My visits with Johnnette B. Williams are airings this week on EWTN’s “Women of Grace” television.
The description for the series
“The common denominator of the human experience is suffering. We all experience it to greater or lesser degree, and if we haven’t experienced it yet, it is sure to come. After all, we live in a broken and fallen world surrounded by broken and fallen people.
So the question ought not to be. “Will I suffer?” We are assured of that. Rather the question ought to be, “What will I do when I suffer?” And the way we answer that question makes all the difference in the world.
This week’s guest on Women of Grace answered that question not once in her life, but many times over. And what she discovered was the cross, when embraced, holds abundant and beautiful treasures. In this 5 Part Women of Grace series, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle will share with us how to Discover the Beauty of the Cross.”
Part 1 through Part 5 airing all week this week on EWTN television (1:00 PM and 11:00 PM Eastern)
Always a blessing to visit with Johnnette Benkovic!
“The Kiss of Jesus” is #4 in Biographies of Catholicism
By the way, Amazon just posted that my memoir “The Kiss of Jesus” is right now #4 in Biographies of Catholicism!
Number 4 right now on Amazon in Biographies of Catholicism!
You can get your autographed copy here!
A great Lenten read. You can order your autographed copy here.
My friend Lisa shared a very sweet video of her granddaughter Lucy, who in less than a short minute tells us how to do Lent right! I hope that you will enjoy this short, lively, and absolutely precious tutorial!
Click on the video below and let me know in the comments below how much you enjoyed her video and if it might help you on the remainder of your Lenten journey. 🙂
I hope and pray that you are well and hanging in there as best as you can during this terrible deadly pandemic. Let us keep up our many prayers, stay safe in isolation, and trust God. I have a busy writing day today, but I feel a need to pause from it for a bit so that I can write this blog post. I want to share a good dose of HOPE with you.
Yesterday was the 15th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s entrance into Eternal Life. I prayed for his intercession and went about my busy book writing day. My heart felt a bit heavy because with each passing hour, things got terribly worse in New York City where one of my children lives.
I am not an alarmist.
Trust me…
I don’t watch every single news report or get caught up in hysteria. I only get the news from what I hope to be credible sources. I consider myself a realist. On top of that, I believe that my Faith is strong and I do believe in miracles. As well, I know that we have to be smart. We can’t fool around and be stupid at a time like this. We have to stay safe and isolated and do the best that we can.
That said, the news reports were getting more and more grim as reporters told of the thousands of body bags bought and shipped to New York City for the Covid-19 deaths that were being predicted. And, it sure doesn’t make a mother’s heart feel very good hearing about the make-shift morgues consisting of the many tractor trailer trucks pulling up outside of the New York City hospitals. As you must well know, there’s so much more to this, and my point is not to dwell on the negative aspects of our current situation. We can’t live in crippling fear.
A tidbit more…
My husband’s friend showed him a video filmed by his friend who, supposedly (I take most everything with a grain of salt) filmed in the basement of a New York City hospital. The video showed many rooms overflowing with filled body bags. My husband told me about it and I questioned it. Was it “fake news”? Who knows? It could be true. So, all of the above was weighing on my mind as I went about my morning–working and praying.
A bright splash of color…
Though it was a rainy day, I decided to step outside for a moment to cut some daffodils since the vase in my foyer contained just a few lonely daffodils –waiting for some company. At that particular moment, I might not have bothered to go out in the rain to pick them. However, because I had accidentally broken a few daffodils when I raked out my flower gardens on the previous sunny day, I needed to fix that silly looking bouquet.
By the way, my arms are sore as I write this. 🙂 I haven’t raked since last year. And, I’m getting old!
Well, I’m glad that I took a moment to step outside. After picking a few more, I popped the bright yellow happy flowers into the vase and set it on my foyer table. I noticed quickly how the yellow paint on my foyer walls perfectly matched the flowers. I also recalled that I was not particularly fond of that paint color twenty years ago when I moved into this new home. I even declared at that time that I would paint it another color as soon as I had the chance. Funny thing, the yellow grew on me–I began to appreciate the bright splash of the color in the entryway and in the stairway.
