September is the month to remember Our Lady of Sorrows. The feast (or Memorial) day is celebrated on September 15th.
Every morning, as part of my Morning prayers, I stand before an old painting of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary which hangs in my living room.
There, before the image, I ask Mother Mary’s help for so many needs as well as for all those whom have asked my prayers. It has become an important prayer habit of mine to do this. Mother Mary is so much a part of our lives as Catholics. Mary works tirelessly to usher us close to her Son Jesus Christ. Everything she does points us to Jesus. After all, she succinctly told the wine stewards at the Wedding Feast at Cana to “Do whatever He tells you,” (John 2:5) thus helping to bring about her Son’s first public miracle.
According to Catholic teaching, (you can see more here) the feast is dedicated to the spiritual martyrdom of Mary, Mother of God, and her compassion with the sufferings of her Divine Son, Jesus. In her suffering as co-redeemer, she reminds us of the tremendous evil of sin and shows us the way of true repentance. May the numerous tears of the Mother of God be conducive to our salvation; with which tears Thou, O God, art able to wash away the sins of the whole world.
As Mary stood at the foot of the Cross on which Jesus hung, the sword of sorrow Simeon had foretold pierced her soul. Below are the seven sorrows of Mary:
The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)
Symbols: heart pierced with a sword; heart pierced by seven swords; winged heart pierced with a sword; flowers: red rose, iris (meaning: “sword-lily”), cyclamen.
Recent Inspiration!
Recently, I felt inspired to create a new bracelet in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows. It is called the “Seven Sorrows of Mary Bracelet.”
It is at my Bracelet Shop where you can see more and also where you can purchase. The bracelet comes in a gift box with a card explaining the Seven Sorrows.
I’m excited to debut my new design inspired by Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta whom I knew personally and who prayed nine Memorares in a row for an urgent need. She prayed an additional Memorare after that in thanksgiving to God (no matter what result).
This unique bracelet is designed to help you to turn to Our Lady with Mother Teresa’s intercession. It is comprised of blue and white (reminiscent of Mother’s Teresa’s sari) ceramic beads, petite cobalt blue glass crystals, and antique styled silver-plated components. It features a Saint Teresa of Calcutta medal, a petite Miraculous Medal, a Crucifix, and is finished with a slightly hammered shiny silver toggle clasp. It measures approximately 7 and 3/4 inches long.
It sells for $39.99 plus shipping and you can purchase at the “Bracelet Shop“!
The second design of the:
Memorare “Express” Novena Bracelet
Nine Memorares in a row for an urgent need.
This unique bracelet is designed to help you to turn to Our Lady with Mother Teresa’s intercession. It is comprised of cobalt blue glass beads, petite white pearl-like beads (reminiscent of Mother’s Teresa’s sari), and antique styled silver-plated components. It features a Saint Teresa of Calcutta medal, a petite Miraculous Medal, a Crucifix, and is finished with a decorative silver toggle clasp. It measures approximately 7 and 3/4 inches long.
It sells for $39.99 plus shipping and you can purchase at the “Bracelet Shop“!
Each bracelet comes with a gift box and card that contains the Memorare prayer.
I am very excited to announce my new and upcoming book for Grandmothers: “Prayerfully Waiting”! It is actually my very first book for Grandmothers. Did you know that I am a Grandmother? A proud Grandmother, I might add!
In this video, I share a few words about “Prayerfully Waiting.”
I was blessed to speak with Peggy Stanton on her brand new radio show: “A Place for Peace” on Ave Maria Radio. You can listen to our half hour long chat here. We discussed my new book, Saints, and the spiritual life. I hope you’ll get a chance to tune in.
To pray for their unborn “grand blessings” and their born grandchildren!
This elegant bracelet is comprised of 9 semi-precious gem stones. The number 9 is significant to my bracelets. It’s my signature design (9 beads, and not 10 as in a chaplet), bringing together the notion of a novena (which has to do with the number nine) and a pregnancy which consists of a nine-month duration. You can read more about that on the “Bracelet Shop” page where I explain the background, etc.
This bracelet also has Swarovski crystals, silver and sterling silver-plated components, a lovely antique style toggle clasp, a crucifix, Miraculous Medal, and St. Anne medal. It measures about 7 and 3/4 inches long. It comes in a gift box along with a card which has a special novena prayer to St. Anne.
Designed and hand-crafted with love by Donna-Marie!
I didn’t plan to spend any amount of time with anyone the other day. Truth be told, I had a very tight schedule. Yet, that morning, on my knees in my living room before the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I asked our Lord to please allow me to be a bright spark of HOPE for others that day. I always pray my Morning Offering to essentially hand my whole day over to God–everything.
However, that particular morning, I felt the extra earnest prayer rise straight from the depths my heart and I heard it with great clarity being uttered from my lips. For a second, I thought I might use that short passionate prayer in an Instagram post (hopefully, to inspire others). But, alas, there was no time, and out the door I went to get to my appointment on time.
I don’t get out of the house much at all these days because of the pandemic. Just Mass on Sundays (and sometimes a week day Mass). I work from home, so most of my prayers are earnestly expressed within the walls of my domestic church, as well out in the amazing nature that God provides around my home.
