Author Archives: Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Sneak peek (excerpt) of my new book!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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I wrote a book for Catholic Moms that I feel is both realistic and encouraging (if I may say so myself!). As a mother of five and grandmother I certainly know all about the bombardment from the culture, the demands for perfection, and the countless challenges that today’s mothers face. My desire is to encourage Catholic Moms with Church teaching and help them to discover the sublimity in their amazing vocation of raising little Saints to heaven!

Would you like a sneak peak of my newest book not yet released? I thought so! So, I am sharing the first few chapters as well as the Foreword and Introduction (copywritten material). Take a look here and enjoy!

You can learn more about the book as well as order by clicking the book cover image.

UPDATED TO SAY THAT I JUST RECEIVED AN EARLY SHIPMENT OF BOOKS! CLICK ON THE BOOK COVER IMAGE TO ORDER!

Chatting about the Five First Saturday Devotion

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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Our Lady of Fatima requested a few things of the faithful. She asked for the daily rosary for peace but also for us to commit to the Five First Saturday devotion which consists of:

Go to confession. Receive Communion. Pray the Rosary, and
Keep Our Lady company for 15 minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.

I discussed the Five First Saturday devotion this morning on the Son Rise Morning radio show. You can listen to the archived version here. Make sure it’s on the May 4, 2018 date and move the marker to the 2:38 point to hear our short radio chat. Enjoy!

COMING SOON–Catholic Wisdom for A Mother’s Heart!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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Catholic Wisdom for a Mother’s Heart is a creative and practical guide for a wide range of domestic church situations. Catholic women can live out their familial vocation with seasoned, simple suggestions for answering Christ’s universal call to holiness. Lovely poems conclude each chapter on a note of warmth that will lift hearts beyond the kitchen and up the path toward heaven.

This resource is for Catholic mothers (and grandmothers who often fill the motherly role) who are in the trenches raising their children through thick and thin amid the bombardment of the culture. They need and crave the guidance, encouragement, and affirmation that this welcoming book will offer.

ON SALE HERE

Sharing the Introduction:

INTRODUCTION

Dear St. John Paul II said, “Motherhood is a woman’s vocation. It is an eternal vocation, and it is also a contemporary vocation. . . . We must do everything in order that woman may merit love and veneration. We must do everything in order that children, the family and society may see in her that dignity that Christ saw.” Motherhood today is not necessarily viewed as a noble or dignified vocation. Unfortunately, in many areas, society continues to value a person simply by the size of their paycheck, and therefore some mothers might not feel very confident in their role of raising their children. Our culture does not acknowledge the invaluable sacrifices and love in raising little saints to heaven. Add to that, today’s mothers don’t have many opportunities to receive a pat on the back for a job well done. Not that they are looking for any recognition, but a little af rmation here and there would be nice. Pope Francis pointed out, “Every human person owes his or her life to a mother, and almost always owes much of what follows in life, both human and spiritual formation, to her. Yet, despite being highly lauded from a symbolic point of view—many poems, many beautiful things said poetically of her—the mother is rarely listened to or helped in daily life, rarely considered central to society in her role.”

The many mixed messages about women’s rights and where a woman should find her place in society can make one dizzy! Additionally, our culture does not often encourage mothers to consider the role that prayer plays in a family’s life or that motherhood is a sublime vocation. Moreover, family members may not always express their appreciation for the tireless work and care given from their mother, which may cause a mom to feel a bit neglected and unacknowledged. What’s a Catholic mother to do?

First of all, let’s keep our chins up and know in our hearts that we Catholic mothers need not feel alone and are—in reality—sisters in Christ on this journey together! We can certainly all benefit from encouragement and praise to aid and uplift us on our pilgrimage throughout the challenging vocation of motherhood. We can extend a hand to help each other along the way. How fortunate we are to have been blessed with leaders in our Church, such as St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, and those before them who have always extolled mothers with their wonderful words of praise, acknowledging a mother’s sublime role. Pope Francis underscored a mother’s selfess and irreplaceable role when he said, “Mothers are the strongest antidote to the spread of self-centered individualism. ‘Individual’ means ‘what cannot be divided’. Mothers, instead, ‘divide’ themselves, from the moment they bear a child to give him to the world and help him grow.”

We can all play an important role in our world today to be of assistance to other mothers we meet who are not quite aware of God’s plan in their mothering, and we can help them to discover their God-given gifts and their high dignity in Our Lord’s eyes.

Let us ponder St. John Paul II’s words:

It is a disservice not only to children but also to women and society itself when a woman is made to feel guilty for wanting to remain in the home and nurture and care for her children. It is also necessary to counter the misconception that the role of motherhood is oppressive to women and that a commitment to her family, particularly to her children, prevents a woman from reaching personal fulfillment and from having an in uence in society. No response to women’s issues can ignore a woman’s role in the family or take lightly the fact that every new life is entrusted to the protection and care of the woman carrying it in the womb.

These are undoubtedly powerful and profound words to call to mind, especially if doubts arise within our own personal journeys and when attempting to help other mothers who have lost their way or are not sure what direction to pursue. Our example speaks volumes, and our kind words in response to women seeking direction in finding and achieving personal fulfillment can be very transforming, by God’s grace.

