News Times article: “A Friendship Forged in Faith”

September 5, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

“NEW MILFORD – Mother Teresa’s canonization by Pope Francis is bringing fresh focus to the legacy of a contemporary saint whose love for the poor transformed the lives of the world’s most destitute people.

And in the eyes of one admirer who shared a 10-year friendship with the Nobel Peace Prize-winning nun, Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta also transformed those inspired by her example.

“She said that holiness is not a luxury for a few, but everyone’s duty,” said Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, a New Milford author, television host and mother of five who formed a friendship with Mother Teresa during the last decade of her life. ‘God gave her to the worldto teach us that hunger is not just about starving for a piece of bread in Calcutta, but about starving for love right here in our own homes.'”

[You can see the FULL recent News Times article about my friendship with Mother Teresa here.]

“Take 2 with Jerry and Debbie” on EWTN Radio

September 5, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

I recently visited with Jerry and Debbie on EWTN’s “Take 2 with Jerry and Debbie.”

You can listen to our hour-long radio conversation about Mother Teresa when you have time. Get yourself a beverage and pull up a chair and enjoy listening about dear Mother Teresa now canonized and called Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Truth be told, I will continue to call her Mother Teresa. 🙂

By the way, we also discuss my Miraculous Medal ministry and my memoir, The Kiss of Jesus.

Click here to listen.

Being the “poorest of the poor” with Mother Teresa

September 5, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

My article “Being the ‘poorest of the poor’ with Mother Teresa” in the Catholic World Report is here below:

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be staying at Mother Teresa’s homeless shelters. And not just once, but twice. Truth be told, I have endured times of poverty, but my days spent in the shelters were not during those times, and they were in two different parts of the world.

The first time was in Harlem, New York about 30 years ago, when it was very dangerous to be on the streets of that barbed-wire jungle. The second time was just a few years ago in Rome, Italy.

Allow me to back up a bit in order to tell the story about meeting my spiritual mother, whom others knew as the Saint of the Gutters, or simply as Mother Teresa. Almost 30 years ago, I first laid eyes on the little saint of the poor, dressed in a simple white cotton sari trimmed in Blessed Mother blue. I caught my first glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye, when she walked right past me quietly in her bare feet just before Mass was about to begin at the Missionaries of Charity convent in Washington, DC.

I was visiting the nation’s capital because my spiritual director, Father John A. Hardon, SJ, had asked me to bring my family to see him for a face-to-face meeting. After our time with him, at Father’s encouragement, we set out to visit the sick and dying in the “Gift of Peace” home at the convent. We had a very meaningful visit, observing the great love and tenderness shown to the poor and suffering living in the home, at which there was a clear and beautiful aura of holiness. The MC sisters invited us to return the following day for a private Mass in their chapel. I was honored to be invited, but imagine my excitement when one sister informed me that Mother Teresa would be at one of their two Masses the next day; she didn’t know which one. My heart secretly soared hearing that Mother Teresa was there at the convent. Still, as much as I had always admired her for her selfless work with the poor and had considered her to be a living saint, I didn’t want to take up her time if we happened to see her the following day.

Early the next morning, we arrived at the convent’s chapel and I spotted several pairs of sandals lined up outside the door, which prompted us to take off our shoes before entering. Once inside, one of the first things I noticed was actually a lack of things. The chapel was very stark, yet so very meaningful. The few items there—an altar, a tabernacle, a crucifix, a statue of the Blessed Mother, and the words, “I Thirst” painted on the wall beside the tabernacle—drew my heart to what was most important. Those two words—“I thirst”—would echo in my heart for years after, and still do. I settled my children and we all knelt down to say our prayers before Mass.

Meeting the Saint of the Gutters

We had picked the right Mass, for Mother Teresa unexpectedly walked in. She seemed to float right past me. I needed to quickly direct my mind back to the Mass that was about to begin. Never mind the fact that a living saint was in our midst! I was kneeling down on the chapel’s bare floor with my husband and children, trying my best to prepare my heart for Mass, while still keeping an eye on my children: Justin, Chaldea, and Jessica. Mother Teresa’s presence certainly seemed to send a holy jolt up and down my spine!

Another surprise unfolded right after the Mass. As we were leaving the modest chapel, my children genuflected to Jesus in the tabernacle when unexpectedly a Missionaries of Charity nun came running up behind my six-year-old daughter Chaldea and gave her a hug. I surmised that the sweet sister must have been touched to see a little girl saying good bye to Jesus. Before I could finish my thought, I realized that it was none other than Mother Teresa! But, as quickly as she came into the picture, she was heading out of the room in another direction. The door closed behind her. I was so overcome with gratefulness after witnessing a living saint hug my child—but there was more to come.

As we were standing in a huddle in the convent’s foyer, the door opened across the way and this time Mother Teresa didn’t walk past me—she began to walk straight towards me. I was holding my little precocious one-and-a-half-year-old Jessica in my arms so that she couldn’t get into trouble or run around the convent. Then Mother Teresa was standing directly in front of us. She asked me a question…

[More here at Catholic World Report]

Graces abound on and around Mother Teresa’s Canonization day!

September 5, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

I was blessed to have been part of an event in Mother Teresa’s honor at the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven, CT a couple of days before her canonization day. The original portrait painting was unveiled and hung at the Museum. A photograph of the image was used to make over a million prayer cards for the canonization in Rome. The banners used at the canonization were taken from that image. It was a privilege to be part of the event.

I have been extremely busy this past week doing many media interviews including Fox News in New York City and doing many radio shows (at least 2 or 3 a day). You can listen to some of the interviews on this website. I’ll add more to my website when I get a chance.