Pulling into a parking space nearby to my destination, I spotted a man reclining at a table on the sidewalk along with his telltale gear (back pack and sleeping bag, etc.) tucked between his legs. He seemed a bit disheveled. I knew in an instant that he was homeless or displaced in some way.
Grabbing up my purse and face mask that I would soon don, I locked my car, and headed up the sidewalk. Slowly passing the man, I turned to him and said, “Hello!” And, “How are you?”
“It’s just another day,” he replied in a blasé tone while putting his hand up.
“Oh!” I exclaimed. “It’s a good day! The sun is shining…”
I suddenly remembered that on my way out of the house, I had tossed a granola bar into my purse, knowing that I’d be gone for a few hours and wouldn’t have a chance to eat for awhile. I didn’t want my head ache to get any worse than it already was.
“Oh, would you like this granola bar?”
“Please!” And, he stretched out his hand to receive it. He then asked me a question.
“Could you possibly sponsor me for a coffee?”
I had never heard it said quite that way before and had to think quickly because I didn’t want to be late for my appointment and because I didn’t know how I could pay for it.
“Well, I don’t have any cash on me. I have to hurry to my appointment. Maybe, when I get to my appointment, I could call a place on this street and order a coffee for you…”
Without missing a beat, the man told me the name of the place that served coffee. So, I asked his name and quickly introduced myself, and confirmed that I would order his coffee.
“Wait about five minutes and then go in,” I told him. “I’ll tell them that you will come in for coffee. Well, actually, you had better make that ten minutes…”
I knew I needed a bit more time, not knowing how it would pan out with ordering. Because of the pandemic safety measures in place all around, I thought it might be a bit tricky to pull it off. Like for instance, some places don’t take cash (due to germs, etc.). That’s why I told Jake (not his real name) to wait a bit.
I got settled in at my appointment and looked up the phone number for the coffee shop and called. Turned out, that particular coffee place didn’t want to take my debit card over the phone. So, I told the woman where I was and asked her if she could kindly serve the man whatever kind of coffee he wanted and I would come inside to pay for it after my appointment. She graciously agreed and told me that Jake was in fact, already there.
“Would You Care to Join Me?”
After finishing up at my rather long appointment, I paid up at the coffee shop, thanked the woman profusely, and was about to head to my car. The barista commented to me that she was very touched by my generosity towards the stranger. I smiled and said something to the effect that we have to help one another. She agreed.
Well, Jake was still sitting at the same table. I paused to ask if he had enjoyed his coffee.
“Yes! Thank you!
My heart was touched upon hearing what he said to me next.
“I kept saying your name over and over in my mind so I would remember it when you came by this way so that I could say, “Thank you for the coffee, Donna!”
He then surprised me with a request.
“Would you care to join me?” he asked as he extended his arm to motion to the empty chair on the other side of his small metal bistro table.
How could I refuse? I was in a hurry to get back to my work, but I wanted to accept his kind invitation. I then remembered the 2 blessed medals that I retrieved from my purse and put into my pocket while at my appointment so that I could easily find them for Jake should the opportunity arise.
I asked Jake if he had heard of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the work she did in the slums of Calcutta, picking people up from the gutters, helping them, etc. He nodded affirmatively, but I’m not completely sure that he knew what I was saying. I went on to show him the Miraculous Medal that I was wearing which the Saint of the gutters had given to me. That brief explanation gave way to a lively conversation that unfolded between us.
We talked a while and I pulled the blessed medals from my pocket. I asked Jake if it was okay that I give the medals to him. I told him that I could clean them with hand sanitizer first. He threw his hand at the air in an effort to convey that he wasn’t worried about the pandemic, bacteria, or germs. Jake told me that he would like the medals but wanted to give something to me. I quickly explained that he didn’t have to give me anything, but stopped at that because it was clear that he wanted to.
“Like a trade,” he said as he rummaged through his belongings–most likely it was all he owned. As he rummaged around, he pulled out a huge slightly old looking cucumber, a small bruised egg plant, and a bag of walnuts and he set it all on the table.
“Oh good, “I said. “You have something to eat. But, how do you cook your vegetables?”
He quickly lifted the small eggplant to his mouth and took a big chomp of the raw vegetable.
“A little spicy, but okay,” he quipped.
I then told Jake about my vegetable garden and said I’d bring some fresh tomatoes to him if I should see him again.
Medals and a Special Gift
We talked a good while–about God, the world, the universe, even cats! At one point I asked Jake if he ever prayed. He gave me a round about answer and told me that he is very forgetful. I was still holding the blessed medals in my hand, waiting as Jake poked through his things to find that special item that he wanted to give to me.
“Here it is!” He suddenly exclaimed and pulled it up closer to his eyes to take a good look.
“It’s a little rough around the edges…” He said as he turned it round and round.
“Oh! It’s blue. I love the color blue! Are you sure that you want to give this to me?” I asked him.
“Yes! I actually found it on the street!”