Throughout my ministry to mothers, I have observed that Christian mothers everywhere are looking for strategies to help improve their prayer lives, their understanding of their Faith, and their role in their home life as well. Like- minded women are feeling a vital and even urgent need to communicate with one another, comparing notes to discover the best approaches to mothering with grace as is very apparent in the many Catholic mothers’ blogs that have been popping up all over the Internet and the many mothers’ groups that are gathering together in homes, parishes, or online to participate in studies about their Catholic faith. I have also found that even though we mothers are surrounded by many confusing messages targeting women, there is an encouraging authentic resurgence of Christian women who are fighting through it all, thirsting for the truth. This is very heartwarming. God’s grace abounds! These women are tomorrow’s saints.

Mothering my own five children for the past forty- plus years has given me deep happiness, wisdom from the “trenches,” and also plenty of stories to tell! I humbly offer Catholic mothers “recipes” and advice for seeking and nding a deep and enriching spiritual life while remaining attentive to their families. My prayer is that this book will serve mothers well and that they will nd encouragement, praise, camaraderie, and direction throughout its pages.

Dear mothers, enjoy reading, reflecting, and pondering on the material in this book. I hope it will be inspiring food for your soul and that you will feel your well-deserved pat on the back! Make yourself a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and sit and take a little time to refresh your soul. Allow this book to serve you, taking in nourishment from its flavorful recipes for faithful mothering. Be at peace so that you may guide your family well with joy and love within your amazing vocation—lighting your family’s way to heaven!

Let’s be confident, knowing that by loving our families, dedicating our vocations to the Lord, and seeking assistance from the Blessed Mother, as well as intercession from the saints, we will be “making our lives something beautiful for God,” as my friend St. Teresa of Calcutta used to say.

St. John Paul II has assured us that “the dignity and responsibility of the Christian family as the domestic Church can be achieved only with God’s unceasing aid, which will surely be granted if it is humbly and trustingly petitioned in prayer” (Familiaris Consortio, 59). Let’s be sure to ask Our Lord for his unceasing aid. Let us sisters in Christ stick together, encourage one another, and continue our prayers for each other and our families within our domestic churches, as we mother our families with grace. May God bless us all!

The hour is coming, indeed has come, in which the vocation of women is being acknowledged in its fullness; the hour in which women acquire in the world an influence, an effect, and a power never hitherto achieved. That is why at this moment, when the human race is undergoing so deep a transformation, women, imbued with the spirit of the Gospel, can do so much to aid mankind in not falling.

—From the Closing Documents of Vatican II

MOTHER

The Most Important Person on earth is a mother.

She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral.

She need not.
She has built something more magnificent than any

cathedral—
a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection

of her baby’s body. . . .
The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.

They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to

bring new saints to Heaven.
Only a human mother can.
Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any

other creature;
God joins forces with mothers in performing this

act of creation. . . .
What on God’s good earth is more glorious than

this: to be a mother?

—Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

Learn more here as well as purchasing information.

Donna-Marie on Women of Grace ALL this week

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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I’ll be on EWTN’s Women of Grace all week discussing my Memoir: The Kiss of Jesus: How Mother Teresa and the Saints Helped Me to Discover the Beauty of the Cross (Ignatius Press).

From the Women of Grace: “The common denominator of the human experience is suffering. On this week’s Women of Grace TV series, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle will share with us how to ‘Discover the Beauty of the Cross.’ Watch weekdays at 11:00 a.m./11:30 p.m. ET via EWTN #TV: http://www.womenofgrace.com/en-us/media/tv/default.aspx 

Learn more here.

EWTN’s Bookmark with Donna-Marie on Fatima

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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Have a look! It’s always wonderful to be with Doug Keck discussing the Faith and Catholic books. In this visit which was filmed on location at the Catholic Marketing Network we discuss some of the Fatima message and my two Fatima books: Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions and Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World.

Click on the video below and if need be, slide the marker all the way to the left to start at the beginning. Enjoy!

By Dawn’s Early Light with Special Military Novena Prayer Bracelet!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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Honor your soldier by wearing and praying with this beautiful prayer bracelet created by Donna-Marie and learn about the heroic military women with Donna-Marie’s brand new prayer book! Purchase this bracelet and book COMBO and $5.00 will be donated to the Wounded Warriors! Click photo to go to the book purchasing page on this website. PLEASE NOTE, other military medals are available. Click picture to go to choices.

YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE WOUNDED WARRIORS!

Learn about the heroic military women, be inspired by reflections and prayers, wear or gift a lovely bracelet in honor of our soldiers, and help the Wounded Warriors all at once with this sweet deal!

Book description: Whether you’re together on a military base with your spouse or alone waiting for your loved one to return from deployment, you’re juggling the many endless, special, and often heartbreaking demands placed on military families – demands not addressed in most prayer books. And, like so many other military wives, you’ve often got to bear these burdens alone, and sometimes even silently.

Here you’ll find powerful prayers composed for your needs and also frank and inspiring testimony from fellow Catholic military wives. These are your stories, told with unflinching honesty, echoing your heartaches, your pains, and yes, your amazing triumphs in faith, both small and large.

On good days, By Dawn’s Early Light will help you thank God for the blessings of your spouse’s noble vocation; on bad days, it will help you walk steadily in your sure Catholic faith, grateful to be able to put one foot in front of another.

All too well you know that for you, heroism doesn’t remain on the battlefield—it’s woven into the fabric of your life.

By Dawn’s Early Light shines the healing light of Christ on that heroism, giving honor and praise to you and to God, as with Him you fulfill the duties and experience the joys of one of the most noble of all vocations: that of a military wife.

Click here to purchase and see other options.

Judas or St. Peter?

