Hi, I'm Mel!
And I’m so glad you’re here…
A Favorite Quote
" When we are confident in the Lord and the strength He provides, we truly can laugh at the days to come, for nothing the world throws at us can diminish us."
More About Me
I’ve written a number of Bible studies and books on Catholic saints. You can find out more about each of them in the Shop.
I also speak frequently about these topics at Catholic women’s conferences, and I would be delighted to present at your next event. I’m also always happy to join a session, virtually or in person, when your group is studying one of my books.
I’m a regular contributor to Living Faith and Women in the New Evangelization.
I’m a cradle Catholic who left the Church shortly before my sixteenth birthday. In 2005, I came back (some say with a passion; others compare my return to hurricane-force winds) after thirty-three years away from faith. My life had fallen apart. God put it back together. Within a month of returning, I found myself on the Parish Council (oh, those poor other council members!).
Arlington, Virginia is home. I’m a former board member of my Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and am in the speaker cadre for ADCCW’s successful Women Doctors of the Church presentation. I am a member of St. Charles Borromeo parish, and participate in Walking with Purpose, adoration, and a seniors’ group at neighboring St. Agnes parish.
I love sharing how people we know from scripture—the apostles, the unnamed women who encountered Jesus, the Proverbs 31 woman of worth—can inspire us today and can help improve our faith lives. I also speak on saints and prayer practices.
When I’m not writing, reading or speaking, you'll find me..
Visiting my peace place, the Shenandoah Valley! I love the Holy Cross Abbey monastery and will be buried in their natural cemetery. Our Diocesan retreat center, San Damiano, is nearby and a close second.
Researching my ancestors! They’re a varied bunch: two dozen or so Revolutionary War ancestors (including a few Loyalists), Polish immigrants, and a great-great-grandfather who was born into slavery near Memphis, Tennessee, and landed in Iowa through a branch of the Underground Railroad
Watching the Washington Capitals hockey team—at the stadium, at practice (two blocks from where I live) or on TV! LGC!
~ Kind Words from the Community ~
See what people are saying about me:
“Melanie Rigney is a one of a kind author, speaker, and presenter. The members of the Arlington Diocesan Council of Catholic Women have been so grateful for her wisdom, passion, and leadership while giving retreats and presentations for us. Melanie's attention to detail, her sense of humor, and her inspiring faith make her writing and speaking so very memorable and impactful. I know Melanie will do the same for you!”
— Megan Hamberger, Past President of the
Arlington Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
“Melanie’s presentations are always interesting, full of factoids and stories, all shared with humor and love. When she speaks about St. Hildegard of Bingen, for example, Mel talks about Hildegard’s particular traits that Mel finds particularly inspirational, encouraging, and relatable. It’s like having the saint in the room with us.”
— Erin B.
“Unforgettable Women of the Gospels, 8 Unnamed Women in Scripture And Their Encounters with Jesus,” takes a deep dive into stories of 8 women from the Bible (ones you have heard many times) and puts some flesh on what was really happening in their lives and in the country when they had their personal encounter with Jesus. Then she helps us see how those same encounters can and do often happen to us here, and now. … Enjoy this little nougat .. and see where God has already rained His grace down on you.”
— Colleen K.
Learn More About My Speaking Work
Get details on the talks I offer and how to book me.