Maria V. Gallagher is an author, advocate, and accomplished speaker who has appeared on EWTN and formerly filed freelance reports for CBS Radio and NPR. A Catholic revert, Maria has spent more than two decades as an educator and lobbyist for the pro-life cause. She has also led numerous parish and diocesan retreats.
As a reporter, Maria V. Gallagher interviewed her share of celebrities, from Presidential hopefuls to ballet star Mikhail Baryshnikov. Her journalism career included a number of awards from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists and freelance reports for CBS Radio and NPR. But something was missing, or rather Someone—God. Her reversion to the Catholic faith led her from being a hardened “pro-choice” journalist to a passionate pro-life advocate, lending her voice to defend the most vulnerable among us on outlets such as EWTN.
A former adjunct professor of journalism for The Ohio State University, Maria now serves as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation and as an alternate to the board of National Right to Life. Maria is also the author of several books published by Marian Press, including the Encounter with Mary series about the Blessed Mother; Mercy’s Power, a guide to living out the Gospel of Life, and Fulton Sheen’s Guide to Joyful Living, a prescription for joy inspired by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Maria has spoken at the National Right to Life Conference, Catholic women’s conferences in Michigan and Pennsylvania, the Catholic Writers Guild Online Conference, and numerous retreats. A certified life coach, Maria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Northwestern University.
Maria can speak on a host of topics related to the right to life and spirituality. Here is a sample of her talk topics:
“Pro-Life is Pro-Woman: Empowering Females for the 21st Century”--Explains how the pro-life point of view honors women and their feminine genius, as defined by Pope St. John Paul II.
"Mary as Muse: Strengthening Your Relationship with the Blessed Mother”--This talk is based on my series of books about Mary and how we can relate to her by noticing how we are living out the mysteries of the Rosary in our own lives.
"Fulton Sheen and the Art of Joy”--This presentation grew out of my new book about Fulton Sheen, who is being beatified by the Catholic Church. Through an examination of Sheen's writings and talks, I have discovered his secrets to living a joy-filled life.
”From Pro-Choice Reporter to Pro-Life Advocate: One Woman’s Journey”--This talk explains how someone steeped in secular ideology abandoned modern feminist principles to embrace a pro-life vocation, along with the challenges I overcame along the way.
“How to Make Friends and Influence People for the Pro-Life Cause"--So many times, we as pro-life advocates struggle with how best to articulate the pro-life viewpoint. This talk offers tips for helping to plant the seeds of conversion for those who would describe themselves as "pro-choice."
