Thank you for your letter. I hope that you are well. I’m glad that you wrote I’ll try to answer your questions and I hope it will be helpful to you …
You stated in your letter that I have a “ridiculously long name.” Let’s start with that. My first name is “Donna-Marie.” My mother placed a hyphen in my name when she named me and when baptized because she liked the name that she gave to me and was hoping that the hyphen would prevent people from shortening my name. I don’t mind if people call me “Donna” or “Donna-Marie.” I am perfectly fine with either.
Many years ago, when my first book was going to be released for Catholic mothers titled, “Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers,” I decided to use my full first name for the book, rather than just simply “Donna” as others had shortened it to. I did it to honor my dear deceased Mother.
I decided to keep my maiden name of “Cooper” in order to show honor to my dear deceased father. And my last name, “O’Boyle” is to honor my dear husband.
You asked me what makes me “feel important.” I don’t feel important. I do feel deeply blessed to be a daughter of the Most high God.
You asked, “Who” am I “to give spiritual advice? What qualifies you? Nothing!”
I am a Catholic woman, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an author, a catechist, and an evangelist. I am no better than anyone else. However, I have been asked to share my insights, advice, and teachings. I do so because I love our Lord and want to serve His people.
You stated, “All you do is prattle on to people to pray. Isn’t that brilliant?!”
I don’t think it’s brilliant. Rather, it is out of love that I encourage others to pray. I know by faith and our Church’s teaching that it is the only way to Heaven. I want to share that with as many as possible.
Yes, you are correct. St. Jacinta and St. Francisco were sick. They were very sick. I have never said that they had a “mysterious illness.” However, I do share with people that through their sincere and earnest prayers; following requests from Our Lady of Fatima, they suffered with much love and courage for the conversion of souls. They had been shown a vision of hell by the Blessed Mother and did not want anyone to suffer the terrible fate of burning in hell. Yes, hell exists and there is a consequence for sin. And prayer (as was mentioned above), is essential for everyone. It helps our own souls and the souls of others.
You stated that I am “making money on religion and spouting holiness.” It seems that you might have come up with your questions and comments after seeing me or hearing me in interviews. I suspect you have seen me on EWTN television sharing about Fatima and the shepherd children. You did send your letter to EWTN, after all.
I do not get paid anything for my appearances on the media to share about the Gospel and God’s love, the spiritual life, etc. I don’t get paid for any of the television series that I have created and that I host on EWTN television. It is out of love for God and His people that I share.
You stated that Catholics are not required to believe in Fatima or Lourdes, etc. You are correct in that we are not required. However, the Church in Her goodness and wisdom points us to the authentic powerful apparitions that will aid our souls.
You asked, “Why do we need another book on St. Faustina? Well, to try to put it succinctly, God’s Divine Mercy is so very important to every single person. We need God’s Mercy! Saint Faustina is a wonderful and perfect spiritual guide to help us to understand it more.
You stated, “You drop names all the time — Mother Teresa, Fr. Apostoli, John Hardon. Whoop-de-do!”
When someone is sharing about another’s example and holiness, it would be wise to state their name, wouldn’t it? I share about the Saints quite often. They are our sure intercessors. They help us to get to Heaven!
I hope that my letter to you will be helpful. I wish you well and I am praying for you to feel better. You seem to be upset and hurting. May God profoundly touch your heart and soul in a special way. God bless you!
Yours, in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,
Donna-Marie
Your charity and grace are abundant. May God reward you, may your lessons be absorbed and your example to others kept in highest regards.
You are so kind. Thank you. I pray that God will intensely touch this person’s soul.
God bless you!
Donna-Marie
You have shown grace and love in action by your response to this person. Thank you for encouraging me to keep on doing the little things with great love. God Bless You!
You are very kind, Sylvia. It was quite obvious to be that this person was hurting deeply and for some reason felt a need to lash out at me. I want her to know that I care and I do love her. In addition, I felt inspired to explain a few things rot her. Maybe she will begin to see things a bit differently. With God’s amazing grace, she can. Thank you in advance for praying for her. God bless you!
Dear Donna-Marie: As I read the anonymous letter sent to you, I could only say “wow”. I am sorry that you were the recipient of such anger toward our faith. You responded with Grace and Love….in a, truly, virtuous way. God Bless you! P.S. A former spiritual Father of mine had me read Father John Hardon. Years later, I met a dear woman, who knew Father Hardon, personally, as well. She had a very close relationship with him. I was in awe when she told me!!! I never even considered her to be a “name dropper”. 🙂 Love and prayers,
Dear Barbara Ann: Thank you for your very kind note. Yes, this person seems to be deeply wounded and in need of prayers. On another note, that is neat about your “connection” to dear Fr. Hardon! Thanks for telling me how you felt when your friend told you about her close relationship with him. Thanks so much for writing and please say a prayer for the person who wrote the letter to me. God bless you! <3
Donna-Marie, may God bless you for your loving response to this hurting soul. I will pray for this person as well.
Thank you so much for your kind note, Jane. I am thankful that you will pray for this person. I was hoping that my blog post would encourage others to pray for her. God bless you! <3
Greetings Donna-Marie. I thank my God for you. Your speaking and writings are so inspiring. BLESSINGS.GRACE. GRATITUDE.?✝️??
Dear Dawn,
Thank you very much for your kind note. All for the glory of God and the good of His people as Mother Teresa has told me. God bless you!
I believe that the devil hates anything and everyone connected to our Blessed Mother. I, too, was christened with 2 beautiful names (MaryGrace). I also use them both to honor my dear parents. I have endured countless remarks throughout my life about having 2 first names and “such a Catholic” name (said with much sarcasm). Yet I have also been blessed by people saying they were comforted in hearing or seeing my name. Thank you Donna-Marie for such a beautiful and kind response to this poor soul. And thank you for sharing your special gifts (and miraculous medals) with the world. Despite so many challenges and hardships in your own life you are saving souls! God bless you and your family. You are an inspiration.
Dear MaryGrace, you are an inspiration! I love your name. Thank you so much for sharing about your experiences. I agree with you about “you know who” hating the Blessed Mother and all related to her. Thank you for your very kind words. Please say a prayer for that person who wrote the letter. Thank you in advance. God bless you and your family!
That letter was unbelievable.
Your answers were so beautiful and calm.
It was very inspirational to me.
This opens my eyes to pray more for a change in my heart regarding those that hurt me. Thank you so much.
By the way I received my First Saturday bracelet. I love it! Great evangelization tool.
It’s amazing how many Catholics know nothing about the 5 First Saturdays or the 9 First Fridays.
Hope you are well and feeling better.
Aloha Ke Akua
Lynette
Aloha, Lynette!
I am so glad that you are inspired to pray more deeply for a change of heart with regard to the people who have hurt you. May God bring great grace, peace and forgiveness.
That’s great about your “evangelization tool”! I’m glad that you like your new bracelet. Try to get it blessed, if not already. And, you’re so right about the fact that so many Catholics don’t even know about the 5 First Saturdays and the 9 First Fridays! I have plans to create a 9 First Saturday Novena Bracelet! Hopefully, soon. 🙂
Thank you so much. Yes, I am feeling better but still recovering a bit.
How are things where you live with regard to the pandemic?
Take good care! Aloha Ke Akua!
God bless!
Donna-Marie XO