I’ll be traveling to Ave Maria University in a couple of days to bring the message of Mother Teresa to University students there.

But, first, I’ll leave you with a couple of photos from the Knights Museum.

And today is Mother Teresa’s feast day! Pray for the graces!

God bless you! Please pray for me!

Visiting with Wendy Weis about dear Mother Teresa

September 3, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Recently I had the pleasure of speaking again with Relevant Radio’s lovely Wendy Weis who was so gracious to rearrange our visit due to my grueling schedule with all of the media interviews about Mother Teresa.

You can hear our chat here.

Please move the little marker to the 23:45 mark to hear my segment which is in the second part of Wendy’s show. Or listen to the whole thing.

It’s always special to chat with Wendy. We feel like we are sitting down and chatting over a cup of tea. 🙂

Enjoy!

FOX NEWS “Spirited Debate” with Lauren Green Re: Mother Teresa

September 3, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

I had the pleasure of being a guest on with Lauren Green on her show “Spirited Debate” On Fox News Online.

You can also see our visit here.

Remembering Mother Teresa…

August 31, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Remembering Mother…

Distinct details of meeting Blessed Teresa of Calcutta the first time remain etched in my memory. Her height, or lack thereof, especially struck me. Being short in stature and hunched over, she appeared a bit frail. But I was totally convinced that this “little” woman was a passionate powerhouse of faith, hope and love! I knew that along with God’s grace, she was responsible for incredible transformations in the lives of the “poorest of the poor,” all over the world.

My heart soared one summer morning, when straight after a Mass I attended with the Missionaries of Charity sisters, Mother Teresa approached me. I was immediately filled with an incredible peace. The tireless servant of the poor took time from her duties to speak to me about my children.

She asked if my daughter Jessica (who was secure in my arms so she wouldn’t get into trouble!) was the “baby who was singing at Mass?” (No doubt, her polite way of saying she was aware of my continuous tip-toeing in and out of Mass with my restless little one!) Then, she told me, “Your children are very fortunate to have a family.” I felt compelled to tell her that I was very fortunate to be their mother. At that time I had three children on earth and three in heaven.

Mother Teresa was accustomed to rescuing babies and children from the dust bins in Calcutta, India, disposed of by their dying parents. She took them in, gave them love and care, and placed them within families yearning for children.

Blessed Teresa never mothered a child biologically, but she in so many ways spiritually mothered countless people all around the globe. She indeed became a mother to me. Mother Teresa begged for all unwanted babies whose mothers contemplated abortion and said she’d care for them herself. She opened our eyes and hearts to the needy around us whom we should “mother.”

[See the entire article here]

Talking about Mother Teresa on “Seize the Day” Radio

August 31, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

You can listen in here to my recent radio chat with Tom at Seize the Day. We chatted about Mother Teresa and the faith. I hope you enjoy it. God bless you!

Donna-Marie to present at the Knights of Columbus Museum

August 29, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

The Knights of Columbus Museum will celebrate the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta with a series of events beginning Friday, Sept. 2, 2016.
The original of the official canonization portrait will be received at the Museum in a ceremony at 10:15 a.m. Titled “St. Teresa of Calcutta: Carrier of God’s Love,” the painting was commissioned as a gift to the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order founded in 1950 by Mother Teresa. Painted by Chas Fagan, a Yale University alum living in North Carolina, the portrait was selected by the Mother Teresa Center as the official image that will be draped from the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City during the Sept. 4 canonization ceremony.

In addition to the painting, the Knights of Columbus has donated more than a million holy cards bearing the official image for distribution in St. Peter’s Square on canonization day. Printed at the Knights of Columbus printing plant in New Haven, an estimated 500,000 more cards are being printed for distribution by Missionaries of Charity at their various homes and centers.

Also on Sept. 2, a relic of Mother Teresa will be available for public veneration from 12-4 p.m. The relic may be venerated Sept. 3-7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Sept. 6, when veneration will continue until 7 p.m.

The Museum will welcome Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle for a presentation on Mother Teresa’s spirituality and mission Sunday, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m. In addition, she will do a book signing of her books. Donna-Marie will also be present on September 2, 2016 and available for interviews that morning. Donna-Marie was blessed to know Mother Teresa for ten years. She is a popular speaker and author of several books, including “Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship,” “The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me To Discover the Beauty of the Cross,” and “Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa.”

The Museum’s display, “Mother Teresa: Saint of the Streets,” continues until Nov. 6, however the original painting is available to be viewed for only a limited time. It is to be formally presented at the Mother Teresa Center in Rome at an undetermined date.

Happy birthday Mother Teresa!

August 26, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Today is Mother Teresa’s birthday! She has so much to teach us! I never tire speaking about her or writing about her. I will post some of the recent radio interviews very soon. I’ll also be in various places speaking about the saint of the gutters.

Here we are sharing a beautiful moment together when I was pregnant for my son Joseph almost twenty nine years ago.

Meanwhile, I thought that today I’d post an excerpt from three of my books on Mother Teresa.

This excerpt is from my book Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa:

Here is an excerpt from my book Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship:

And here is one from The Kiss of Jesus How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me To Discover the Beauty of the Cross:

I pray that dear Mother Teresa will intercede for all of us today!

INTERVIEW: “Champions of the Rosary” by Fr. Donald H. Calloway, MIC

August 20, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Fr. Donald H. Calloway, MIC about his newest book: Champions of the Rosary.

Donna-Marie: Why a book on the Rosary now?

