What does my mother’s rolling pin have
to do with teaching the faith and keeping family traditions alive?
Watch the You Tube video below to see my latest “Feeding Your Family’s Soul” teaching on EWTN!
After pressing the “play” arrow, you can move the time marker over to about the 4:12 mark and it will play until about 7:30 or you can certainly watch the whole episode. Enjoy!
Donna-Marie’s new “Feeding Your Family’s Soul” EWTN TV series
Dates for August are:
Monday, August 14
Thursday, August 17
Monday, August 21
Monday, August 28
All are shown on the “At Home with Jim and Joy” Show.
It’s been a busy summer thus far. I have been doing a lot of traveling for speaking and book signing. And also filmed a Bookmark segment with Doug Keck.
No slowing down just yet. I hope I can at least pause in August for even a day or two. But, actually, we will celebrate a family birthday very soon and I will be in my glory to have all my ducklings in a row–first time in a long time. Plus I’ll get to see this little guy again! I simply cannot wait!
On the home front…you probably know that I live way out in the woods of rural Connecticut. The bear has visited our home a few times and was even in the back of my husband’s truck one night!
A couple of house wrens are chittering and chattering away most days deciding upon where to build their nest. First, they put it just outside my office window but have decided to move it to another location. I’ll be keeping a look out to see where they’ll end up. I am a bird watcher, after all!
The great blue heron has visited many times lately–always a highlight in my day to see such a huge and majestic, yet prehistoric looking bird. He comes right on my deck! Yesterday, I looked up from my writing work just in time to see the huge creature flying right by my window!
On another note, I want to let you know about the upcoming episodes for my new show. “Feeding Your Family’s Soul” EWTN TV series.
The dates for August are:
Monday, August 14
Thursday, August 17
Monday, August 21
Monday, August 28
All are shown on the “At Home with Jim and Joy” Show. In case you missed the first two episodes, the first episode is here. And the second is here.
The EWTN Family Celebration is coming up! I’ll be speaking about Fatima at the celebration in Worcester, Mass on September 9th and 10th. I’ll also be appearing on the Live show that Saturday evening, along with Marcus Grodi, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Doug Keck, Michael Warsaw and a couple of others. You can check that out here.
There’s a very small window of time to register for my pilgrimage to Fatima and Portugal coming up September 17th through the 27th with Fr. Andrew Apostoli! If you’d like to come, please consider registering RIGHT AWAY before time runs out. Here is the information.
Fatima & Poland!
Here is the second segment of my series: “Feeding Your Family’s Soul” aired on the “At Home with Jim and Joy” show. It’s about being a beacon of light to the world in simple ways. After pressing “play,” you can move the time marker over to the 5:30 mark and I’ll be visiting until about the 8:31 mark. ENJOY!
Here is the first segment of my series “Feeding Your Family’s Soul” on EWTN. You can see it on the “At Home with Jim and Joy” show. I come in for a visit at about the 5:15 minute mark until about the 9:12 mark. Simply click the video on and then you can slide the time marker over to the 5:15 mark or just watch the whole “At Home” show. It is an inspiring show. Enjoy!
Below is EWTN’s Press Release. This year’s Family Celebration theme is the 100th Anniversary of Fatima. I’ll be speaking at this event, as well as will be doing book signings, Meet & Greets, and will appear on the Live show on Saturday night! I hope you can join us. It’s FREE! See the speaking schedule here.
PRESS RELEASE July 5, 2017 |
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Come to EWTN’s 2017 Family Celebration in Worcester, Mass. Celebrate The 100th Anniversary of Fatima With Headliners Such As |
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| Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Fatima with EWTN at the Network’s 2017 Family Celebration Sept. 9-10 at the DCU Convention Center in Worcester, Mass. Headliners include Father Mitch Pacwa (“EWTN Live”), Marcus Grodi (“The Journey Home”), Susan Conroy, Fr. Maurice Emelu, and Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle.