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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Kindly allow me to ask a question. Have you given much thought to the virtue of patience? It’s a virtue that comes into play each and every day–perhaps more so in Lent when we might experience trials and tribulations to a greater degree. Our Lord tells us, “By your patience, you will save your souls” (Luke 21:19 ). Wow. Let’s unpack that a little further…

In case you don’t know already, I happen to love Servant of God Archbishop Fulton Sheen. I quote him often (you might have noticed!). You will see him throughout my newest book By Dawn’s Early Light. Well, he wrote, “A person who believes in nothing beyond this world is very impatient because he has only a limited time in which to satisfy his many wants.” Sheen goes on to say that we are not born with patience–that it is something that is achieved. We develop patience over time–some better than others, I might add.

Sheen said, “There are many who excuse themselves, saying that if they were in other circumstances they would be much more patient. This is a grave mistake,” he says, “for it assumes that virtue is a matter of geography, and not of moral effort. It makes little difference where we are,” he points out. Rather, he says,”It all depends on what we are thinking about. What happens to us is not so important, but rather how we react to what happens.”

Certainly, our responses to the person or situation trying our patience are what is important to God. As well, of course, it is critical to our own souls and to anyone who might be observing. It is in those crucial moments of trial, when our patience is tested that we can develop that wonderful virtue of patience. Sheen reminds us, “Judas and Peter both sinned against the Lord, and He called them both devils. But one became a Saint, because he overcame his weakness with the help of God’s grace.”

Sheen pointed out that the winds and cold of winter pounce on the flowers and shrubs and that only the strongest survive. It is the same with us. Sheen explained, “Tribulation tries the soul, and in the strong it develops patience, and patience, in its turn, hope, and hope finally begets love.”

Further, he said, “Patience is a great remedy against becoming panicky. To be able to use reason and good judgement when everyone else goes to pieces, not only saves self but also neighbor…the patient soul can use judgement and counsel when all others are agitated and disturbed. Patience is power…the yoke sits easiest on the neck of the patient ox, and he feels his chain the lightest, who does not drag, but carries it.”

We might ask ourselves a few honest questions. Do we make excuses for our impatience? Do we say it is the other’s fault and not ours? Do we strive for the virtue of patience? We can ask God to grant us the graces we need to be more patient and to save our souls (Luke 21:19)! As well, can we strive to go over and above this Lenten season to grow in the virtues? Virtues are like muscles that must be flexed and used. We pray that our virtues will grow and that we can be a shining light to others along the straight and narrow path that leads to heaven. So many have lost their way and Our Lord is counting on us to be patient and attentive!

Do we want to be a Judas or a St. Peter?

Ash Wednesday

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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The Church in her infinite wisdom provides an excellent opportunity for the faithful to grow spiritually and transform their hearts and souls during the penitential season of Lent. With God’s saving grace and our own faithful efforts in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we can use this time of year wisely to grow deeper in holiness and please God. My hero, Saint John Paul II stated, “The Lenten season invites us to re-live with Jesus the 40 days that he spent praying and fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public mission, which culminated on Calvary in the sacrifice of the Cross, the definitive victory over death.”

I love how Saint John Paul II expressed and described the meaning of Ash Wednesday and the traditional right of distributing the ashes. He said, “‘Remember, you are dust and to dust you will return.’ The traditional rite of distributing ashes, which is repeated today, is always very eloquent, and the words accompanying it are expressive. In its simplicity, it suggests the transitory nature of earthly life: everything passes and is destined to die. We are wayfarers in this world, wayfarers who must never forget their true and final destination: heaven. For, though we are dust and destined to become dust, nevertheless not all will come to an end. Man, created in the image and likeness of God, is destined for eternal life. In dying on the Cross, Jesus opened the way for every human being.

The entire Ash Wednesday liturgy helps us to focus on this fundamental truth of faith and spurs us to undertake a resolute journey of personal renewal. We must change our way of thinking and acting, set our gaze firmly on the face of Christ crucified and make his Gospel our daily rule of life. ‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’: let this be our Lenten program, as we enter an atmosphere of prayerful listening to the spirit” (February 28, 2001).

A Pivotal Day

Today is a very special day. It’s actually a critical day in our Lenten journey. How will we tread through these 40 days? We need to have a plan. If you don’t yet have a plan for your Lenten journey, it’s not too late. Take some time to ponder and pray what you can do each day to grow closer to our Lord–to be transformed, to be converted. Remember, the three pillars of Lent – – fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. While these three important things should be part of our daily spiritual lives, we focus on them more intensely during Lent. Remember that you can offer up to God everything in your daily life in reparation and for the conversion of sinners. All of the challenges and struggles, sickness, and more can be wonderful opportunities for grace. We are to take on extra penances during this holy time as well, depending of course, on our age, condition, and state of life.

Let’s not waste the countless opportunities that will unfold before us each day. There will be many annoyances, complications, contradictions, and challenges–big and small that will creep in. They can be used for the good when offered lovingly to God. Don’t allow “you –know – who” (as I call the evil one) get the best of you and convince you to get discouraged or to act out because of the troubles. Many graces are merited when remaining calm and praying through the contradictions. Your Christian example can also be an amazing light to others.

Yes, we must have a plan. However, we must be ready to give up that plan and to surrender fully to whatever it is that our dear Divine Physician has prepared for us this Lenten season. It will surely be a perfect Lent when we surrender our hearts and ask our dear Lord for His plan, His love and grace. Mama Mary is close by and ready to help. Never hesitate to call upon her.

I will lie back down now. I’m sick with the flu. I am praying for you. Please pray for me too.