Fr. Calloway: The reason I wrote this book is because the Church and the world need to be reminded of the power of the rosary and how it has been used by popes and saints over the last 800 years as a spiritual weapon against falsehoods and evil. In the early 18th century, St. Louis de Montfort wrote The Secret of the Rosary to remind the people of his time, especially priests, that the rosary had been given to us by heaven as a powerful weapon. Sadly, most of the people of his era were not open to his message and, along with many of his writings, The Secret of the Rosary was buried in a field in France during the French Revolution. In our crazy times, we need a book that serves as a follow-up to his rosary masterpiece, informing our modern age of the wonders and glories of the rosary. It needs to be a book that retells the story of the origins of the rosary, the many battles, victories, and miracles that have occurred as a result of people praying it, and highlight the numerous champions and heroes who have used it. These are some of the reasons I wrote Champions of the Rosary.

Donna-Marie: Thank you for explaining all of that. Your book is quite beautiful and extensive. How long did it take you to write it?

Fr. Calloway: It took me over two years to put Champions of the Rosary together. Before I even began writing, I conducted extensive research in libraries and monasteries around the world. Thanks to the generosity of many Dominican priests and sisters in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, I was able to gather incredible information and historical facts that would serve as the skeleton for the book. Once the information was gathered, I had to earnestly pray about how to organize all the information into a book that flowed well and was not too academic. To do this, I prayed a 54-day rosary novena to ask the guidance of Our Lady. She came through and gave me the structure for the entire book. Then, I decided that as I was writing it, I would make a novena to every single saint, blessed, venerable, and servant of God that was to appear in the book. There are so many that I had to group them together and do 3 novenas at a time! Praying a novena to every holy person in the book took me a year and a half.

Donna-Marie: Wow. That’s wonderful, Fr. Calloway!

You have many endorsements from Dominicans for your book. Why did you feel it was important to show their support?

Fr. Calloway: The rosary was first given to St. Dominic in the 13th century and it is the spiritual sons and daughters of St. Dominic who are the custodians of the great gift of the rosary. However, over the centuries there have been many who have tried to deny the tradition that Our Lady gave the rosary to St. Dominic, even within the Dominican Order itself. Therefore, in order to lend support for my research and writing, I wanted to have as many Dominicans behind me as I could. Incredibly, I was able to get endorsements from the Master General of the Dominicans, the General Promoter of the rosary, 10 Dominican bishops, and numerous Dominican provincials and theologians from around the world. I truly love the Dominicans and believe that they have been entrusted with one of the greatest treasures of the Church.

Donna-Marie: You’ve broken your book up into three parts. What are they and what is their importance?

Fr. Calloway: The first part contains a thoroughly researched history of the origins of the rosary. To my knowledge, this is the most thorough presentation of the history of the rosary ever written. It begins by presenting the antecedent elements that went into the making of the Dominican rosary, then moves into a century-by-century presentation of battles, victories, miracles, and popes and saints who have promoted it. The second part of the book contains 26 of the greatest champions of the rosary throughout history. There have been many more than 26, but these are the ones who are particularly known for having made it a major part of their life and apostolate. In the third part of the book I present the practical steps of how to pray the rosary (and how not to pray the rosary), how to become a champion of the rosary, and the indulgences offered by the Church for those who pray the rosary. Lastly, in an appendix, is contained a 36-page color section of the rosary in classical art. I even had 4 images commissioned for the book!

Donna-Marie: That is really amazing!

Your book is a treasury of history and wisdom on the Rosary as well as stories and Rosary gems the reader can take to his or her heart. You have even included many Apostles and defenders of the Rosary along with photographs. What do you say to the person who might feel intimidated to read this book in light of all of the material?

Fr. Calloway: I really believe that this book can be read by anyone. I intentionally asked Our Lady to kiss the book and make it enjoyable for both the academic and the pious non-academic. I even took the entire manuscript to the tomb of St. Dominic in Bologna, Italy, and asked St. Dominic to let the whole world read this book. I’m quite positive that once a person starts reading the book, they will not be able to put it down. Some of the Dominican bishops who endorsed it called it an encyclopedia and a summa of the rosary. It is truly meant for everyone, and every person who reads it will get something from it.

Donna-Marie: I wholeheartedly agree!

You share what you call “the three keys” to unlocking the power of the Rosary. Can the average Rosary pray-er unlock the power of the Rosary?

Fr. Calloway: The “three keys” are easy. They are 1) understanding the rosary as a spiritual weapon, especially a spiritual sword; 2) respecting the pious tradition that states that St. Dominic is the founder; and 3) acknowledging that the rosary has had both antecedents and developments throughout history. With this in mind, the power of the rosary can be unlocked by anyone and everyone; from young children to the aged, infirm, and those in prison. The book is intended to make of everyone who reads it a champion of the rosary!

Donna-Marie:That is really great.

Finally, what is your deepest desire for this book?

Fr. Calloway: My greatest desire is that people return to the saving mysteries of the God-Man and grow in virtue. Only by doing these things will things change in our crazy world. I consider this book to be our marching-orders for the trials that are ahead of us. Peace will not come from man-made concords and edicts. True peace will only come when we return to the fundamentals of Divine Revelation as encapsulated in the sacred mysteries of the rosary!

Donna-Marie: Amen, Fr. Calloway! Thank you very much for your time, Fr. Calloway.

Please visit Fr. Calloway’s website to see more about his ministry and to order his beautiful book.

Unveiling the new book cover for my upcoming book on Fatima!

August 15, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

As you might already know, this year is the 100th anniversary of the Apparitions of the Angel of Peace to the Fatima visionaries. Next year in 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the Apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Fatima. I was asked by Servant Books to write the book: Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions.