In addition, EWTN Chairman & CEO Michael P. Warsaw will host a not-to-be-missed Family Talk with EWTN President Doug Keck (“EWTN Bookmark”), EWTN Chaplain Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, and more. “My favorite part of every Celebration is meeting our EWTN Family members from near and far,” Warsaw said. “This Celebration is our thank you to them for their love and support throughout the years.” The headlining talks are only the beginning. Guests will also have the opportunity to be part of a studio audience for a taping of a special “EWTN Family Celebration Live Show,” celebrate Mass with Worcester Bishop Robert J. McManus and EWTN’s Friars, and meet EWTN hosts and authors while browsing the EWTN Religious Catalogue shop. Plus, there will be plenty of opportunity for Adoration and Confession, and children will be thrilled to meet some of their favorite characters from “EWTN Faith Factory.” EWTN Radio will broadcast live on-site throughout the weekend and staff from the National Catholic Register will be on hand to answer your questions. You’ll even have an opportunity to join EWTN in its mission of evangelization by becoming an EWTN Media Missionary! It’s a feast for the mind, the heart, and the spirit! For more information, please go to our website: http://www.ewtn.com/familycelebration/. We look forward to seeing you there! EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 36th year, is the largest religious media network in the world. EWTN’s 11 TV channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week to over 268 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 domestic and international AM & FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; the largest Catholic website in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including Catholic News Agency, “The National Catholic Register” newspaper, and several global news wire services; as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division. ###
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Early spring on a blustery cool day
It is impossible to put into words how one word melted my heart. But, I’ll try.
I have a beautiful two-year-old grandson who lives in another state. I’m glad that he lives within driving distance, though it does take a good while to get there. Usually, about once a month I get to see him. As you can imagine, that is definitely not enough. So, in between visits, we see one another through video conferencing whenever we can work that out. I try to daily. 🙂 If I had my way, I’d live next door to him.
I recently visited his home to babysit for a few days. I was in my glory being with him. I managed to snap a quick picture of him standing at the window watching for my husband and I to pull into his driveway. If you look closely, you’ll see a thrilled little face within the sunlight designs decorating the window panes.
My sweet grandson used to call me “GWAND-ma.” Now, it’s closer to “Grandma.” However he chooses to pronounce my name is just fine with me. But, he is quite the talker and tells me about his every adventure. I absolutely love it.
It was hot and humid few days, but we had lots of fun and even picked fresh strawberries from the backyard garden…
Just a few days ago when it was time for me to leave to get back to the routine in Connecticut, my daughter broke the news to her son that it was time for me to go back home.
“No!” He said, seemingly quite startled to hear the unsettling news.
He quickly leaned forcefully out of his mother’s arms and practically jumped into mine. Once secure in my arms, he patted my back while clinging tightly to me with his other arm. For a few seconds my precocious young grandson seemed to be at a loss for words as he kept patting my back and struggled to express himself. Then, suddenly he uttered just one single yet powerful word.
“Stay!”
Oh, how my heart melted right then. I wished I could stay but it was time to go. It was so hard to leave. Needless to stay, there were lots of hugs and kisses going around. Lord willing, I’ll be back up to see him just as soon as I can.
What an amazing blessing to be a GWAND-ma.
Here is EWTN’s “Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms” episode # 3 (“Instilling Prayer in Our Children”). As I mentioned earlier, I will post a new episode each Monday. The series was filmed in 2011. Enjoy!
Have you heard the message of Fatima? Even if you are familiar with Mary’s apparitions at Fatima, I guarantee you haven’t heard the story told quite like this before. And if you’re skeptical about the whole thing, all the more reason to pick up this book.
Mary wants to lead us to her Son, Jesus Christ. She wants peace for the world, and she wants us to repent of our sins so we can all make it to Heaven!
There’s no better time to pick up this book than right now, as we are about to celebrate the 100th anniversary of these apparitions. In fact, the Church will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13, which is right around the corner. On this day, Pope Francis will also canonize Jacinta and Francisco, two of the Fatima visionaries, as Saints for the whole world to celebrate!