May God bless you and keep you and shine His face upon you,

Donna-Marie

PS I asked my husband as he left for Mass this evening to ask for extra thick ashes on his forehead! ☺ I was just kidding, but when he gets home, I plan to ‘borrow” some of his and put them on my own forehead. As well, hopefully he will come home with Holy Communion for me. I cannot wait.

By Dawn’s Early Light: My labor of love for Military Women

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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My prayerbook for military women is now available! I feel very blessed that my dear friend Father Andrew Apostololi gave me some words of endorsement in his last days which you will see on the back cover of the book. This book is not simply a prayerbook, but a compilation of stories of the brave military women whom I have interviewed who juggle many endless, special, and often heartbreaking demands placed on military families – – demands not addressed in most prayer books. And, like so many other military wives, they’ve got to bear these burdens alone, and sometimes even silently.  I wanted to shine a light on these women and tell the world of their heroism. I believe that my book, By Dawns Early Light shines the healing light of Christ on that heroism, giving honor and praise to the women and to God of course, as with Him they fulfill the duties and experience the joys of the noblest of all the vocations: that of a military woman!

I have partnered with Sophia Institute Press to create this unique prayer book for Catholic military wives. I believe that it is a book for all Catholics, especially those who want to learn more about the unique lives of Catholic military women who’s heroism doesn’t remain on the battlefield, but is woven into the fabric of their lives.

You can see more here at my website: as well as opportunities to purchase this book for yourself or a loved one.

Little miracles: An Advent and Christmas reflection

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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“What will happen today?” My husband asked me that question this morning before we even got out of bed. It has been a very eventful week (which I’ll get into a bit later on). We can say it was even an eventful Advent season. There was the recent passing of my very dear friend and spiritual director Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR which was on December 13th. Prior to that, we had been waiting. Waiting in this Advent season which is meant to prepare our hearts–waiting for the Christ Child, but also waiting for the Second Coming of Christ which is also our focus during these very holy days.

Much of our personal waiting this Advent season has been in regard to dear Fr. Andrew whose health had suddenly taken a drastic decline–as he seemed to be rushing towards death in a certain sense. But, no one really knew when it would occur. Was it to be on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception which was coming up? No, that day came and went. Father still struggled physically. But, no one knew when he would leave us. We tended to think it would be on a feast day. Would it be the following day which was the anniversary of Servant of God Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s death–someone who was very special to Fr. Andrew? No, Father would still hang in the balance–the Friars surrounding him with prayer and the sacraments. Waiting…loving, comforting…praying…

I am deeply grateful that I was able to visit with Fr. Andrew a couple of times in his last days, as well as to talk to him on the phone. We had beautiful conversations talking about our Faith, various saints, Our Lady of Fatima, and redemptive suffering. We had a blessed time praying together in the chapel of his Friary too.

I’ll never forget our last conversations which are etched now upon my heart. Especially, when I was about to leave the Friary and Fr. Andrew asked the Friar attending to him to please shut the door so we could have more time for a conversation there at the door. And with an extra kiss and hug, we bid our good bye and dear Father thanked me so sweetly for coming to visit and for the words I shared with him. There would be one more visit about a week and a half later. It was short but powerful. Father let me know that he was offering and accepting every ounce of tribulation, pain, and suffering.

We all wondered about Fr. Andrew’s passing. Would it be on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we wondered? No. Father lived through the entire day and night dedicated to the Patroness of his Religious Order. He passed on to his Eternal Reward the following morning. It was on the 13th of the month, a number very significant to Our Lady of Fatima. It was also the feast of Saint Lucy, who was the patron saint of Lucia, one of the Fatima visionaries. I shed some tears after receiving the phone call from one of the Friars shortly after his death, even though I knew it would be coming. He was very dear to me. I had been praying for a miracle, but was also fully trusting the Divine Physician who knew what HE was doing. I had no doubt.

I was told that the Friars prayed many prayers for the dying around dear Fr. Andrew’s bedside. During the Litany of the Saints, as Saint Andrew was invoked, our saintly Fr. Andrew breathed his last breath. Wow.

This past week

This past week was Fr. Andrew’s Wake and Funeral. It was a very bittersweet time. No one wanted to see Father go so soon, we would rather have his comforting presence a while longer. But we do have to trust Our Lord. It was good to see the many folks who came out to be there for Fr. Andrew and his Friars and Sisters.

It wasn’t easy seeing dear Fr. Andrew in a casket though, but I felt an abiding peace in my heart because I had no doubt where Fr. Andrew already was. He was in Heaven. Only his body lay there in the casket. Still, the utter certainty that the former comforting spiritual discussions and camaraderie would no longer exist–at least not in the way it had in the past was sad indeed. yet, to be completely honest, I certainly do look forward to staying very much “in touch” with dear Fr. Andrew through my prayers. Comfort fills my heart and I truly believe that Our Lady Herself came to get Fr. Andrew on the morning of December 13th.

The eulogies were extremely heartfelt and poignant. The funeral Mass was so grace-filled.

One tough part for me was at the closing of the casket before the funeral began when the choir began to sing “Sweet Sacrament.” I have vivid memories of Fr. Andrew carrying the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance into the chapel at every Catholic Marketing Network conference (CMN) and then singing that precious song. I can still hear it now. And, another sorrowful moment was as Fr. Andrew’s casket was wheeled down the aisle to exit the church, A pang of sorrow entered my heart when his casket passed by me.