The picture of the daffodils on the table of my foyer didn’t get posted on Instagram as I had planned. I had wanted to post a hopeful image at a time when the world is so worried. I never did get a chance, though. I was beckoned by my work and I got caught up in the busyness of the morning. The picture would need to wait for later…
Yellow has grown on me! If you look closely you will see something else that is special. I’ll remind you about it later…
Instead of posting the daffodils, I ended up posting this photo…
J.P. 2, we love you!
I’m holding up a special relic card of dear St. John Paul II.
So, on with the day I went, working and praying, asking God for protection and help for everyone and to please especially watch over my son in NYC. I had asked Joseph the other night if he could come home to Connecticut. I knew things would get worse and there would be a time when he couldn’t get out and would have to wait it out there–for better or worse.
But, Joseph felt he had to stay there. He didn’t want to chance infecting anyone by leaving. He wasn’t sick, but knew that there are carriers of the virus and that is one of the reasons we are all to stay home. He believed he would be okay. He said he would be careful and stay in and only go out once a week for groceries, but several times a day to take the dog out for a short walk.
Though he was staying there for now, I asked him to consider coming home and to bring his girlfriend (and her dog) and that he and his girlfriend could be quarantined for 2 weeks here before we get close to them. I’m sure you can imagine my concern that I can’t simply put him under my wing to protect him like a mother hen would. I knew that he didn’t have surgical face masks. They are impossible to buy at the moment.
So, I needed to continue to trust God and continue to pray.
A cry for help from the other side of the world…
Before everything got so bad here in the United States, a man in Hong Kong who had read one of my books and had gotten in touch with me a year or so ago, recently got back in touch again. The first time that he wrote to me was about his reading and enjoying my book, The Miraculous Medal: Stories, Prayers, and Devotions. Another time to ask for blessed Miraculous Medals though he was not yet a Catholic (but hoping to be one day).
This time around he was in touch to ask me an unexpected question. Could I possibly find surgical masks and mail them to him? He said they couldn’t purchase any and people were panicking as the Covid-19 Virus aggressively attacked. Well, it’s kind of a long story and I told about it at length in my newsletters, but I’ll TRY to keep it short right now, and give you a nutshell version.
By the grace of God, it turned out that I was able to order a large quantity of the best masks available to protect from virus and flu. Still, I wasn’t sure if my order would actually make it to my house or if I would get a notice that they were out of stock. I had heard this was happening all over. Thankfully, the masks arrived!
I had not known…
I was surprised to find out that my new friend was a doctor of a small clinic and was rapidly running out of supplies as he was treating people and exposed to illness. That was the first I heard from him that he was a doctor. He told me that he was wearing the blessed Miraculous Medal that I sent to him and praying for protection as his wife and son stayed isolated at home
He also said the government was not helping them at all to get the necessary supplies. I was so happy to help. I shipped off the package to him after saying a prayer. My new friend was so very appreciative when I told him that it was on its way to him. Yet, we didn’t know if my package would get to him– would ever make it to Hong Kong. It seemed to take forever. As well, we felt that there was the chance that it could be stolen or confiscated. Our prayers were answered–it arrived safely. Praise God.
At the time I sent the masks to my new friend, I didn’t save any for ourselves. I didn’t think that shortly thereafter, it wouldn’t be possible to purchase masks. After my purchase, the mask prices immediately skyrocketed (companies were taking advantage of the pandemic) and then it soon became completely impossible to purchase the masks because factories could not keep up with the manufacturing. We are still in that situation.
Uncertainties loomed…
I asked Joseph about the possibility of making masks out of fabric as many people are doing now. Did he have any handkerchiefs or fabric? The fabric masks won’t fully protect from the Covid-19 virus, but at least it is somewhat of a barrier. Joseph assured me that he and his girlfriend (who also lives nearby in New York) would do so. They’ll probably do this sewing by hand. I planned to pull out my sewing machine very soon…but, I wanted Joseph to have something sooner than I could make and send them. It seemed that every hour counted…
Last night as my husband and I prayed a Rosary together, we prayed for all who needed help and I asked for special protection for Joseph and his dear girlfriend. Towards the end of our Rosary, I felt as if I was struck with a lightening bolt (not literally!). I suddenly remembered that once upon a time we had a few masks in the house. It was about 3 or 4 years ago when needed for a home construction project.