In this book, author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle takes readers through a century of fascinating stories related to Fatima. She recounts what occurred in this city back in 1916 and 1917, and the fulfillment of the Fatima prophecies that have taken place since that time. She also shares things that Sr. Lucia experienced later in her life as she worked to ensure that Mary’s message spread throughout the Church, and that things were completed as Mary and Jesus requested.
In these pages, you will hear remarkable stories you’ve never heard before, and details that you won’t find in other places. Did you know that Saint Mother Teresa planned a top secret mission in Russia specifically to occur just as Saint John Paul II consecrated Russia to Mary’s Immaculate Heart? Did you know she pulled it off? Do you know about the devotion of the Five First Saturdays? Do you know why Mary specifically requested five and not six or seven? Have you heard the Fatima prayers? Do you know how you can incorporate these prayers into your daily life to make atonement for the sins of the world? All of this and more is shared in this fascinating book.
Perhaps as astounding as the Fatima miracles themselves, are the personal experiences of the author that she shares at the end of the book. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but it’s unbelievable what this woman endured for the sake of this writing, and the timing of her injuries is absolutely astounding.
In short, I had a hard time putting this book down! You won’t want to miss this exciting read, especially as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Fatima apparitions this year. We all must now do our part to make reparation for the sins of this world. Find out what you can do to live the Fatima message today!
And a note to any skeptics: With Mary, you have nothing to fear except fear itself. Fear of Mary will only keep you from Mary, which will only keep you from a deeper intimacy with Christ. Our Mother Mary who is Our Lady of Fatima, is the Mother of Jesus Christ who is our brother. Hence, she is our Mother, too, and Jesus also gave her to us on the Cross. Mary is truly amazing. She also only wants to do the will of her Son. She wants to support Jesus as much as possible in the work of bringing all souls to Heaven. Perhaps you will be able to get to know her just a little better through the words in this book.
[As seen here on Amazon]
It was a beautiful grace-filled day. My husband and I drove to the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, Mass. to have a retreat sort of day on our wedding anniversary. I guess you can even call it a pilgrimage. We went to Mass there and the wonderful Fr. Chris Alar was the homilist and gave a stunning homily on the Blessed Trinity on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. We prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet after the Mass along with those congregated there and were blessed individually with a First Class relic of St. Faustina.
Statue of St. Faustina at the Shrine
We visited the beautiful gift shop and saw many of my books as well as other beautiful items. I spotted these copies of my new book Feeding Your Family’s Soul and asked the employee if they were going to go out on the shelves (since I was wondering about them stacked on the cart. What she said brought a smile to my face.
“Oh these are new! We just got them in and I’ll put them out. But, if you want to buy a copy, feel free!” I then, in a sort of a whisper said, “Actually, I am the author.” She looked up with mouth open in amazement.
She said, “Wow! And your name is ALL over this place! I was doing inventory this week and I saw your name all around.”
I’ll write another blog post, most likely, about our beautiful wedding anniversary, but first I’ll let you in on my conversations with a visiting bear last night.
Yes, I have to admit that I talked to a bear! He didn’t seem very interested in what I had to say. It was fascinating seeing him standing so tall only feet away from me. Black bears aren’t ferocious like brown bears. But black bears can be dangerous when they feel threatened, when they are a Mama bear with cubs to protect, and oh yes, when they are hungry. This guy was hungry. 🙂
I’ll share my conversations with the bear if you promise not to laugh…:) I’ll get that video out on a blog post soon.
Donna-Marie and her Mom!
Here is Episode # 2 of #EWTN’s “Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms.” Again, the series was filmed in 2011 and I am sharing a new episode each Monday here on my blog. Enjoy!