As I felt that sorrow pierce me and cause a few tears to be shed, a beautiful CFR Sister that I knew passed by at that time and winked at me. I smiled up at her and knew she understood my pain. I think that we carried one another and lifted each other up these past couple of months and throughout the past week, especially. Fr. Andrew was so beloved to countless people all around the world. The wonders of technology and specifically through the EWTN television network that transported Fr. Andrew into people’s living rooms far and wide helped so many to get to know the humble saint. He will be sorely missed. However, I hope and pray that people all over will pray for his soul (since that is what we should do even if we feel certain that someone has gone to Heaven) and I hope that they not hesitate to ask Fr. Andrew for his intercession.

On another note, I noticed that you can request funeral cards here. A beautiful photo gallery is here.

An article in the National Catholic Register in which I am quoted. One thing I noted was that, “Father Andrew was such a bright beacon of light to our darkened world,” Aleteia also quotes me here.

On our way home from Fr. Andrew’s funeral, my husband and I played the Litany of the Saints song. We also played “Sweet Sacrament” and “Lift high the Cross” which was also sung at the funeral. We experienced a very holy time during our journey back home.

Cheesecake?!

I’ll also share a sweet and kind of funny story with you. When I filmed many Sunday Night Prime shows with Fr. Andrew, my husband and I would take him out to a local diner afterwards. Father often ordered a piece of cheesecake and a cup of coffee. In a booth there, over a small meal or dessert we would discuss matters of Faith and our culture today. Fr. Andrew was concerned about the state of our culture and the fact that the faithful weren’t heeding Our Lady of Fatima’s message. Conversations with Fr. Andrew were always uplifting even when speaking about unsettling world events. Fr. Andrew’s encouraging words were always like a healing balm. Even through the most difficult challenges, Father brought peace to your soul.

But, back to our meals together at the diner. I’ll let you in on a little secret. One time early on before Father was very sick, when he ordered the cheesecake I asked gently, “Don’t you have Diabetes, Father?”

He answered with a smile, “I take pills for that.”

Don’t worry. He did take care of himself and was allowed a treat every once in a while.

Well, my husband suggested that we stop at the diner after the funeral in honor of Fr. Andrew. Anyway, we did need to eat lunch and it would be a long ride home. So, we stopped and ordered a light lunch and in honor of Fr. Andrew I ordered a slice of cheesecake to go. I’m giving you the whole blow-by-blow here. 🙂 Before we left the diner, the cashier handed my husband a bag. I came out of the Ladies room, my husband handed me the bag and said it was my dessert that I had ordered. I said that it couldn’t be because the waitress had just handed it to me in another bag a little bit earlier. I went back to the cashier and told her that someone must have given my husband someone else’s “doggie bag” (not knowing what was really in the bag), by mistake, but I wanted to give it back.

“Oh no!” the cashier told me. That’s for you, a sweet treat from us for a Merry Christmas!”

I was very surprised. I thanked her and off we went. We got outside and I took a look in the bag. It was a whole little home made cheesecake! What a sweet gift to receive on that special day! Thank you, Fr. Andrew!

Joy to follow sorrow

After attending the services for Fr. Andrew, my husband and I were able to go out-of-state the following day to visit my daughter and her two sons, one being my very new grandson! Our son-in-law was at work during the time that we could visit. So, we missed him but will see him soon. What an absolute joy it was to see my daughter and grandsons–to hug, and hold them! It was such a special highlight of our week. We were deeply thankful to have that time with them a few days before Christmas and directly after bidding farewell to dear Fr. Andrew.

 

During the Christmas shopping rush

I have no doubt that miracles occur in human hearts on a regular basis. We need to be attentive to the needs around us, even, and most especially in such a busy hustle and bustle season. Advent is supposed to be a time to ponder, pray, and grow in holiness, but the advertising frenzy prods us to be running around looking for deals and gadgets. Holy Mother Church encourages us to pause and pray while the world points us away from those holy things. I find that even in moments of crazy chaos, we can pray and ponder and even be of service to someone who needs us.

I am reminded of a few encounters during this busy season. One time I was at a local department store and in the check out line. The cashier told me to go to the next cashier who had just finished taking care of a customer. I followed her directions and a couple behind me started to rant and rave. They yelled at me because they thought I was cutting in line. It was actually quite a scene. I think the onlookers were amazed at the fuss. I told the couple that they could go ahead of me if that would make them happy. They did go ahead of me, but still seemed angry. I prayed for them. I’m sure that they needed prayers. They were so stressed out.

At another store, when out Christmas shopping, I bumped into a friend from church. She was going through a very rough time with her family and asked for prayers and a listening ear. I promised my prayers and after about a half an hour or so, we parted with big hugs. Later that night, I prayed much for her. The following day, I saw her again at another location. She said kiddingly, “We have to stop meeting like this!” I told her I had prayed for her in the night when I was unable to sleep and that I would continue to pray for her situation. She was very thankful, knowing I was praying for her seemed to bring comfort to her soul.

One dear friend who has been through a lot of strife in the past year told me she couldn’t find her Nativity set. It would bring much joy to her to be able to set it up, even just a few days before Jesus’ birthday. She searched all around and prayed to Saint Anthony. I prayed as well. If only she could find that simple symbol of God’s great love for mankind. It would brighten her holidays. I was so happy to receive her email letting me know that she finally found her Nativity set at the very bottom of a pile of boxes from her move. Little miracles are to be found all around.

Recently, out at the grocery store, I enjoyed a surprise encounter with a friend. It happened when just after I had finished shopping, I remembered an item I needed, and so before checking out, I headed to the Deli department on the other side of the store. A woman I know from a local diner gently grabbed onto my arm.

