Dawn Eden Goldstein wins Christopher Award for “Father Ed”

Washington, D.C.-based author Dawn Eden Goldstein, SThD, has been honored with a Christopher Award for her book, “Father Ed: The Story of Bill W’s Spiritual Sponsor,” (Orbis Books). It is one of 12 books for adults and young people as the Christopher Awards program marks its 74th year.

According to the publisher’s website, “‘Father Ed’ is the first biography of Father Edward Dowling, SJ, whose guidance transformed Alcoholics Anonymous founder Bill Wilson’s life and deepened the spirituality of the twelve-step movement.

“Jesuit Father Ed Dowling (1898-1960) rescued Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson from debilitating depression and gave him the spiritual guidance he needed to bring AA to international prominence. Although not an alcoholic himself, he came to devote his ministry to helping people in recovery—not only alcoholics but also people in troubled marriages (as a co-founder of the Cana Conference) and those suffering from nervous disorders (as an early champion of Recovery, Inc., now known as Recovery International). But he was also a champion of civil rights and social justice, and his interests presaged Society’s post-Vatican II priorities.”

In addition to “Father Ed,” Dr. Goldstein has written four other books: “Sunday Will Never Be the Same and (under the pen name Dawn Eden) “The Thrill of the Chaste,” “My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saint,” and “Remembering God's Mercy.”

Born in New York City, Dr. Goldstein began her working life as a rock-and-roll historian. She went on to editorial positions at the New York Post and the Daily News before publishing her first book in 2006. In 2016, she became the first woman to earn a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. Her book “Remembering God's Mercy” won First Place in the Inspirational category of the Association of Catholic Publishers 2017 Excellence in Publishing Awards. She has taught at universities and seminaries in the United States, England, and India.

Christopher Awards were also given to the creators of 10 TV/Cable shows and feature films.

The Christopher Awards celebrate authors, and illustrators as well as writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit” and reflects the Christopher motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” Christopher Awards were also given to the creators of 10 TV/Cable shows and feature films.

Tony Rossi, The Christophers’ Director of Communications, said, “The stories we’re honoring acknowledge that the struggles we endure in life coexist with beauty and hope when we work together, despite our differences, to add love and healing to our world.”

The Christophers, a nonprofit founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb—“It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness”— guides its publishing, radio, and awards programs. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.