Here is a brief description from the publisher:

On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary first revealed herself to a trio of shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She would appear to them five more times over the course of the year until the great miracle of the sun on October 13, 1917. She brought a message of love and peace that was heard around the world—a sorely-needed antidote to the ravages of World War I. To mark the 100th anniversary of the apparitions, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle provides a one-stop guide to the tradition, history and spirituality of Our Lady of Fatima, including the testimonies of those who have made the pilgrimage and prayers for those who share this devotion.

In Our Lady of Fatima, award-winning author, journalist, pilgrimage host and host of EWTN’s Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms and Catholic Mom’s Café Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle offers a mini-Fatima retreat—an “armchair pilgrimage,” if you will. This collection of prayers, testimonies and reflections will bring to life the events of Fatima and help you find ways to apply Mary’s Fatima message to the nitty-gritty details of your daily life.

Each chapter begins with a quote by or about the Blessed Mother before delving into a key aspect of the story of Mary’s appearances to nine-year-old Lúcia Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto. A prayer, a simple reflection and a doable call to action transform this book from a simple historical retelling into a practical devotional.
The Blessed Mother’s Fatima message is needed now more than ever. The uncertainty of global events can seep into our daily worries, creating fear and anxiety that’s difficult to overcome. Our Lady of Fatimais a welcome remedy for that worry. In it, you’ll find a chance to grow in faith and holiness, as well as a needed dose of inspiration, hope and peace in following its advice and suggestions, and in praying the prayers.

Today, on the Blessed Mother’s feast day, I am very excited to show you the cover of this book which will be released in March 2017!

Are you ready?

Here it is!

Amazon is already taking pre-orders which you can see here.

You can pre-order an autographed copy at my website here.

So, what do you think?

Sunday Night Prime: “Feeding Your Family’s Soul”

August 8, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

[Hit the pause button above if you are not ready to view the show. This will allow you to read the blog post first. 🙂 ]

I believe that we need a strong backbone to parent our children and grandchildren properly. We can’t allow the culture to dictate to us about how we should parent our children or how our home life should be. As the first and foremost educator of the faith to our children and grandchildren, we absolutely need to know our faith and to in turn teach it to the children. God is counting on us!

The video above is the recent discussion I had with Fr. Andrew Apostoli about my newest book “Feeding Your Family’s Soul: Dinner Table Spirituality” on his very popular EWTN Sunday Night Prime TV show. During our time together, I show how we can seize the opportunity to teach the faith right at the dinner table. Fr. Andrew and I even talked about (in the words of Fulton Sheen), “dead bodies floating down the stream”! As well, how we do not want to be one of them! We need to go against the flow of our world today to parent our children properly.

Recently, a weary homeschooling Mom of many children came to me for a little “shot in the arm.” She was worn out from demands pulling at her, sleepless nights, and active children. A new school year was about to begin and being in her third trimester of a pregnancy, she felt quite exhausted. I think you get the picture. Things were getting to be a bit overwhelming. We chatted through emails and then it was time for this show to air. Afterwards, the gracious Mom emailed me again to share her thoughts. With her permission, I will share some of her note to me:

“Before I head to bed, I just wanted to tell you that the Sunday Night Prime show was tremendously excellent! It was a huge blessing that came at the perfect time for me! I feel completely renewed in my goal and purpose as a homeschooling mom!

I love the quotes and the reinforcement that being countercultural, having a backbone, swimming up stream (not floating downstream with the other dead bodies) is absolutely God’s call on my life. Through your interview, I am convinced now, more than ever, that He is with me and for me in this sometimes very intense homeschooling adventure. No other path allows me to so vehemently protect my children from evil influences. This show was a God-send at the beginning of a new homeschooling year for me (and at the end of the pregnancy). My resolve is strengthened! Thank you!”

By the way, in addition to the above opportunity to view the show, you can also see the show here on the EWTN website. I hope that you will enjoy the show! May God bless families everywhere!

Books can be pre-ordered here at Amazon or autographed copies here at my website and at Paraclete Press!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Two empty dinner plates and a miracle

August 6, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

The other day an 88-year-old man rang my door bell. I opened the door to see him holding two empty dinner plates in his hands.

“Here are your dishes. I meant to return them earlier. “Dorothy” (I have changed her name for this story) loved the salmon dinner you made for us. Thank you very much!”

I set the dishes down on the table in my foyer. “You are more than welcome,” I replied. “How is she feeling?”

Dorothy is an 85-years-old I know who had to start chemotherapy a little over a month ago because of a diagnosis of breast cancer. I was very concerned for her having to go through chemo at such a late season in life. I committed to making a nice healthy dinner for her and her husband on each chemo evening and to especially wrap the two of them in my daily prayers.

“Miraculously, she has had no nausea from the chemo!” Dorothy’s husband exclaimed rather jubilantly.

“Yes!” I couldn’t help myself. I was very excited that he used the word, “miraculously.”

“You can certainly say it’s miraculous–because God is taking care of her! We are praying for her.”

“Thank you very much,” was his sincere response to me.

I suddenly remembered that the following day was another chemo day. So, I said, “Tomorrow is chemo day. I’ll bring these plates back to you tomorrow night with a fresh salmon dinner!”

I suspect this brand new and very sudden arduous journey must be very difficult for both of these fine people who were starting to slow down a bit and trying to enjoy the rest of their lives, especially since Dorothy also struggles with other health issues and her husband has had a form of cancer for many years. I pray that my mention of “prayer” and “God” will touch their hearts in a special way. We have had conversations in the past in which they have told me that they are non-church-goers. I have given them blessed Miraculous Medals and I don’t shy away from gently planting the seeds of faith within our conversations.