Just then, Jake stretched out his hand and gently dropped a blue marble into my hand. I looked at it admiringly and thanked him. I decided to snap a quick picture of the marble alongside the blessed medals.
I gave the medals to Jake and told him to keep them with him and that they would act as a protection for him. He thanked me.
It was long past time for me to get going, so I put the marble into my purse and stood up to bid farewell to Jake, and assured him of my prayers, and maybe even some fresh tomatoes from my garden if I should find him at the table again on my next trip out of the house.
Jake shot out his right hand ready to give a firm farewell hand shake. I greeted his hand with mine and said good bye.
As I pulled away from the side of the street, I saw that Jake was looking at me and getting ready to wave. I waved back heartily and drove away. My heart was full. I couldn’t help but think of my friend Mother Teresa and how she constantly preached that we are to serve Jesus in one another. I knew that Jesus was there with us in that encounter.
All the way back home, I prayed a Rosary for Jake while tears of thanksgiving brimmed in my eyes. It was a holy encounter indeed. Suddenly, I remembered that fervent request I put before the Lord earlier that day.
“Dear Lord, help me to be a bright spark of HOPE to others today.”
By the way, there’s more to the story. I’ll try to write the continuation tomorrow, Lord willing.
Stay tuned!
Dear Lord, help me to be a bright spark of HOPE to others today and always.
There is no doubt about it–Catholic Moms hit the ground running every morning! During this worldwide pandemic, that “ground” might be within the walls of her domestic church.
Mothers of every age and stage could certainly use a 5-Minute Retreat to give them a good shot in the arm for strength and wisdom to walk (or run!) forward in Faith. That’s why I wrote this book, Catholic Moms Cafe: 5-Minute Retreats for Every Day of the Year.
Fr. Mitch Pacwa from EWTN had something to say about my book:
So many people are so busy.
Moms find it difficult to structure a time for personal prayer, especially stay at home Moms. So many variables are beyond her control feeding and its concomitant processes in infants, illnesses, emergencies, etc. Finding time for prayer is a luxury in a world determined by the demands of others, particularly loved ones, particularly when they are little ones. This book is a handy tool to bring relief by setting aside a short time with profound and relevant meditations for Moms by a Mom. When a few quiet minutes appear, this is a great spiritual help with the cup of coffee and some time with our Lord.
Certain great saints are gourmands of the spiritual life. Doctors of the Church, such as St. Catherine of Sienna, O.P., St. Theresa of Avila, O.C.D., and many others were able to savor spiritual delights over many hours of deep and mystical prayer. The vocations opened these opportunities to them.
The vocation of motherhood opens eternal opportunities that most religious sisters miss sharing life’s adventures with a man [her husband] whose love can open up a life of whole new adventures, some of whom enter the world crying, hungry, needing special consolations, including dry diapers and nursing through illnesses.
The adventures of husbands and children generally place limits on the amount of time available for savoring spiritual nourishment. However, the quality of spiritual food need not be compromised just because the time for savoring is short. Of course, a person might snack on spiritual junk food that gives a sugary high, or a saccharine substitute for authentic spiritual sweetness, a fried potato or corn chip that fills the hunger with empty spiritual calories all of which can be found in New Age falsehoods or superficial Christianity.
On the other hand, an appetizer that tides one over until there is time for a meal can be truly healthy, delicious and full of spiritual nutrition. These short daily meditations in Catholic Mom s Café are a long table full of tasty, spiritually nutritious appetizers for the soul of a busy Mom. One can snack on them in a short period of time each day and savor the tastes in those moments that pop up between busyness. The quotes in the “Ponder” sections of this book are full of wisdom, and they have been chosen wisely. Each time one returns to those quotes, one can learn still more. The “Offer” reflections both draw out good ideas from the “Ponder” quotes and suggest things to do within family life. Enjoy, grow and find some refreshment in your busy schedule.
–Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S. J.
Amazon noted that my book is out of stock at this time. However, I have copies here through my website.
I am very excited to let you know about my upcoming book! It’s the only one of its kind–a Family Marian Consecration book! It is titled, Family Consecration To Jesus Through Mary: 33 Days of Preparation with Saint Louis Marie de Montfort. It is my labor of love for the family and will be released next month (June)!
I’ll share a snippet from the Introduction here:
…Back to those two questions I asked earlier, “How do we get to heaven?” and “How do we help our children and grandchildren to get there?” Well, I must tell you that I am deeply touched by Saint Faustina’s words. In her Diary, she explained one of her visions, in which she encountered a crowd of children about five to eleven years of age. They cried out to her, “Defend us from evil.” Saint Faustina then saw the Lord Jesus, who was distressed and told her, “You are to defend them from evil.” Saint Faustina said that from that moment she prayed for the children. She added, “But I feel that prayer alone is not enough” (765).
Helping children to be consecrated to Jesus through Mary will surely help to “defend them from evil” by greatly aiding their souls. It will be more than simply praying for them. Remember, Saint Faustina expressed that she believed that “prayer alone is not enough.” Your children’s consecrations will surely please Jesus and Mary too. It will certainly help pave the way to Heaven.
