Pondering Mary, Mothers, and Mother’s Day

I simply cannot observe or smell aromatic lilacs without thinking of Mother’s Day and recalling with vivid memory the precious time spent with my mother, my grandmother, and, later on, with my beloved children.

When I was growing up, I spent many a spring day with my mother and grandmother playing near the weeping willow trees and the hedge of lilac bushes that stretched all across our backyard. Luscious lilac scents were roused with every stirring spring breeze; tantalizing my senses and etching a long-lasting childhood memory upon my heart.

When I became a mother, my Mother’s Days were never complete until at least one of my children presented me with a bouquet of fresh lilacs, usually plucked right from a backyard bush. They would adorn our kitchen table and fill the house with amazing fragrance.

With Mother’s Day having just passed, our thoughts might be reminiscent of times enjoyed with our mothers, our spiritual mothers, or mother figures in our lives. The month of May can also…[read the fully story here].

The Canonization of Francisco and Jacinta on the 100th Fatima anniversary

It’s hard to believe that the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, which is the actual anniversary of the first appearance of the Blessed Mother to the three shepherd children is in just two days! May 13, 2017 marks that anniversary. On that day Pope Francis will canonize Francisco and Jacinta Marto, the youngest visionaries of Our Lady of Fatima. Their older cousin, Lucia dos Santos, was also a visionary, but she lived until almost 98 years old! She died in 2005, just twelve years ago. Even so, the cause of her canonization is moving along.

I have been so busy this week with many radio and TV interviews because of the upcoming 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima. I have not had any time to blog. Although, I do have a couple of articles coming out on Fatima. Here is one in the National Catholic Register in which I tell how families can apply the Fatima message to their lives.

I have a Fatima article coming up in the Catholic World Report which I hear will be out soon (probably tomorrow–Friday). There are a few excerpts of my two Fatima books out now. You can read one here which talks about the Third Secret and is from my book Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions. One about the Angel of Peace visit to the shepherd children from that same book is here. Here is one from my children’s chapter book Our Lady’s Messages to Three Shepherd Children and the World.

Here’s a good article in the National Catholic Register by Father Raymond J. de Souza in which he quotes my book Our Lady of Fatima. In some of the blog posts on this website prior to this one, I have several radio interviews about Fatima.You can check them out and listen at your leisure. I’ll be posting about the TV interviews and other radio interviews soon. As well, here is an article in Legatus magazine in which I was interviewed.

Pray for the graces! We are living in an incredible part of history. In addition, do your best to pray the daily Rosary for peace in the world. Commit to the Five First Saturday devotion that Our Lady of Fatima asked for. We need to step up to the plate and do our part by praying for the reparation of sinners and for peace in the world. Remember, the Blessed Mother said that there are many souls that go to hell because there aren’t enough people praying for them.

Finally, check out the special programming on Our Lady of Fatima on EWTN.

EDITED to add a new article. Here is my article in Catholic World Report.

A sneak peek at an excerpt from my children’s Fatima book!

The children thoroughly enjoyed their days together playing and praying. Sometimes the girls would skip and dance in the sunshine to Francisco’s flute, and other times, Jacinta would gather wildflowers and throw the petals into the air, as she had seen the girls do in Corpus Christi processions.

Being outside so often in God’s beautiful creation gave Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta much time to ponder His goodness in their lives and to pray — especially to offer reparation, as the angel had instructed them, for those who had offended God. The children worshiped God in St. Anthony’s, their parish church, along with their families, but they also worshiped God in His “outdoor cathedral” in nature as they prayed each day. Their commitment to prayer can indeed inspire us all to praise and glorify God everywhere — not just in church.

On May 13, 1917, the young shepherds took their sheep to the grazing spot in the Cova da Iria (or Cove of Irene, which means “peace”). While the sheep happily nibbled at the grass, the cousins sat in a shady spot to eat their lunches. After rushing through a Rosary, they were just about to begin a game when the sky lit up with intensity as if by a huge bolt of lightning. Though there was no sound of…

I hope that you enjoy this excerpt from my new book Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World here at Catholic Exchange!

Read an Excerpt from my NEW Fatima book!

I am sharing a long excerpt of my book: Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions.

The third secret was revealed to the children at the Cova on July 13, 1917. It was to be kept in the greatest confidence. When Sister Lúcia was with the Dorothean Sisters in Tuy, Spain, she fell ill in mid-1943. Because it was feared that she could die before the third secret was revealed by her, the bishop of Leiria requested that she write down the remainder of the secret (or third secret) told to the children in 1917. Obediently, and in the midst of her painful sickness, Sister Lúcia wrote it down on a single sheet of paper. She placed it in an envelope and sealed it.

Before we look at Sister Lúcia’s testimony, I offer the words of then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who gives some context to the revelations of Lúcia. There was great speculation and controversy over the third secret of Fátima because it was kept under wraps for many years. In his theological commentary The Message of Fátima, Cardinal Ratzinger pointed out that the contents of the envelope that held the third secret for so long might be “disappointing” to some…

You can see the excerpt in its entirety right here. I hope that you enjoy learning about the Third Secret of Fatima. Please let me know your thoughts in the comment box below.