I am a firm believer that our loving God continuously provides every one of us with countless opportunities to turn to Him and to serve others with extra doses of love. Please say a prayer for this sweet couple.

What opportunity to speak about God and about prayer will unfold in your own life soon? Perhaps it will be to someone who does not believe in God. Be ready. The Lord is waiting to shine through you. Your Guardian Angel will assist you!

Chatting about dear Mother Teresa on Son Rise Morning

August 5, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

This morning I chatted with sweet Anna Mitchell on the Son Rise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio. I love doing my regular segment on “Mother Teresa and Mercy” every First Friday in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today we focused on Mother Teresa’s upcoming canonization and my friendship with her.

Here is our short radio chat this morning. I hope that you enjoy it.

“Feeding Your Family’s Soul” on EWTN’s Sunday Night Prime

August 5, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R. recently interviewed me on his very popular Sunday Night Prime TV show about my upcoming book Feeding Your Family’s Soul: Dinner Table Spirituality.I love doing shows with Fr. Andrew. He is a wonderful Host! I just found out that it will air this Sunday, August 7th, as well as August 8th. You can see more here on the EWTN website.

Here are the times and dates:
Sun. Aug. 07 at 8:00 PM ET
Mon. Aug. 08 at 1:30 AM ET
Mon. Aug. 08 at 9:00 AM ET

Fr. Andrew and I discuss the family and the need and responsibility to teach the faith to the family and I give many tips during our show. In addition, we stress the importance of family dinners. I hope that you can tune in and that you will enjoy our show.

My book will be ready very soon. In fact, I think I will have copies as early as the end of August. I will ship out pre-orders as soon as I receive the books. They will be autographed and be sent with a blessed Miraculous Medal.

If you would like to pre-order my new book you can do so here on my book page of this website.

Here is a description of the book: This book is uniquely suited to come to their rescue. Feeding Your Family’s Soul: Dinner Table Spirituality is a vital tool to enable parents to transform a regular dinner time into a prayerful faith lesson for their elementary school to high school aged children. It will indeed help to fulfill the Catholic Church’s vision for evangelization in the family and beyond.

Through 52 fun and creative faith lessons (one for each week of the year plus actually one extra as Extra Credit!), this one-of-a-kind book will encourage parents and caregivers to seize the opportunity in teaching the Catholic faith to the children (the captive audience waiting to eat!) while gathered at the dinner table, and while reminding them of the value of coming together as a family to break bread and share hearts.

This book bears a foreword by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers and wonderful endorsements.

Donna-Marie’s book is a real treasure. The family has been called the “domestic church” and it is there that we first learn about God, our prayers, and how to live our Christian life. Donna-Marie certainly offers a valuable tool, because when the family gets together for a meal, it is an appropriate time to share and teach the faith. We are reminded at a meal that we not only feed our body, but we need to feed our soul with God’s word and message.

~ Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R., Founding member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Host of EWTN’s Sunday Night Prime

There is no shortage of studies showing the importance of family meal time. Add in the spiritual component of prayer and teaching the faith and you have, as Donna Marie so eloquently illustrates, a recipe for success. Follow Donna Marie’s plan and you’ll be fortifying your loved ones in their faith now and in the future.

~Teresa Tomeo, Syndicated Catholic talk show Host and best selling Catholic author

This is a very important book for the Church and the culture today, and will no doubt help shape the hearts and minds of parents and children to be more like the Holy Family. Fr. Patrick Peyton said it best: “The family that prays together, stays together.” When families truly begin to pray together, the culture will experience the love and mercy of Jesus.

~Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers

An altar is also a table. It is the scene both of self-sacrificial love and of a meal signifying and embodying communion with God and one another. In Feeding Your Family’s Soul, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle shows us how to help make our dinner table into an altar of worship and love centered around family meal times. Read this wise and practical book and find a way to help your family become happier and holier. Taste and see that the Lord is good!

~Mark P. Shea, Author, This is My Body: An Evangelical Discovers the Real Presence

With gentle affection for her readers and an invigorating passion for the Catholic faith, Donna-Marie’s new book is a gift of great value to Catholic parents and grandparents, everywhere. Feeding Your Family’s Soul is a wise and delectable fusion of insights, stories, recipes, and prayers that will inspire and empower you to evangelize your family in the most natural of environments: the sacred space around your kitchen table.

~Lisa Mladinich, Founder of AmazingCatechists.com Author of Heads Bowed: Prayers for Catholic School Days

PRE-ORDER NOW for $15.99!

Enjoy the show this Sunday Night or go ahead and record it for when you have time. I pray that the show and my upcoming book which will be available in a few short weeks will bless families all around the world!

God bless you and keep you!

Donna-Marie

The Kiss of Jesus on EWTN’s Bookmark

July 31, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

This Bookmark episode (above) was filmed last summer at the Catholic Marketing network and is comprised of two segments. I am in the second segment. You can scroll the little marker to the halfway point or watch the whole show. Below, I am standing with EWTN’s Bookmark Host and my good friend Doug Keck after filming our program.

You can click on the book cover image to see more about the book as well as ordering information at my “book” page.

You can also view the show here on EWTN’s YouTube page and here at the EWTN Bookmark web page.

Enjoy the show and please share it with your friends and family.

Discovering the Cross and God’s grace in our lives

July 17, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Years ago when I found out that I had osteoporosis I committed to get out there every day and get some walking in. Walking is supposed to help create bone mass. I think the walking has helped me.

