fight his abusive stepfather or using them to create art and fulfill his mother's wishes for him to have a better life.

John J. York, the longtime "General Hospital" star who portrays Mac Scorpio, discusses his recent battle with two blood and bone marrow cancers, the stem cell transplant that helped him find healing, and the family, colleagues, and Catholic faith that supported him through the experience.

Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA, discusses her memoir "For Love of the Broken Body," her fall off a cliff which resulted in major injuries, and how her experience of brokenness has increased her love for God and humanity.

Brian Bird, the  Christopher Award-winning writer and producer of the Hallmark Channel series "When Calls the Heart," discusses the show's 11 th season, how he integrates God and faith into his work, how TV can not only entertain, but also inspire us to be better people, and how he held on to his faith in a skeptical world.

Author Jeff Gottesfeld  discusses his Christopher Award-winning children's book "Food for Hope," in which he profiles Catholic hero and role model John van Hengel, who created food banks for the hungry, inspired by his faith and the hardships of his life.

Christopher Award-winning author Gary Jansen discusses his latest book  "Meditations at  Midnight," in which he creatively explores the many ways he has encountered God through the years – and in which he uses poetry to revisit Jesus's passion and crucifixion.

Eric Clayton, the author of "Cannonball Moments" and "My Life with the Jedi" further discusses the connection between Ignatian spirituality and Star Wars, how we can all learn to be contemplatives in action, and how we can integrate the wounds we have endured to find wholeness and healing.

Eric Clayton, the author of  "Cannonball Moments" and "My Life with the Jedi" discusses the influence St. Ignatius of Loyola has had on his life and faith, how we can respond to cannonball moments in our lives, and why Eric finds great value in the spirituality of "Star Wars."

Joy Marie Clarkson, the author of "You Are a Tree," explores what exactly that title means, why it was inspired by Scripture, and how the words and images we use to describe ourselves can improve our lives and relationship with God.

Award-winning journalist Meg Kissinger discusses her memoir "While You Were Out," which addresses the ways that mental illness and suicide affected her large Catholic  family. Meg also talks about reducing the stigma around mental illness so people can work towards a more hopeful future.