I was thinking that I might have thrown the package away at some point. Or, maybe there were some left and the package was someplace tucked away SOMEWHERE! Bringing my focus back, I kept my mind and heart on finishing up the Rosary.
Well, I knew exactly what I had to do as SOON as we finished!
I didn’t say anything to my husband because I wanted to surprise him. I got right up from the Rosary and as I quickly walked to our garage, I prayed.
“Please God, show me where they are…please lead me RIGHT to them!”
I opened the door from the house to the garage and walked straight over to a box, carried it to the kitchen and opened it up.
Imagine my surprise…
Guess what was right at the top, under the flaps of the box???
TWO (not one!), but two N-95 masks! They were in a protective plastic package. I praised God and thanked Him on my knees. Then, I brought the masks to show my husband and immediately texted my son. I told him that miraculously, I found 2 N-95 masks and would send them to him the following day!
Thank you, dear St. John Paul II!
I added some “survival” food items to the package, sealed it up promptly, and my husband took the package to the Post Office this morning. But, before that package left here, I blessed it with Holy Water so that it would arrive safely to my son. We had heard reports that some New Yorkers aren’t getting their mail deliveries.
The package is in God’s hands. Please Lord…get it there safely…
God is forever showing us that He loves us very much and that He is in the very details of our lives. As well, I thank dear St. John Paul II for his intercession.
Please be assured of my prayers for you and yours.
God bless you!
Donna-Marie
PS I almost forgot to tell you! Take a look again at the photo of the daffodils. Notice the Divine Mercy image reflected in the mirror of my foyer from my front door window? The Image of Divine Mercy has been added to our front door at the encouragements of Fr. Chris Alar, MIC. He said we should “seal our doorposts”! Exodus 12!
One more thing…I posted this on Instagram today. Remember, Our Lady of Fatima requested that we pray for souls in danger of dying. Please, let us remember them continuously in our prayers.
There’s more to share, but must go for now. I am going over to an empty church with my husband to meet up with two friends to pray the Stations of the Cross. We will be on opposite sides of the aisle, keeping a social distance. I haven’t been out of the house since last Sunday when I went to the same empty church to pray.
I will be praying for you tonight. Please pray for me too. Please check on your elderly neighbors and reach out by phone, text, or email to those you know who need encouragement. These simple acts of love indeed make a huge difference in someone’s life–especially if they are anxious.
Yesterday was a very special day when Pope Francis and the faithful of the world came together spiritually and virtually to beg God’s mercy to stop the coronavirus that has been attacking the world. In a very empty St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis carried out a prayer service which included the reading of the Gospel, after which he gave a very moving homily, followed by a time of Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, as well as an Urbi et Orbi blessing to impart a plenary indulgence (if you are in the proper disposition–no attachment to venial sin). This blessing is usually reserved for Christmas and Easter time.
I knelt on my living room floor for most of that hour, participating in the deep spiritual moments. It was powerful and moving.
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.aspxÂ
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!
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.
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. Â In case you didn’t catch it, you can see it here at your leisure.
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.
How’s your Lenten Journey? Half of the season of Lent has passed. We have a half more to go!
This morning John Harper and I chatted briefly about the season of Lent and the fact that we are half way through this holy penitential season in which we are meant to grow in holiness. We called our segment it a “Mid-Lent Spiritual Tune-Up.” If you missed it, you can listen here anytime. I hope you have a few moments to listen to our chat.
Are you nourishing your faith with spiritual reading? Take even a few moments each day to read from the lives of the saints. It can help to keep you focused and give you a great shot in the arm to get you through your busy days.
Remember–don’t give up! Keep going! Pray and work hard and Our Lord will certainly reward your efforts!