“I was hoping I would see you!” She was visibly excited.

It turns out that she had had brain surgery and was now hopefully fully recovered and back to work part time. She was telling me all about it and did mention that she had an upcoming appointment to go over further test results. She felt that God had put some very kind Angels in her path and told me about them too. As well, she thanked me for being in her life. I gave this woman a blessed Miraculous Medal that I had in my pocket that day. It was one that dear Fr. Andrew had blessed for me. She graciously accepted it and was vey grateful to have it. We parted with big hugs. I was so happy that God had arranged that we saw one another, especially because this woman had hoped she would see me. I never did pick up that Deli item! It certainly doesn’t matter!

Out of the mouths of babes!

Recently after Mass I was carrying the precious vessels to the sacristy and a parishioner greeted me and asked about Fr. Andrew. I gave her the news of his passing. Two young sisters (8 and 10 years old) that I know were nearby. I had one as a student in our faith formation program. The youngest asked ne a question.

“I heard you mention that someone died. Is that the person you asked us to pray for?”

I wanted to tell them gently. I didn’t want them to be upset right before Christmas. But they  needed to hear the truth. “Yes.” I told both of them. “But, don’t worry,” I said. “He went to heaven. It was time for him to pass on to his eternal reward. Thank you for praying for him!”

The youngest quickly spoke up.”Life is a war,” she stated calmly.

I was surprised at her statement, but very happy to know that she seemed to understood already the spiritual battle of life.

She elaborated. “Yes. we have to fight hard to live a good life and get to heaven.”

Her older sister chimed in. “I look at life as a test. And, I want to get an A plus!” She smiled. I was so proud of the girls!

“What will happen today?”

Remember I told you what my husband asked me this morning? “What will happen today?” He asked. He asked that question because we had had an eventful week, but mostly, I’m sure because of the Bobcat and the emergency situations with our neighbors which I’ll tell you about now. I told you part of the eventful week above–about Fr. Andrew’s Wake and funeral. That was followed by the trip out-of-state to see my daughter and grandchildren. Then, just yesterday an ambulance showed up at my neighbor’s home. I left what I was doing to rush over to see if I can help my elderly neighbors. In the past I brought my neighbor to the hospital when she was having a stroke as well as have assisted in some way when an ambulance would arrive to their home due to an emergency. Turned out my poor neighbor was having another stroke yesterday morning, but was also very disoriented. I asked her husband if I could go in the house to try and comfort her. I’ll call her “Bethany.”

“She probably won’t recognize you,” he told me, very matter-of fact.

I ventured in and went over to her amid the chaos of people speaking very loudly. There were paramedics, a caregiver, a nurse–everyone milling around in a flurry, checking papers, asking questions. I squeezed in through the people and approached Bethany, speaking softly to her. She greeted me with excitement, and did recognize me. I sat down right next to her on the couch. I was so happy that she knew who I was even while going through a stroke with advanced dementia. Little miracles are all around…A few minutes later and we were all helping to get Bethany on to the stretcher and the technicians then took her into the ambulance to get checked out at the hospital. I kissed her good bye before being whisked away and promised my prayers.

Later that day, I had to scare off a wild Bobcat that was about to attack my cat! Wow, I thought. Never a dull moment. This was right in my front yard! I was extremely thankful that I opened the front door when I did so I could see what was going on and get my cat in to safety. He is not going to be going outside any time soon!

Last night, actually it was two in the morning when the phone rang. It was Bethany’s husband asking if I could possibly go over to help him convince his wife to go inside the house. It was freezing cold outside and there was a sheet of ice over everything.  My elderly neighbor had just driven his wife home from the hospital and Bethany didn’t believe that it was her house. She absolutely flat out refused to go in. My neighbor didn’t know what he could do so he called me. I was happy that he did so, because I wanted to help. I told him I would dress quickly and go over. Before leaving my bedroom, I quickly grabbed a blessed Rosary from my bedside. I would offer it to her as a comfort (even though I knew that she does not practice any religion).

My husband reached for the flashlight lantern and he accompanied me out into the cold dark night and over to our neighbor’s home. We had to walk carefully because the ground was slick. I approached the car where my neighbor sat. She was very disoriented, but thankfully she recognized me and after some time, allowed me to assist her into her house and into her warm bed. We went carefully through each doorway, holding her up so she wouldn’t fall. Bethany was very happy to receive my Rosary beads and held it tightly in her hand as she lie in bed, finally beginning to warm up under the blankets.

Today, I stopped by their home  to check on my elderly neighbors and brought them a Christmas dessert. They were doing well and very appreciative for our help in the night.

Just before stopping to see them, on the way home from grocery shopping for Christmas dinner I asked my husband to pull up to a little diner in town so that I could give my friend an early Christmas hug. It was pouring rain, but I didn’t mind getting a little wet to surprise my friend. I knew that she worked on Saturdays. She was quite busy with a diner full of patrons, but our sweet Christmas hug was special indeed.

She paused a quick second so I could snap her photo. She had survived her intensive brain surgery and I was grateful too. Little, and yes, big miracles are happening all around us!

“What will happen today?” my husband asked. We never know, on any given day, but we offer our days–each one–over to the Lord, first thing in the morning and trust Him with our lives. We pray that we can be a light to others in a darkened world. We pray to bring others to Him!