Don’t forget! I am leading a pilgrimage to Fatima and Poland this September with Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R! Information is here.

Buy BOTH Fatima books!

Pope Benedict XVI said we should “Learn the message of Fatima, LIVE the message of Fatima, and SPREAD the message of Fatima!

Special BUNDLE offer!

Get both books (autographed) and with a blessed Miraculous Medal for just $29.00 (plus shipping and handling)!

 

PERFECT for FIRST COMMUNION and CONFIRMATION

I am happy to offer my books to you at a special price for First Holy Communion and Confirmation gifts!

SUITABLE for either First Communion gift OR Confirmation gift…

An autographed copy of Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World

$15.99 Hard cover children’s chapter book

AND an autographed copy of my book Angels For Kids!

$14.99 Paperback filled with Angel Catechesis for children and adults

BUNDLED together for just $28.00 plus shipping and handling. A $3.00 SAVINGS!

***

SUITABLE for Confirmation gift…

Here is another option: An autographed copy of Our Lady’s Message…

$15.99 Hard cover chapter book

AND: An autographed copy of My Confirmation Book:

$16.99 Hard cover keepsake and teaching book

BUNDLED together for just $30.00 plus shipping and handling. A $3.00 SAVINGS!

***

Here is another GIFT option:

My Confirmation Book AND Catholic Saints Prayer Book (both hard cover)

BUNDLED together for a CONFIRMATION gift for ONLY $22.00 (plus shipping and handling)!

***

YET ANOTHER GIFT OPTION!

Suitable for First Holy Communion gift OR Confirmation Gift:

An autographed copy of Our Lady’s Message…

AND an autographed copy of Catholic Saints Prayer Book!

Catholic Saints Prayer Book

Hard cover: Inspiration and wisdom from 32 popular saints! Prayers, bios, patronages, quotes

BUNDLED TOGETHER for ONLY: $21.00 (plus shipping and handling)! A $3.00 SAVINGS!

 

Mother’s Day is fast approaching!

LOVELY PAIRING OF GIFTS!

I am super excited to pair beautiful tea cups and saucers with my upcoming book for Catholic women of every state of life. One of the tea cup designs is shown on the left. A little card (which can be used as a bookmark in the book) accompanies the tea cup and saucer and has a story from the book (but a bit paraphrased to fit on the back of the card).

This pairing of tea cup with saucer and book will make a lovely gift for any woman–tea drinker or not! Though I am not a coffee drinker, I am sure that coffee or any other beverage, for that matter will taste just as elegant as a spot of tea in the lovely tea cups.

[Showing some of the designs here:]

Allow me to surprise you with the pretty design!

Tea cup and saucer (random lovely design) ALONG with a copy of A Catholic Woman’s Book of Prayers for only $22.99 plus shipping and handling. Order here:

 

Tea cup and saucer (random lovely design) ALONG with a copy of A Catholic Woman’s Book of Prayers for only $22.99 plus shipping and handling AND $5.00 donation to the ministry–Order here

 

ORDER HERE Tea cup and saucer (random lovely design) ALONG WITH a copy of A Catholic Woman’s Book of Prayers ($22.99 for both plus shipping and handling) for OUTSIDE the United States, please order here (below):

DON’T save the good china!

I am super excited to pair beautiful tea cups and saucers with my upcoming book for Catholic women of every state of life. One of the tea cup designs is shown below. A little card (which can be used as a bookmark in the book) accompanies the tea cup and saucer and has a very special story about my dear mother on it that is in the book (but a bit paraphrased to fit on the back of the card).

This pairing of tea cup with saucer and book will make a lovely gift for any woman–tea drinker or not! Though I am not a coffee drinker, I am sure that coffee or any other beverage, for that matter will taste just as elegant as a spot of tea in the lovely cups.

It was actually one of my mother’s last wishes and I believe that we can all learn from her wise words…

Don’t Save the Good China!

One day when my mother was lying in her hospital bed ill with cancer, she decided that life was much too short to save the good china for special occasions. She vowed that when she got home, she would start using her fancy dishes stored away in her china cabinet. Sadly, my mother never made it home from the hospital to use her china, but we can all learn from her. Let’s use our good china with joy. And make sure to have regular family dinners, too; they certainly show your love for your family. Most importantly, strive to make every day a celebration of life. Having a joyful heart is contagious and will help all those around us, too.

[excerpt from the book, but paraphrased a bit to fit on the back of the card]

Mother’s Day is fast approaching! You can learn more about purchasing the “pair” (tea cup and book) here. Scroll down a little on that web page.

By the way, don’t you just love the cover of the book?