[I have no idea why the wording is backwards on the image above!]
I recently chatted with Matt Swain on the Son Rise Morning Show about Lent with our families. My latest in my Lenten series is Bringing Lent Home with Pope Francis. You can listen to the archive here at your leisure.
In case you didn’t get a chance to tune in to our wonderful chat this morning on Morning Air. Here is a link of my chat with John Harper. I had a great time chatting with him about Lent, families, and even the fact that we both have Polish grandmothers!
I recently chatted with radio host Elizabeth Reardon on her show “An Engaging Faith.” We talked about my background, my books, my memoir The Kiss of Jesus, the season of Lent, families, Mother Teresa, Pope Francis, the saints, and so much more. You can listen to the archive right here.
A Simple Grace recently interviewed me about the faith, love and prayer. They have used a couple of my responses in their new magazine. The piece is titled, “Author of ‘Bringing Lent Home with Pope Francis’ shares her secret for discovering everyday miracles.”I believe that the full interview is in the hard copy of the magazine.
You can see my response about love, prayer and cleaning a toilet here!
I recently hosted a radio show and had as my guest Fr. Frank Pavone! We chatted about Holy Week, challenges and graces, as well as the tenth anniversary of the passing of Terri Schiavo who very sadly was starved and dehydrated to death.
Fr. Frank was a wonderful guest and I thoroughly enjoyed his visit. I know you will too.
You can listen to our visit here:
I hope that you enjoy it. Visit Fr. Frank’s “Priests For Life” blog here.
There are so many reasons that Christ’s Cross should be on our minds as a Christian, especially because we are navigating the season of Lent—that beautiful and prayerful time of year. Holy Mother Church prods us to become more mindful of Jesus’ Passion and Death on the Cross—His unselfish holy sacrifice so that we might have Eternal Life…
I recently wrote about the Cross using a couple of very beautiful stories about the Cross in the lives of two friends. You can read it here.
How can we teach our kids to want to give when they might be more interested in receiving?
I recently chatted about teaching our kids how to give alms with Matt Swaim on the Son Rise Morning Show. You can listen in to our latest segment about Mother Teresa and Mothers right here.
ALL four of these books for $14.00! Three Lenten books and one hard cover Catholic Saints Prayer Book for inspiration this Lenten season.
Here is what the publisher says about them:
The Bringing Lent Home series gives families with young children a no-hassle resource for daily Lenten reflection and observance. Author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, EWTN television host and bestselling Catholic author, presents a beloved saint in each booklet and offers the witness and wisdom of their lives to show families how better to pray, fast, and care for the poor during Lent. Bringing Lent Home booklets can be used during any of the three lectionary cycles and are designed for families with children younger than thirteen.
From the Introduction:
“What can the saints of yesterday offer us today? Transcending history, they offer us timeless wisdom and inspiration, while bringing us closer to God. Sanctity surpasses time and is forever with near us.
The saints’ exemplary examples of holiness give us unparalleled help and sustain our hope, especially during trying times. Just as our association with fellow Christians helps us come closer to Jesus, so our communion with the saints in heaven helps join us to Jesus, but more perfectly…”
You can order your autographed copies here. All FOUR for $14.00! Each order is sent with a blessed Miraculous Medal.
One mom I know is doing this for Lent. Each day, drawing from the tips, advice, and encouragement in my new book Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II, she makes her family’s fasting, prayer, and almsgiving more tangible by writing it down for them to see. It’s a great reminder to all.
I’ve suggested this in my book and I am tickled to see it carried out by Katie.
and this:
Katie’s daughter Lillian helped by writing the prayer.
What ways can you be mindful of the holy season of Lent in your family? It’s not too late to initiate some ideas and put them into place. We are just beginning on our journey.
Lucy and Ethel AKA Teresa Tomeo and yours truly. 🙂
Coming up this morning: 9:39-9:56 AM EST I’ll be chatting with Teresa Tomeo on Catholic Connection with Ave Maria Radio about families and Lent and my new book: Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II.
Learn more here.
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…