Tomorrow is the last Sunday of Advent. It is also Christmas Eve. Where has the Advent journey taken us thus far? What will tomorrow bring? Let’s be sure to bring Christ’s light and love to so many wounded in our world today.

By the way, the Litany of the Saints and “Sweet Sacrament” have been continually playing in my head. God bless you! I am praying for you. Please pray for me.

Merry (almost) Christmas!

 

Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR leaves many memories

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
Reply

Our beloved Father Andrew Apostoli went home to has Eternal reward on December 13th on the feast of Saint Lucy.  The 13th of the month is a significant day for Fr. Andrew since Our Lady of Fatima appeared on the 13th of the month to the three little shepherd children in Fatima.

Here are a couple of articles about Fr. Andrew’s passing and reflections from various people, myself included:

The National Catholic Register and Aleteia.

I was blessed to spend some time with my dear friend just a short time before he passed on to his Eternal reward.

We pray for the repose of his soul (even though I highly suspect he went straight to Heaven!) and we can also ask him to pray for us, knowing how saintly he was.

Some wonderful quotes by Fr. Andrew noted in the Register are here.

Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
Reply

Give a gift of Inspiration this Christmas!

For children and adults alike!

In this warm retelling of the story of Our Lady of Fatima, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle unfolds vividly before the eyes of children the mysterious radiant holy Lady who suddenly appeared to three peasant farm children in Portugal.

At a tumultuous time when the First World War was at its height and Portuguese farm families were devastated by the horrors of the Great War, miraculous events mysteriously occurred in 1916 and again in 1917 in an obscure little agricultural hamlet in Portugal.

As Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta were grazing their flock of sheep, a great white Angel emerged, preparing the little shepherds hearts and souls for what was to come. Soon, the Queen of Heaven appeared over a little holm oak tree, bringing many graces and important messages about penance, prayer, and peace. She even performed a miracle the Great Miracle of the Sun to prove her message was from Heaven, a message that would wake up the sleepy village and ultimately change the world!

In reading this beautifully-illustrated chapter book, children will walk in the footsteps of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta and will be led to ponder Our Lady’s message and how it should be applied to their own prayer lives.

Award-winning author and journalist, catechist, and EWTN television host Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s love for children and family shines through these pages. A master storyteller, she now presents this authentic book which reads like a page-turning novel for children ages seven to one hundred and seven.

Warm retelling of Fatima story…Sturdy hard cover..Beautiful illustrations…

PURCHASE autographed copies here!

Editorial Reviews

Fr. Miguel Marie Soeherman, M.F.V.A. photo

“Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World is a great easy read, while at the same time very substantial and filled with challenges to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima’s apparitions! Our Lady of Fatima was very instrumental in my personal conversion, particularly through her messages. Donna-Marie brings out Our Lady’s messages clearly while at the same time helping the readers to know the story and to be challenged to live out the Fatima message and to imitate the three holy shepherds of Fatima by giving something to think about at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend this book not just for children, but for all adults as well. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!”

Fr. Miguel Marie Soeherman, M.F.V.A.

Marge Fenelon photo

“Donna-Marie’s Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World is a treasure for all children – young and old alike! With gentle inspirations and lovely illustrations, she tells the story of Fatima so that little ones will not only learn from it, but will be enchanted by it. Oh, to be a child again and to receive this beautiful book in my small, eager hands! With genius and tenderness, the author draws children into the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the message and meaning of Fatima. Well done!”

Marge Fenelon
Speaker and Author of Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Living Novena

Fr. Joseph M. Wolfe, M.F.V.A. photo

“In Donna-Marie’s book Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World she has put together the message of Fatima with the significant events that followed – in a way that is suitable for children and adults too.The illustrations are beautifully done and the meditations titled Something to Think About will help children and young people not only to learn the message of Fatima, but more importantly, to live it.”

Fr. Joseph M. Wolfe, M.F.V.A.
EWTN Chaplain

Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R. photo

“Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World is a special gift for the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima and beyond. It is a treasure for children and is sure to help them experience Our Lady’s message.”

Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R.
Co-founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, EWTN television Host of Sunday Night Prime

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers photo

“Our Lady’s Message is an incredible book! Donna-Marie paints a soul-stirring portrait of the Fatima apparitions that speaks directly to the heart of the reader. Filled with remarkable insights and beautiful storytelling, Our Lady’s Message is an engaging, inspiring, and deeply moving look at how the encounter with Our Blessed Mother can truly change your life. Like a fine wine this book should be sipped slowly and savored, most especially in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord in Adoration.”

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Author, Behold the Man: A Catholic Vision of Male Spirituality””

 ***Purchase autographed copies here!

Please pray for a dear friend!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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Please pray for my dear friend Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R. who could use our prayers. I was so blessed to spend time with him recently and he sends his very best, by the way. He thanks you very much for your prayers and he prays for you. Thank you dear Friends for keeping him in your prayers. EWTN announced on television yesterday that dear Father is in his last days. The CFR Friars put it this way: “Please pray for him as he is preparing to journey to the house of Our Father.”

Won’t you join me in praying for him? If you’d like you can start the Christmas novena that starts Novemeber 30th, the feast of St. Andrew (Fr. Andrew’s name day–St. Andrew!). Thank you in advance for praying. Here is the prayer:

Beginning on St. Andrew the Apostle’s feast day, November 30, the following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for His coming (from the EWTN website).

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, 
[here mention your request]
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

It is piously believed that whoever recites the St. Andrew Christmas novena prayer FIFTEEN times each day from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30th) until Christmas Eve will obtain the favor requested.

God bless you!