There is no better time than right now to seize the opportunity and help your family to consecrate their lives to Jesus through Mary. Your total consecration will be a perfect renewal of your baptismal vows, with Mary at your side and through her loving hands and Immaculate Heart…
And now, I will share the full cover! You can zoom in to read the back.
And here is just the front…
What do you think? I happen to think that it is gorgeous! I was just shown the cover late yesterday.
The good news is that even with the pandemic, the book is still on track for the June release. God is good! I pray that the book will aid countless families around the world!
I recently visited with Ralph Martin President of Renewal Ministries on his EWTN television show: “The Choices We Face” to discuss Divine Mercy, St. Faustina, and my book 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy. We also chatted about my life a bit which you can see in the first show. In this 2nd show we also discussed Our Lady of Fatima, the shepherd children, and so much more. You can see the show below. I hope that you enjoy it. God bless you!
I recently visited with Ralph Martin President of Renewal Ministries on 2 of his television shows: “The Choices We Face.” It was a blessing to share the faith with Ralph. The shows were aired recently on EWTN TV. You can see the first one “A Hard Life Redeemed” here below. I hope that you enjoy it. God bless you!
I recently spoke at a Webinar hosted by Paraclete Press. I gave some tips on family life during the sheltering of this pandemic. I also offered spiritual tips for the family and in general too. If you weren’t able to attend, you can now watch the video at your leisure. I hope that you enjoy it and that it helps. Hang in there! God bless you!
Author of Feeding Your Family’s Souland Reclaiming Sundays
Grab your favorite beverage and pull up a chair to join EWTN TV Host and best-selling author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle as she shares her practical, insightful and spiritual tips for Catholic families during this time of pandemic.
Catholic wife, mother, and grandmother, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle is known worldwide for her heartfelt encouraging words and down-to-earth guidance. Meeting St. Teresa of Calcutta deeply impacted her soul and transformed Donna-Marie’s life. She weaves the wisdom from her ten-year friendship with the saint of the gutters into her work. Donna-Marie is the EWTN Host of three television series which she created, a world-renowned speaker, award-winning journalist, and best-selling and award-winning author of thirty books. She leads pilgrimages and gives retreats worldwide.
For your family or for a family you know, I would like to suggest two of my books that will aid the family during this time of pandemic isolation. You can save by buying the two books in a bundle. Plus, maybe a special gift (which you’ll read about below).
Each book is filled with Catholic guidance, teaching, inspiration from the Saints, recipes, family activities, fun games, and much more. Surely, these books will benefit Catholic families at such a time as this worldwide pandemic.
Take advantage of the sale prices and order an autographed set for your own family and a set as a gift for a family you know.
As I am writing this blog post, I feel inspired to gift an 8 ounce Holy Water bottle to the first 5 orders!
Here are a couple of endorsements for Reclaiming Sundays:
Wow! Just, wow! Reclaiming Sundays is a must-have for any family that wants to take what they receive in word and sacrament at Mass on Sunday, and integrate a Eucharistic faith into their homes every day. Through the use of simple, practical yet powerful signs of faith and culture, Donna-Marie reminds us that God designed Sundays as sacred family time. She shows how works of mercy, arts and crafts, recipes, and celebrations can be catalysts for developing strong families that form the domestic church. This book will help parents build lasting memories in their children’s hearts, memories that they will bring into their own families one day.
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Author, Father Augustus Tolton: The Slave Who Became the First African-American Priest
If there were an antidote to reclaiming peace in our families and the world, Donna-Marie just wrote the book on it. Reclaiming Sundays is truly the answer to build and rebuild the domestic church.
Leah Darrow, author of The Other Side of Beauty and founder of Lux University
Here are a couple of endorsements for Feeding Your Family’s Soul:
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
You can learn more about these books here on the BOOK page of my website. You’ll also be able to purchase them at the SALE price which you’ll see right at the top of the page.
Pray for the USA! You might already know that I was inspired years ago to design a NOVENA bracelet which contains 9 beads to represent a novena of prayer (not 10 beads as in a decade). You can read about here on this page of my website. It will give you the background.
Today, I’d like to share with you two new designs inspired by a request I received the other day from a woman who prays for our country and our President and his family every day. We sure do need to pray for our country. Perhaps this patriotic bracelet will inspire more prayers for our country. Any novena can be prayed with the inspiration of this bracelet. Get it blessed as soon as you can (since we are in a worldwide pandemic now). As long as my supply lasts, I will add as my gift to you, a small St. Benedict medal to each bracelet. The medal contains a full exorcism blessing.
This is a BRAND NEW design. It is a PATRIOTIC NOVENA Bracelet with a Saint Michael Medal (with Guardian Angel on the reverse side), a Crucifix, Miraculous Medal, and a St. Benedict Medal. This bracelet has extra “BLING” (lots of sparkly components)! Pray for the USA!
Pray for the USA! One “Patriotic” Novena Prayer Bracelet with “BLING” for $44.99 (plus shipping):
Pray for the USA!TWO “Patriotic” Novena Prayer Bracelets with “BLING” for $84.99 (plus shipping):
This is also a BRAND NEW design. It is a PATRIOTIC NOVENA Bracelet with a Holy Family medal (with Guardian Angel on the reverse side), a Crucifix, Miraculous Medal, and a St. Benedict Medal (I will add a blessed St. Benedict medal with the full exorcism blessing as long as my supply lasts). Pray for the USA!