More recently, I have gotten my husband involved in exercise. I have long known that it would be good for him, but he has resisted the idea for some time now. But over the last few weeks I have enjoyed having a hiking buddy. Yes, I talked him into it! So, every morning, we take a hike. I say it’s a hike and not a walk, because it isn’t just a casual stroll on a level track or sidewalk. We live in the woods of rural Connecticut and there are a couple of dirt roads near our home. There are some decent hills along our route, so, whether we just hike a mile or have time to do our two mile hike to the farm and back, we get a pretty good work out (for old people!).

It has been hot an humid lately and in order to get that hike into our day, we have to do it first thing in the morning before it gets worse as the day unfolds, weather permitting, of course. When I say “weather permitting,” I don’t mean that we don’t go if it’s hot and sticky (and who in their right mind would want to go out and hike in those conditions?). We push ourselves and go out. But, if it’s pouring rain or thunder-storming, we skip it that morning. Thankfully, we very rarely need to worry about tornadoes in these parts.

I use an herbal bug repellant since I am still dealing with tick borne diseases and don’t want to get any more. I had four active ones (Lyme, Q Fever, Anaplasma, and Babisia) for quite some time. The doctor and I are hoping that I might have just very recently defeated two of them–finally. We are not totally sure until we get results from another round of blood work. But we are hoping. I have been dealing with Lyme disease for over twenty five years now, with five different documented new cases of Lyme. I guess you can say that I have been a “Tick magnet.” I wish that weren’t so, but alas, it is. So, I deal with it, fight it, and have pretty good stuff to offer up to God.

Adding a Rosary to the mix

So, each morning my husband and I get up and get dressed quickly. After putting organic tick spray on ourselves, we head out the door–me with rosary in hand (my husband follows along with or without his beads). I love to pray the rosary first thing in the morning. Well, my Morning Offering comes first before I leave the house. But, if I don’t get my rosary prayed first thing, I might not get to it. It might be said in bits and pieces–a decade at a time. And, I don’t think that is so bad. Our dear Mother Mary knows that we are busy at the service of others. I often preach to others that even a decade at a time is okay. Many times those kinds of rosaries are prayed on my finger tips as I trudge (or run!) through my day. But, there is nothing worse for me than getting to the end of the day and lamenting that my rosary was not said and I am so exhausted by then to complete the whole rosary. Oy vey!

If I can pray my rosary in the morning before getting into all of the hustle and bustle of the day, I feel much better, knowing thatI have answered the Blessed Mother’s call to us through her messages at Fatima. She called for the rosary to be prayed daily for peace in the world and the conversion of sinners. Every rosary gives us the opportunity to offer all of our family and loved ones to God through those simple yet powerful beads. Mary takes our prayer offerings into her loving Immaculate Heart where they become extraordinarily beautiful, and she then delivers the prayers to heaven–truly amazing!

So, I am delighted that I have gotten my husband out the door and exercising with me every morning, as well as getting a whole rosary in before he leaves for work and before I settle down at my computer to get going on mine. Then, as the day unfolds, I can add to that rosary and pray additional decades.

Crosses in our lives

This morning when out on our rosary hike, I discovered this beautiful cross on the side of the dirt road. It is a perfect cross made out of God’s creation. It was yet another reminder to me about Our Lord’s holy Cross and great love for us.

Earlier this month when I was weeding a little garden out back, I tossed some weeds and old stalks of plants on to the ground nearby. Afterwards when I was cleaning that up, I discovered that two of the pieces of stalks had landed to form a perfect cross. Pretty amazing, I thought. I believe that God is forever speaking to us through His creation. We need to have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Not too long ago, I felt inspired one morning to put the message out there to the world about forgiveness, love, and mercy, and the Cross of Jesus. I wrote a short blog post titled “Was it something he said?” In it I asked:

How often do we hold a grudge without even realizing it? A co-worker is in a bad mood and takes something out on you. It seems crazy and totally out of the blue–you were simply an innocent bystander. Someone makes a snide remark in a passive aggressive kind of way. Your husband is short with you. Or, he seems ungrateful for the countless things you do for him. Your mother-in-law just does not understand your mothering style–and she has voiced her opinion about that—on more than one occasion. Sound familiar? And the list goes on and on–little pin pricks actually hurt a lot. Little splinters from the Cross?

Love hurts too. Mother Teresa often said that to love authentically should cost us. Real love hurts, she explained. Is it possible to take the high road when attacked? Let love and prayer deflect that arrow to the heart? Jesus said, “Love your enemies. And pray for those who persecute” (Matthew 5:44)….

You can read the whole thing here. It was the kind of post in which readers did not leave comments because of the nature of the message. But instead, they contacted me privately to tell me how much it touched their heart and that they really needed to see it because they had issues brewing and wanted to be able to forgive.

With her permission I will share one woman’s reaction to the post:

My week got a bit sour on Tuesday when I returned to work! I was feeling down and I just read your blog post ‘Is it something he said?’ It just nailed it and gave me a lot of peace and solace…. I knew I was harboring un-forgiveness and that was the main reason for the dark spot in my heart….. last evening the Holy Spirit really convicted me and I asked God to forgive me and I felt better. Your blog article was like an extra aide to my heart which God has already started mending….After reading it, I went for walk (its lunch time down under!) went to the nearby park….. prayed the Rosary while walking and came back and spoke to the person who hurt me and made me feel small.. Now, my heart is so much lighter. Praise God.

Yes, praise God!

In my memoir The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and The Saints Helped Me To Discover The Beauty of The Cross when talking about opportunities for grace that might be a bit difficult, I said:

The irritable, the angst-ridden, and the contradictory–those family members and neighbors who challenge us in some way–actually help us on our way to heaven. We need to ask God for grace and an extra dose of faith, hope, and charity to be able to love the very people God wants us to serve. We are actually called to love them to heaven! In the course of even just one day, God gives many opportunities to act on grace, to love our family members and others near us, to set an example by our selfless service to them. It’s not always easy; in fact, most times it is very difficult.