“The Miracle Hunter” had me on his show to talk about Our Lady of Fatima and my new children’s book: Our Lady’s Messages to Three Shepherd Children and the World. In case you might have missed my radio chat with “The Miracle Hunter” you can listen in here at your leisure. You can move the little time marker to about the 7:50 mark to hear our visit. I think it’s sweet that my theme song from my “Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms” on EWTN was played before I came on.
I hope that you get a chance to tune in and that you enjoy it!
I hope you might consider joining Fr. Andrew Apostoli and me to fatima and Poland in September. Click on the image above for the information.
The other day I noticed that the peonies in my flower garden were about to burst into blooms. I made a mental note that I see this every year right around the time of my wedding anniversary.
By the end of the day yesterday the luscious pink flower was already opening up more…
Because our wedding was in early June, the tables at our wedding reception were all decked out with lovely light pink and deep pink peonies.
I’m sorry that in this photo I am blocking my dear hubby’s face with my champagne glass during our toast. But, I wanted to show you the peonies. 🙂
What advice might I have for couples these days? Strive each day to remember that our number one job in our vocation as a Catholic spouse is to help to get our dear other half to heaven. Yes, there will be tough times and challenges galore. But God will grant us the graces. Don’t forget to continually ask for them and don’t forget to call on the graces from your sacramental bond. It’s powerful.
Pausing and praying when upset, before speaking your mind can be very beneficial. 🙂 Each little pin prick or contradiction is actually an opportunity for grace. Truly.
As well, I encourage the daily Rosary together and to ask Mother Mary to help your marriage. She will. Even if your husband is not (yet!) into praying the Rosary, you can encourage him to pray it with you and even start off with just a simple decade. In time, it will grow to a full Rosary. Trust me.
I’ll share an article I wrote for Magnificat magazine in which I, with a bit of “tongue in cheek,” recount a funny experience to illustrate the love in a sacramental marriage.
And, yes, most days I can still smile at him…
It’s interesting that all of the above was inspired by my peonies!
On my living rom wall.
June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let’s try our best to pray the Litany as often as we can during this month and beyond!
The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Christ, hear us
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us*
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, One God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty,
Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven,
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity,
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee,
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses,
Heart of Jesus, obedient to death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
Heart of Jesus, our peace and our reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints,
Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world; spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us
V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
R. Make our hearts like to yours
Let us pray;
Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of your most beloved Son and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers You in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Your mercy, in Your great goodness, grant forgiveness in the name of the same Jesus Christ, You Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
From EWTN:
Blessed be the Most Loving Heart and Sweet Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ and the most glorious Virgin Mary, His Mother, in eternity and forever. Amen.
….Only the Heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father’s love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way —-From the Catechism. P:1439
From the depth of my nothingness, I prostrate myself before Thee, O Most Sacred, Divine and Adorable Heart of Jesus, to pay Thee all the homage of love, praise and adoration in my power.
Amen. – – St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
The prayer of the Church venerates and honors the Heart of Jesus just as it invokes his most holy name. It adores the incarnate Word and his Heart which, out of love for men, he allowed to be pierced by our sins. Christian prayer loves to follow the way of the cross in the Savior’s steps.– From the Catechism. P: 2669
You can listen in to our conversation on EWTN’s Morning Glory speaking with Brian Patrick, Monsignor Charles Pope, and Gloria Pervis by clicking here and moving the marker to the “47:00” mark or listen to the entire show by starting at the beginning. Enjoy!
Donna-Marie and her Mom!
A Mother’s Never-Ending Prayer
I decided to share the episodes of Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms here on my blog, starting with the first one today! Check back each Monday for a new episode. The shows were filmed by EWTN in 2011.
Just stumbled across this recording from a past radio show out of Canada.
Here is the link to my recent radio conversation on Radio Maria. You can slide the little marker forward to the 29:34 mark to listen in to our conversation about Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World. I hope that you enjoy it!
You can slide the timing marker over to the 22:30 mark to watch my visit on the “In the Arena” show. Or, watch from the beginning. Monsignor does a great job.