Pray for the USA! One “Patriotic” Novena Prayer Bracelet for $39.99 (plus shipping):
Pray for the USA!TWO “Patriotic” Novena Prayer Bracelets for $75.00 (plus shipping):
I hope that you have had a very blessed Divine Mercy Sunday yesterday. No doubt, it was an unusual one since we are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Nevertheless, Jesus’ promises are very real and His Mercy is available to all.
The Marian’s at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusettes put on a tremendous presentation yesterday on Divine Mercy Sunday. It aired through EWTN television. You can see the Mass here on Youtube.
When speaking to His Apostle and Secretary of Divine Mercy, St. Faustina, Jesus has always emphasized that His Mercy is especially for the most hardened sinners. Let us never hesitate to turn to God and ask for His Mercy. He is waiting.
Last September, I had the privilege of meeting up with Ralph Martin, S.T.D. in the television studio in Michigan to film two shows for his series, “The Choices We Face.”
In case you might wonder what I have over my arm, I’m carrying a priest’s alb. He had accidentally left it at the hotel and I was asked to stop by the hotel desk to get it and bring it along to the studio.
Ralph Martin is the President of “Renewal Ministries” and Director of Graduate Theology Programs in the New Evangelization at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Detroit. I have known about Ralph for many years and finally met him a few years ago at a Catholic Leadership Conference where we both spoke. Ralph is known worldwide as a sincere and talented dynamic speaker and evangelizer. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together and feel very blessed to have been on his shows.
Before, during, and after the filming, we enjoyed fascinating conversations about Divine Mercy, St. Faustina, and my book 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy.
Ralph also surprised me by adding another book and additional Saintly friends into the mix. You’ll see that on our shows.
I want to let you know that the first show will air tomorrow (April 21, 2020) on EWTN television. After giving you the schedule, I’ll also let you know another way in which to watch.
UPDATED to say that I heard from someone that the show aired on Boston Catholic TV today (Monday). Perhaps, it is now available in their archives.
Here’s the Schedule for EWTN
FIRST WEEK OF AIRING: The first show will air on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 5:00 PM ET. It will air again on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 6:30 AM ET.
The second show will air on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 5:00 PM and will re-air on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 6:30 AM ET.
THE SECOND WEEK OF AIRING: The first show will air on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 5:00 PM ET. It will air again on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 6:30 AM ET.
The second show will air on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 5:00 PM and will re-air on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 6:30 AM ET.
The Diary Is Not in Chronological Order
Many don’t realize that the Diary of St. Faustina is not in chronological order. It is a treasure trove of amazing wisdom on God’s Divine Mercy and contains direct teachings from Jesus Himself! However, since the order of writings is not chronological, sometimes people get a bit confused when reading it. I encourage everyone to stick with it! It will definitely help your spiritual life and growth in holiness.
As well, I want you to know that I have written 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina in a chronological order. I go through St. Faustina’s entire life and put it all into 52 topics that are relevant to the spiritual life. I researched heavily and relied only upon strictly approved sources. I wove pertinent messages from the Diary all throughout my book. The book is appropriate for the laity and religious alike.
You don’t need to start the book in January. You can start at any time of the year and read at your own pace, read straight through, or pause weekly and ponder the week’s teaching for a period of a week before moving to the next teaching.
I really believe that St. Faustina helped me to write the book! I had her relic with me all throughout the writing and asked for her intercession all throughout. I think readers might find the Preface and the Afterword interesting, for I disclosed personal sentiments and experiences.
I Feel Honored
I am humbled and blessed by the Foreword by Fr. Chris Alar, MIC.