Dear Lord, please open our eyes and our hearts to see you in our family member, our neighbor, co-worker, and everyone you have put in our midst. Please grant us the graces to always act in love to serve them and bring them closer to You. Blessed Mother Mary, please guide and protect us, and help us to be attentive to your graces in our lives. All of the Angels and Saints, please pray for us. Amen.

Was it something he said?

July 7, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

How often do we hold a grudge without even realizing it? A co-worker is in a bad mood and takes something out on you. It seems crazy and totally out of the blue–you were simply an innocent bystander. Someone makes a snide remark in a passive aggressive kind of way. Your husband is short with you. Or, he seems ungrateful for the countless things you do for him. Your mother-in-law just does not understand your mothering style–and she has voiced her opinion about that—on more than one occasion. Sound familiar? And the list goes on and on–little pin pricks actually hurt a lot. Little splinters from the Cross?

Love hurts too. Mother Teresa often said that to love authentically should cost us. Real love hurts, she explained. Is it possible to take the high road when attacked? Let love and prayer deflect that arrow to the heart? Jesus said, “Love your enemies. And pray for those who persecute” (Matthew 5:44).

Have you felt hurt at a deep level? Do you wonder why you can’t sleep well or feel any peace after an argument or misunderstanding? Are you angry? Did you forgive and let it go? Can you? Are you hanging onto the pain and hurt for dear life because—well, because only God knows why! It’s stupid when you think about it. You are letting the slight pin prick or even deeper affliction fester and even get infected–with pride and anger, and even rebellion. Yes, rebellion, because you are refusing to forgive and let go of it. What is that doing to your heart and soul? Do you want to let the evil one rob you of peace and all of the amazing life-sustaining graces that await you when you forgive and let go? Jesus said, “Forgive and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).

Saint Faustina said, “He who knows how to forgive prepares for himself many graces from God. As often as I look upon the cross, so often will I forgive with all my heart.”

Let’s do just that. Let’s meditate on the Passion of Christ—like St. Faustina, gaze upon the Crucifix and pray for the graces to forgive. God’s love through us can miraculously heal hearts and soothe the savage beast. Think about it. It’s not a coincidence that we are in the situations we find ourselves in. We need to grow in holiness. God gives us plenty of opportunities. Why not do something countercultural and choose not to react negatively when wronged by another? Why not instead, take it immediately to prayer? Go a step further and smile at that person—yes, smile.

Christ’s abiding peace and amazing graces are waiting.

God’s love pushes through comfort zones

July 5, 2016 - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

I often share personal experiences in my books and talks in an effort to inspire others to a deeper faith, hope, and love. I believe that hearing stories of faith can inspire folks to do their part to push a bit beyond their comfort zones in an effort to help others. With “Susan’s” permission, I share this story…

Recently, a woman got in touch with me by email asking if I could possibly help her friend. She was extremely concerned for her friend and had high hopes that I could possibly do something to help her–somehow.

The woman said that not too long ago she had attended an event in Connecticut where she had heard me speak. She had read my memoir The Kiss of Jesus. She went on to explain the need for her email. She said:

My reason for getting in touch with you, is that I have a dear friend named “Susan” [I have changed the name] who lives in Connecticut… A year and two days ago, “Susan’s” husband left her, with 3 young children. It is a very long story. After having read your book, I should have sent one to “Susan” but to date have not. I had asked her to contact you, however, she is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and I told her I would email you, in hopes you could be of some comfort to her…I am thanking you dear Donna-Marie in advance for any words you might offer to me and/or “Susan.”

Wow. Learning that this woman was on the verge of a nervous breakdown weighed heavily on me. I immediately prayed for her and her children and then put fingers to keys to respond to the email. I thought I should also reach out to “Susan” right away through another email. It was very clear that I needed to act immediately. The woman who contacted me had given me the email address. I emailed right away. Soon after, I heard back from “Susan.”

“Susan” opened up to me in emails. She trusted that she could be honest with me. She said, ” I am exhausted and depressed beyond what I ever thought I could be…” She explained the intense problems with her abusive ex-husband. There were many. She continued:

I am a mess, I am tired and overworked. I breakdown at least 5 times a day. I am so sad all the time and cannot imagine ever feeling happy again…I am a religious person and do not believe in divorce and feel very alone and stigmatized. I will never love or trust again…the pain is unbearable.I have lost my will to live. I would never hurt myself because my children need me but I sure wish God would just take me. Please help in any way possible…

My heart profoundly ached reading her words. That poor woman, I thought. I wanted to help her in any way that I could. We continued to email back and forth over a week’s time. Each time I wrote, I prayed that my simple yet earnest words could reach her heart. I wanted her to know that I cared. I reminded her that God loved her very much and would get her through this.

Then, I didn’t hear from her for awhile. My life was so busy with numerous tight writing deadlines and tending to family matters, but one day, I knew I had to send “Susan” another email to check on her and let her know that I was thinking of her and praying for her.

I’m so glad that I acted on that inspiration to get in touch with her, because she wrote back to say that she was not doing well at all. I suggested that we meet some place. Would she want to do that?

She said, “yes!” We set a time and place. I needed to put my work aside and carve out some time. She seemed to be in such a dark place. I had absolutely no idea what I could possibly say that could help her. I did know that God would figure it out for me. He needed my desiring heart and He would do the rest. I thought that I should bring blessed Miraculous Medals and St. Benedict medals (which bear a full exorcism blessing) for her and her three children, as well as a copy of my memoir.