Pausing and Praying for Strangers

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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I love meeting people along the way in my travels. As I often say, there are no coincidences in life. I met this man at the airport before boarding my flight to New York from Wisconsin. As he approached, sweeping up little pieces of debris with his worn out straw broom, I thanked him for his hard work. I had been in the company of dear Father John Hardon, S.J. on many occasions when he thanked cleaning women and janitors for their work. You see, Fr. Hardon’s mother was a cleaning woman and he made it a point to thank people who work hard to keep our surroundings clean. So, I was thinking of Father, using “a page from his book” as that man approached. My heart went out to that man. He stopped for a moment and thanked me, seemingly very surprised that I would complement him on his work and even thank him. He said it’s extremely rare for him to get a compliment. 

So, we got to talking.  I love when a conversation unfolds with a stranger. Or, someone whom Mother Teresa would call “Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor.“ I shared a bit about my faith with this man. He told me he is an ex Catholic. I gave him one of my Mother Teresa prayer cards which shows her holding my son. It has a prayer on the back that I wrote. He looked carefully at the card and then placed it in his cart. I just love how he put it there in his cart facing him. 

And then I ventured to offer him a blessed Miraculous Medal even though he is an ex Catholic—he accepted it. He said he is saved by Jesus. I told him that it was Jesus‘s mother on the medal. He took it from me and placed into his pocket and told me he would get in touch with me later on. I gave him my business card. We talked a bit more and then I needed to head toward security to eventually board my delayed flight. That is another story about the searches, getting stuck in the air for a while, etc. ?

I prayed a rosary on my flight specifically for this man. I also prayed hard for the man I met a bit later–the one who yelled at me when I was putting my carry-on luggage into the overhead bin when boarding the flight. He was in a mad rush and acted very mean and rude toward me, trying to push me out of his way. I told him–very calmly in a quiet voice, “It will be OK.“ because I knew he was steaming mad and I tried to defuse it, or at least help him to feel better in some way. But, he shot back, “No! It won’t be OK!” And he continued yelling all the way down the aisle to his seat, saying unkind things about me. His wife tried to calm him down, but this man was very angry at me for some reason. However, despite the uncomfortable feeling in being a convenient scapegoat for him, it gave me a wonderful opportunity to want to pray for the angry man. God knows just what He needs and I pray to be a little instrument of God’s love.

No doubt about it, God places these people in our lives for a reason. Will we venture to push a bit beyond our comfort zones to minister to the walking wounded? Everyone has a story. Everyone is loved by God. God asks the faithful to minister to His children. A kind word or gesture, sharing our faith with strangers when possible–all help to transform hearts and souls–including our own! Many times, small acts of love can bring hope to someone’s troubled heart and soul.

Be attentive! Look up from your devices and phones and see who it is, perhaps standing before you or close by that God wants you to minister to. Remember too, that Mother Teresa had said, “Love begins at home.” Let’s also be sure not to neglect our own families and the needs there at home by running off to save the world.

“Angels of God” Fr. Andrew Apostoli talks about the Angels

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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My dear friend Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R. talks about the Angels on this show on EWTN: Sunday Night Prime. He was reiterating some of the things we had said on our Angel show prior to this one and mentioned some things that we ran out of time to talk about. We have done two Angel shows together.

One thing that Fr. Andrew reminds us that I mentioned in our previous Angel conversation is that our Guardian Angel brings us at least three things:

!) PEACE when we are troubled or suffering.
2) PENITENCE from our sins, encouraging us to make reparation
3) INSPIRING US TO PRAY to be strengthened and enlightened.

Take a look here below to watch the show:

 

Unveiling my UPCOMING book!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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I am very excited to announce my new upcoming book for military women and those women associated with the military in some way, as well as for those who would like to know more about their lives…

For all women associated with the military!

Book Description: This book is for every woman associated with the military, whether on land, on sea, or in the air and for all those at home who are waiting for their loved one to return or who are living on military bases, or struggling with the myriad of demands connected with military life.

Catholic military women are very special “Soul Sisters.” There s a certain military pride shared amongst them they are in solidarity in a common goal to defend human life, to fight injustice, to protect their country, and support their military husbands, brothers, sons, daughters, cousins, nieces and nephews [or “their military family”]. They have heroically placed their lives on the line on battlefields, as well as in battling military issues on the home front too.

Best-selling and award-winning author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, an honorary lifetime member of the Military Council for Catholic Women (MCCW) shines a light on these gallant, heroic women who carry on with great faith, hope, humility, and love and whose heroism doesn’t remain on the battlefield, but is woven into the very fabric of their lives.

Traditional and original prayers, as well as teachings and inspiration from Jesus, Mary, and the Saints are woven throughout the entire book to give a powerful shot in the arm and to uplift spirits. This book will surely speak to the hearts of military mothers, wives, and women who are serving or have served in the military. It will also be a source of prayer and inspiration for anyone connected to the military the patriotic, and for anyone who would like to learn more about these courageous military women.

Due out on February 22, 2018. You can pre-order your copy today by clicking here!

Watch the EWTN Family Celebration on Saturday and Sunday!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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Here are a couple of real quick promos for the EWTN Family Celebration:

 

You can see the EWTN Family Celebration on Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th. I gave a talk on Fatima last Saturday in Worcester which was filmed and will be aired on Saturday September 16th. I also appeared on a live television show that Saturday evening which was hosted by Marus Grodi and also televised. It will air Saturday evening.


This lovely family came all the way from Singapore to be at the EWTN Family Celebration!