He wrote:
Can I make a bet with you? I bet that if you take up this book and spend 52 weeks with St. Faustina, these weekly meditations will change your life. Why am I so confident about that? Because Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, a great Marian Helper, popular author, and EWTN show host, has created about as faithful and as thorough a presentation on the spirituality and the writings of St. Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938), the Secretary and Apostle of Divine Mercy, as I’ve ever read. It’s a deep dive into the life and writings of one of the greatest mystics in the history of the Church, a religious sister who was given to us by God specifically for the times we are living in today.After all, St. Faustina died just before World War II; not in the Middle Ages; not in the time of the apostles; nothing like that. She’s a modern saint whose teachings are timeless, and who has helped bring about more miracles than most other saints. How? She shared the Divine Mercy message and devotion with the world.I’ve been preaching and practicing the Divine Mercy message and devotion for more than a decade now, especially since I joined the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. I’ve met people whose lives have been transformed by their encounter with St. Faustina in her work the Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul, and with the Divine Mercy message and devotion. I’ve heard stories of miracles such as people being healed of incurable illnesses. I’ve been told about stubborn lapsed Catholics and resistant non-Christians finding their way to church, coming to the regular practice of the Sacraments, and changing their lives forever. I’ve seen how powerful it is to preach the Divine Mercy, touching hearts that all the fire and brimstone in the world could not change.So again, I challenge you to spend a year — 52 weeks — with St. Faustina. And I make this promise: If you spend time every week for the next 52 weeks doing the reading, meditating on what you learn, praying the weekly prayer, and performing the weekly works of mercy, your life will be touched by grace in ways you can’t even imagine right now.Saint Faustina changes lives. The Divine Mercy message and devotion that she was given by Jesus, a reminder and a prophetic restatement of the classical Gospel teaching on the mercy of God, changes lives.And when you’ve completed spending your year with St. Faustina, I hope you do two things. First, I hope you plan to make another 52 weeks with St. Faustina again someday. Second, I hope that you share this book with someone who you think would find it a blessing. After all, Jesus said to St. Faustina, “Souls who spread the honor of My mercy I shield through their entire life as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior” (Diary, 1075). Donna-Marie has certainly earned that promise from Jesus, the Divine Mercy, by writing this book. You can, too, by sharing what you read with your family, friends, and neighbors.Come spend 52 weeks with St. Faustina. Let your life, your mind, and your heart be renewed. Come meet St. Faustina, and let her lead you to a deeper relationship with Jesus, the Divine Mercy; Mary, the Mother of Mercy; and the whole Communion of Saints. May Jesus, the Divine Mercy, bless you, and may Mary, the Mother of Mercy, always keep you safely under her mantle.
–Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, “Fr. Joseph, MIC,” Director, Association of Marian Helpers, October 5, 2018, Feast of St. Faustina
In addition
I feel very honored that Ralph Martin told me on the show that 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina benefited his own life and that he felt my book was “…the best presentation in a clear, orderly way, of her spiritual teaching” that he knew of…
Ralph had also stated:
“I’m not usually keen about reading one of the 30 days or 52 weeks kind of books as I don’t usually find them going into depth enough to decently treat the saint they are focusing on. But it was different with Donna-Marie’s book. As I began to skim through it in preparation for doing a Television interview with her I realized that this book was different and I wanted to read it from cover to cover. This is the best integration of the main events of St. Faustina’s life and the best presentation in a clear, orderly way, of her spiritual teaching that I know of. I am very grateful for this book and highly recommend it.”
You can go to the Renewal Ministries website to see the shows there as well or click on the image below!
I hope that you can tune into the shows. As well, please share this post with your friends and loved ones. We all need God’s Divine Mercy. We also need to learn more about it.
Hopefully and prayerfully, Ralph’s and my visits on “The Choices We Face” will help. Jesus, I trust in YOU!
We are in the midst of praying our Novena to Divine Mercy and Divine Mercy Sunday is rapidly approaching. With most all churches closed right now due to the worldwide pandemic, how do we prepare? How can we receive the special blessings and indulgences?
I will get to that shortly.
First, I’ll share something from last year’s Divine Mercy Sunday at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusettes. I was invited to give a speech about St. Faustina and Divine Mercy to an audience of about 20,000. It was a frigid day in the Berkshires. Nevertheless, I felt unbelievably blessed to be there and to share about my friend St. Faustina, once a simple freckle-faced Polish farm girl who was called by God to tell the world about God’s unfathomable Divine Mercy.
Those of us on the stage there, where the main altar is situated were using hand warmers to prevent frostbite. I was wearing many layers, two coats, big clunky boots, and gloves and a hat. Yet, I and others were still shivering in the cold. Nonetheless, the bitter cold couldn’t deter us—God’s graces seemed just about palpable on that special day.
You can see the image of St. John Vianney in front of the podium. That is because the relic of the esteemed Saint’s heart had made its way to the Shrine at that time. It’s on that pedestal on the right. What a blessing to be so near to it and have the chance to venerate it earlier.
As Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC finished up his speech, I quickly shed one of my coats, and after I was introduced to the audience, I quickly approached the podium.
Fr. Chris Alar, MIC tells us not to be discouraged.
This year, Divine Mercy Sunday will be very different from those we have experienced in the past. However, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC tells us not to be discouraged and not to worry. He gives us concrete straightforward instructions and helps us by telling us what we can do differently this Sunday (April 19, 2020) to make it a most important day in our life n receiving the Extraordinary Promise Jesus offers us on Divine Mercy Sunday.
Fr. Chris Alar, MIC instructs:
Do these three things on Divine Mercy Sunday with the intention to turn away from sin in your life:
Make an Act of Contrition
Since you are unable to get to Confession, make an Act of Contrition, instead. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is ‘sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again’” (1451).
You thereby will be completely forgiven of all sins, even “mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (Catechism, 1452).
Make a Spiritual Communion
Since churches are closed and you cannot receive Holy Communion, make a Spiritual Communion instead, asking God to come into your heart as if you received Him sacramentally — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. For instance, you can say this:
Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love You above all things and I desire You in my soul.
Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
As though You were already there,
I embrace You and unite myself to You;
permit not that I should ever be separated from You.
Amen.
Again, do this act of trust with the intent to return to the sacrament of Holy Communion as soon as possible.