I headed out the door with my memoir and blessed medals in hand. I prayed the rosary on the way to my destination. All the while, it still was not clear about what I would say to “Susan.” What could I say or do that could help to undo or untangle the messy events and pain in this woman’s life? I had absolutely no clue as I drove to meet her. But I didn’t worry about it. I knew that I would simply rely on God’s Divine graces to intervene. I was to show up with a loving heart and God would do the work. I trusted in His Divine love, mercy, and grace.

Daisies, daisies, everywhere!

I arrived at the library and waited outside checking out each vehicle that pulled up to try to discern if it could be “Susan” and her children coming to meet me. After about ten minutes time a woman came out of the library and asked if I was “Donna O’Boyle.” After I confirmed that I was, she told me that “Susan” had called and said she was caught up in traffic and would be a bit late.

When “Susan” and her children arrived, one of the first things she told me was that she had bought a bouquet of daisies for me but didn’t have time to stop back at her home to get them after her appointments due to heavy traffic that morning.

Daisies? Really? Aww.

It turns out she had read my daisy blog post and felt inspired to gift daisies to me.

What a sweet gesture on her part, I thought! It didn’t matter that she didn’t bring them. Her heartfelt gesture was enough. We chatted away at the library while her three small children played at our feet. We paused our conversation time and time again to reach for a new book or DVD to show the kids at each query and “interruption.” Still, we covered an awful lot of territory in that two and a half hours together. Before leaving the library, I gave “Susan” the blessed medals and the autographed copy of my memoir.

We parted with tight hugs outside the library alongside “Susan’s” vehicle. I told her that I loved her. She immediately expressed the same to me. God is so good to arrange this kind of meeting that might seem totally serendipitous, but truth be told–He had it planned all along. I am constantly in awe of God’s amazing work–always mindful of even the tiniest of details. “Susan” said she’d meet me at my church’s Sunday Mass in a few days. Meanwhile, we would stay in touch by email or texting because we had just exchanged phone numbers.

The next morning I found a beautiful email from “Susan.” In it she told me that our conversation had helped her in ways that she couldn’t express adequately. She said she was helped more than I would ever know. She said she felt dramatically changed because of it! She thanked me profusely. “Susan” was miraculously happy again! She had not felt happiness in over a year–something so hard to imagine.

In another email she said:

I have been thinking of you tonight. All day your kind words and smile went through my head. You have given me so much…I had been in such a dark place for a year that I could not give like I wanted. You do not know how much you have helped me by allowing me to let go so I could be myself again. I feel like I had a rebirth…

Wow! I immediately gave thanks to God. I felt so humbled and blessed that He used His tiny little servant to help this woman. God was showing me once again that He wants us all to push beyond our comfort zones to help others, and to trust Him that He will always come through to do the work–He will give us the words.

“Susan” shared something else that immensely touched my heart.

I cannot begin to tell you how much you helped me. I woke up today happy for the first time in a year. I was outside with my children today and we have daisies all over my hill. I just did not notice the flowers as I was so sad. And daisies!! What a sign. Now I get to bring you two bunches of flowers!

She was happy! It was the first time in a year! Can you imagine–daisies? God is certainly all about the details of e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. My heart was singing!

On Sunday evening, just a few days after we had met at the library, I looked forward to seeing “Susan” and her children at Mass at my parish. But, when my husband and I arrived at Mass that evening, my heart immediately sank. The parking lot was barricaded off due to new pavement. It was supposed to be finished by then and I hadn’t warned “Susan” about it when I gave her directions to the church. How would “Susan” know how to get in? I wondered. We drove to the back entrance and were able to get in that way. I prayed that she would find the way in and not be discouraged or turned away by the barricades. I trusted that God would lead the way.

Imagine my delight when after the final blessing and hymn at Mass, I turned and walked down the aisle and spotted “Susan” and her three sweet children coming out of a pew–two of them holding DAISIES! My heart skipped a beat! “Susan’s” little daughter held the bouquet of daisies that “Susan” had planned to bring to me when we first met. A small round vase filled with daisies that were picked from “Susan’s” back yard was held proudly by one of “Susan’s” sons. Lots of hugs were going all around and the children gifted the daisies to me.

Holding his gift carefully with both hands, “Susan’s” little son looked straight up into my eyes and said, “I picked these all by myself and put them in this vase!” And then he handed them to me, reminding me once again that they were picked and arranged all by himself.

Tears came to my eyes as I peered down at that glowing smiling face and those sweet daisies all arranged as only a little boy could. God’s abiding love deeply permeated my heart and soul as sweet children gifted me daisies and hugs. God seems to never tire of always making sure that His love going all around is multiplied. Our hearts are profoundly touched by His love in so many ways when we seek to reach out to help His children.

Please say a prayer for continued strength for “Susan” and her children, as well as for all of the other hurting and wounded people out there who are craving Christ’s love.

Is God asking you to push beyond your comfort zone to bring love and peace to others? Mother Teresa (with whom I shared a friendship and who modeled herself after St. Therese), was all about doing small things with great love. Christ’s love through us–even in small things–never fails to work miracles in human hearts.

“Our Lord’s love shines out just as much through a little soul who yields completely to His Grace as it does through the greatest . . . Just as the sun shines equally on the cedar and the little flower, so the Divine Sun shines equally on everyone, great and small. Everything is ordered for their good, just as in nature the seasons are so ordered that the smallest daisy comes to bloom at its appointed time.”
— St. Therese of Lisieux, Story of a Soul, p. 4-5