Here is the publisher’s description of the book:

As an award-winning author, TV host of EWTN’s “Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms,” “Catholic Mom’s Cafe,” and “Feeding Your Family’s Soul,” mother of five and grandmother, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle is well aware of the difficulties women face today as they balance all their responsibilities and struggle to find time for prayer.
This book will affirm women on their journey while celebrating the strength, dignity, and specific gifts of women in the context of the faith. Donna-Marie offers words of encouragement, as well as traditional and original prayers for women who are single, married, mothers, consecrated women, and single mothers, while straightforwardly addressing specific difficulties in women’s lives, with prayers for stress, complicated pregnancies, and walking through divorce. Words from Mother Teresa, St. John Paul II, saints and mystics enrich the text with inspiration.

Chatting with dear Teresa Tomeo about Fatima

Take a listen to Teresa Tomeo and me. We chatted about the Faith and Our Lady of Fatima. You can tune in by clicking here and then scrolling to the 19.31 mark unless you want to start from the beginning of her show on Catholic Connection.

Enjoy!

There is still time to register for my pilgrimage to Fatima and Poland! Check it out! Receive 3 free Fatima books by registering soon!

I love giving sneak peeks!

I just love giving sneak peeks of my upcoming work and projects! Here is my new book cover for A Catholic Woman’s Book of Prayers below, as well as the image of the front and back cover.  The cover was recently tweaked to be brighter and to include a line. You’ll see the endorsements on the back cover.

 

Here below, as you can see is the front and back cover…

 

It is possible that I might have copies before Mother’s Day. I am hoping and praying. You can pre-order your copy here.

Here is a description from the publisher:

As an award-winning author, TV host of EWTN’s “Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms,” “Catholic Mom’s Cafe,” and “Feeding Your Family’s Soul,” mother of five and grandmother, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle is well aware of the difficulties women face today as they balance all their responsibilities and struggle to find time for prayer.
This book will affirm women on their journey while celebrating the strength, dignity, and specific gifts of women in the context of the faith. Donna-Marie offers words of encouragement, as well as traditional and original prayers for women who are single, married, mothers, consecrated women, and single mothers, while straightforwardly addressing specific difficulties in women’s lives, with prayers for stress, complicated pregnancies, and walking through divorce. Words from Mother Teresa, St. John Paul II, saints and mystics enrich the text with inspiration.

The Beauty of the Cross this week on Women of Grace

I didn’t get a chance to mention that I am visiting on EWTN’s Women of Grace this week. Each day it airs at 11:00 AM ET and 11:30 PM ET. I hope you can tune in.

We are discussing my memoir The Kiss of Jesus and the twists and turns of my life and how they helped to shape my life.

Donna-Marie talking about Lent, “Part Two” on Sunday Night Prime

The second part of the Lenten discussions that I had with Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R. is here below on EWTN’s Sunday Night Prime. The second part offers prayers and tips for families and all those journeying through Lent. It is focused on the teachings of St. John Paul II and Pope Francis. I hope that you enjoy it.

 

Donna-Marie talking about Lent “Part One” on Sunday Night Prime

I was recently visiting with Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R on EWTN’s Sunday Night Prime. In our show, “Bringing Lent Home, Part One” we talked about the family, Lent, Mother Teresa, and St. Therese.  In case you didn’t catch it, you can see it here at your leisure.

Enjoy!

Exciting news! My new Fatima Children’s book!

I am excited to announce my upcoming children’s chapter book Our Lady’s Messages to Three Shepherd Children and the World.

Here is the beautiful book cover with a short publisher description and a link below to pre-order this children’s chapter book which is scheduled to release in June!

 

In this warm retelling of the story of Our Lady of Fatima, award-win- ning author 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 2016 and again in 2017. By reading this beautifully-illustrated chapter book, children will walk in the footsteps of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta and learn the important message Our Lady delivered to these little shepherd children and to the whole world.

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s love for children and family shines through these pages. As one of America’s Fatima experts, she presents an entirely authentic book which reads like a page-turning novel to children ages seven to 107! At the end of each chapter, the book offers an oppor- tunity to pause and ponder the story and the reader’s own prayer life as well as encouragement to apply the messages to one’s own life. A section of Fatima prayers completes the book.

It is a beautiful sturdy hard covered chapter book which sells for $14.99. Pre-ordering for autographed copies here.

You can see it and also order here at Sophia Institute Press and at Amazon.

What do you think?

Upcoming shows EWTN’s Sunday Night Prime!

I just found out that my other visit with Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R will air before the one I told you about. Here is the schedule:

Sun. Feb. 26 at 8:00 PM
Mon. Feb. 27 at 4:00 AM
Mon. Feb. 27 at 9:00 AM
02/26/17 BRINGING LENT HOME
PT. 1

Fr. Apostoli welcomes Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle to discuss Mother Teresa, St. Therese, and the Lenten season.
Sun. Mar. 05 at 8:00 PM
Mon. Mar. 06 at 4:00 AM
Mon. Mar. 06 at 9:00 AM
03/05/17 BRINGING LENT HOME
PT. 2

Here is the link to the EWTN website.

I hope you can tape it or watch at those times. It isn’t noted on the EWTN website, but one of the shows is about St. Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis. The other is noted, which is about Mother Teresa and St. Therese.