Say a prayer like this:
Lord Jesus Christ, You promised St. Faustina that the soul that has been to Confession [I’m unable, but I made an Act of Contrition] and the soul that receives Holy Communion [I’m unable, but I made a Spiritual Communion] will receive the complete forgiveness of all sins and punishment. Please, Lord Jesus Christ, give me this grace.
But there’s much more that he has to tell us, and I encourage you to read the entire post here. As well, please watch the video below and feel free to share this blog post far and wide.
As well, please watch Fr. Alar’s video below. Please also share this post to help others to prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday.
Enjoy the video:
Watch Fr. Chris Alar, MIC.
Finally, I’d like to also tell you that Fr. Gordon MacRae, a priest prisoner
posted about my book 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercyin his blog post today: “Divine Mercy in a Global Pandemic.” You can read it here.
Yesterday, I posted about my inspiration: “Project Easter Joy.” I also posted this photo on Instagram which my husband snapped late Easter afternoon.
Well, the following day a huge tree crashed down in a storm…
…right behind this Forsythia bush. This morning, I went out to access the damage.
Thankfully, it fell far away from our house. The winds were howling up a storm yesterday, so I lit a blessed candle and said an earnest prayer. There are a few ominous dead trees close to my house. I prayed that all would be well. The winds died down immediately. I give glory to God!
As I was taking a look around this morning, a cute little bird came and perched right near me. God knows that I love birds. I think their visits are His gifts!
Pay attention to the gifts around you–large and small–God gives us reason to smile even through tough times like a pandemic, for instance!
During the Last Supper, Jesus explained to His disciples what was about to occur and then He comforted them by saying, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
During the darkness of Holy Saturday, I felt inspired to launch a campaign for Easter JOY. We are very well aware that Easter 2020 was celebrated in a most unusual way in many households and parishes all throughout the world. No doubt, we are living in strange and difficult times. Most have said that these are indeed unprecedented times. We could not have imagined any of this. We never expected that a worldwide pandemic would ever happen to us.
Add to that, we have never before experienced a pandemic in our lives and so much has changed. Many of our everyday comforts and routines have been disrupted and suspended. These abrupt changes, which include social isolations and the lack of sacraments available to us has left many people very upset and even afraid. Some people are all alone during this time. And, it’s very unnatural to be isolated from loved ones, especially when their presence is so needed.
Now, More Than Ever
“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing” (James, 1: 2-4).
Now, more than ever, we need to cling to the promises of our Lord during this Easter season and beyond. We should continue to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and not allow the prevailing pandemic darkness to rob us of our joy!
Did you know that Easter is not just one day of celebration? It lasts for 50 days! Truly! Easter is a continuous season in which Easter is prolonged. The Church teaches, “The fifty days from the Sunday of the Resurrection to Pentecost Sunday are celebrated in joy and exultation as one feast day, indeed as one “great Sunday.” These are the days above all others in which the Alleluia is sung” (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, 22).
I love what dear St. John Paul II has said about Easter and how we are to behave. He said, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”
The Holy Spirit Helps Us
Many people are not happy with what is going on right now. The pandemic is horrible. Folks are having trouble feeling peaceful or happy. Sadly, many might give in to despair. Yet, we should remember that there is a big difference between joy and happiness. Joy is not a jolt of excitement, a fleeting thing, or a mere feeling. Joy can’t be conjured up!
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We read in Scripture, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23 ).
Saint John Paul II expressed how much the Holy Spirit has helped him. He said:
From the time I was little, I learned to pray to the Holy Spirit. When I was 11, I was feeling sad because I was having a lot of trouble with math. My dad showed me in a little book the hymn ‘Veni Creator Spiritus,’ and he told me, ‘Pray this and you’ll see that He’ll help you to understand.’ I’ve been praying this hymn every day for more than 40 years, and I’ve seen how much the Divine Spirit helps us.
Let’s pray to the Holy Spirit often for help:
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
and in our souls take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
O comforter, to Thee we cry,
O heavenly gift of God Most High,
O fount of life and fire of love,
and sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known;
Thou, finger of God’s hand we own;
Thou, promise of the Father, Thou
Who dost the tongue with power imbue.
Kindle our sense from above,
and make our hearts o’erflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
the weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread,
and grant us Thy peace instead;
so shall we not, with Thee for guide,
turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
the Father and the Son to know;
and Thee, through endless times confessed,
of both the eternal Spirit blest.
Now to the Father and the Son,
Who rose from death, be glory given,
with Thou, O Holy Comforter,
henceforth by all in earth and heaven.
Amen.
JOY Each Day
In almost every one of the 22 letters that dear Mother Teresa had written to me, she mentioned JOY. Today, I decided to pull one out of the notebook where I keep them, and snap a photo to include in this blog post. You will notice towards the end of the letter that Mother Teresa wrote, “Keep the joy of loving Jesus ever burning in your heart and she this joy with others.”
Mother Teresa spoke much about JOY!
That said, during this Easter season and time of pandemic when sadly many are afraid and despondent rather than joyful, I felt inspired and decided to act upon that inspiration to accentuate JOY each day of the Easter season, and hopefully beyond it too.
Since I use Instagram quite often, I will be posting an image and message of JOY each day. I plan to use hash tags with each image. I plan to use the following hashtags: #Projecteasterjoy, #Easterjoy, #Easterpeople, and #hallelujahisoursong As well, I will also post the same image and message on Facebook and Twitter. Please feel free to share and re-post, etc.
In case you are not familiar with hashtags, they are meant to help someone to find things associated with certain topics. For instance, if someone were to plug a particular hashtag into the internet, various items falling under that category would become available.
I will try my best to spread Easter JOY each day, Lord willing! You can do it too! Please use the 4 hashtags that I mentioned above. And, if you’d like, please feel free to tag me on your post. Together, we can help others!
We are the Easter People!
Remember, we are the Easter people! In the words of our dear St. John Paul II, “We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”
So, we must truly BEEaster people and spread our HALLELUJAH everywhere we go! The world needs it!
Mother Teresa reminds us, “Keep the joy of loving Jesus ever burning in your heart and share this joy with others.”
On this day–Holy Thursday, I will reveal a big surprise! I have not breathed a word about this thus far. But, I will right now! The wonderful news is that my book Prayerfully Waiting: A Grandmother’s Prayer Journal will release on October 13th! It is a prayer journal for Grandmothers to help them to pray for their unborn grandchildren!
A Brief Description
A grandmother’s prayers are of significant importance through every age and stage of a grandchild’s development! These prayers are amazing and lovely blessings that can powerfully nurture and help shape a grandchild’s conscience and future life! It is so important to recognize the great gift and role grandparents have in praying for grandchildren in utero.
This grandmother’s prayer journal offers a delightful and unparalleled opportunity to not merely sit back and wait for the wondrous arrival, but instead, to use the time wisely by prayerfully waiting for your grandchild throughout what can be a meaningful and powerful nine-month novena of prayer.
Month-by-month, inspired with holy insights, you will learn, discover, and note the development of your precious “grand-blessing.” Spaces are provided for you to personalize this special unborn baby book, as well as lovingly record your thoughts and prayers as you pray for your grandchild’s first nine months of life.
From beginning to end, you’ll be partnering with St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, to swaddle your unborn grandchild with prayer. You’ll journey with Mother Mary, and all the saints, to prayerfully prepare for the little one’s birth.
A Personal Note
As a mother of five, and now a proud grandmother, I couldn’t help but write this book for grandmothers who are awaiting the birth of their precious grandchild. Many years ago when I was on complete bedrest for a precarious pregnancy and when my doctor didn’t think my baby would survive, I prayed and pondered the amazing significance of a nine-month waiting period while our unborn babies are nourished by our love and life, nestled inside our wombs. During that time of staying still and earnestly prayerfully waiting, I was deeply inspired to write “Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine-Month Novena for Mothers to Be” for expectant mothers. My dear friend Mother Teresa wrote the Foreword! Now, as a grandmother, I am excited to offer this beautiful prayer journal for the “expectant” grandmother whose period of waiting can become transformed into an amazing novena of love while her heartfelt meaningful prayers are benefiting her unborn grandchild and her own soul as well. May God bless every grandmother and grandchild and nurture their relationship–even as early as from their conception!
Early Praise for Prayerfully Waiting
Grandparents become grandparents as soon as their grandchildren begin to exist. How appropriate it is, therefore, to get to know more about your grandchild during his or her journey of growth in the womb – and especially to accompany that knowledge with prayer! Prayerfully Waiting will help you begin your lifelong relationship with your new grandchild!
—Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life
With its many and varied prayers, wisdom from Mother Church, and space to journal and create memories, Prayerfully Waiting is a lovely, gentle companion for the grandmother-to-be. I plan to use it myself when I’m prayerfully waiting for my first grandchild!
—Karen Edmisten, author of After Miscarriage and Deathbed Conversions.
As I flipped through the pages of Prayerfully Waiting, I recognized the beauty it offers in drawing families across generations closer together. As a mother prepares to welcome her newborn child, the grandmother can also prepare for her role – through prayer and reflection. What a blessing for a grandchild to receive so many graces from prayer before even being born! A new life is worth celebrating and Prayerfully Waiting reflects that it’s worth celebrating in multiple family generations.
–Catherine Hadro, Host of EWTN Pro-Life Weekly
This is a blessed book and a brilliant idea. Combining information on the baby in the womb’s developments with prayer to the Blessed Mother, St. Anne and other saints, Prayerfully Waiting is both practical and spiritual. I am a grandmother of four and I know I will be referring to this book often.
—Janet Morana, Executive Director, Priests for Life, Author of Recall Abortion
And, Now, the Cover REVEAL!
You can PRE-ORDER your autographed copy here! It sells for $15.99 plus shipping. I suggest purchasing a couple of copies to have on hand to gift to someone when they are expecting a grandchild. It is a great resource for any stage of the pregnancy (if I may say so myself!). Though, I believe it will be extra beneficial to start reading the month-by-month book just as soon as possible for praying for the unborn grandchild.
Here is the Amazon listing. Keep in mind that Amazon is very behind with book orders and are only selling essential items due to the coronavirus.
