Tag Archives: Our Lady of Fatima

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

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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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!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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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!

My recent radio chat about Fatima with Drew Mariani

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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In case you missed it and would like to listen to my conversation with Drew Mariani, take a listen here. We had a lively and very REAL conversation. You can slide the little time marker over to the 30:00 mark. That’s where our segment begins.

Enjoy!

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

Read an Excerpt from my NEW Fatima book!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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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.

My children’s Fatima chapter book!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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What does this mean?

I am very excited to report that my children’s Fatima book: Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World has now been delivered to my home! It is ahead of schedule.

Just a little note about my excitement that this book is here…I will give you a little background…

As you might know, I have written a book on Fatima entitled Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions. I was happy to be asked by the publisher to write this book for the 100th anniversary year of Our Lady of Fatima. I am also very blessed that Fr. Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R. has written the Foreword. Some fascinating things happened during the writing of this book which I tell about in the Afterword.

This book came out just recently. It’s been ranked as the Number One New Release in Christian Mariology for quite some time. That tells me that people want to learn more about Our Lady of Fatima

It is $15.99 (plus shipping and handling). Order here (below) for within the United States:

 

Order here for $15.99 (plus shipping and handling) below for OUTSIDE the United States:

Backing up a bit, after I finished writing that book (and, trust me, it was a true labor of love and not without its challenges, but SO worth doing), I then felt deeply inspired to tell the story of Our Lady of Fatima to children! It was kind of a late hour. That was for sure because a book for the anniversary year should have been written already. I knew all too well the notorious schedule of publishing and thought that it might be quite impossible to get the idea of the book with a publisher and then to write it, and then also to get it through the publishing process to be out on time for the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima.

But, though I knew it looked impossible in those terms, I was still convinced that I absolutely had to try. I even felt the Blessed Mother prodding me to work hard to write a book that would tell the story of Fatima to children and their families. So, on February 1st I had a phone meeting with the president of a Catholic publishing company. Within an hour we worked out everything–right over the phone. Time was of the essence and I believed that the Blessed Mother clearly wanted this book and I also believed that She wanted me to get going on it–pronto! I was absolutely convinced.

Within three weeks it was all written! I worked long and hard, determined to get the work done quickly. All along, I kept relics of little Francisco and Jacinta close by or in my pocket. On top of that, I was able to get a wonderful illustrator on board knowing that illustrations are so important to children and young adults. I worked very closely with the fabulous Ann Kissane Engelkhart the illustrator who worked very diligently on such a tight schedule. I believe that God was granting many graces all around! Of course, there was more work too, which involved the whole talented publishing team to put everything together and to as quickly as possible get it off to the printer. And this book did not come about without a bit of “blood, sweat, and tears” if you know what I mean. Often (pretty much always) there will be some good “material” for offerings to Our Lord (sickness, challenge, and more).

But, at just two months and twenty days after I spoke to the very kind and gracious president of the publishing company, these books showed up at my front door! It just happened to be on the feast of my First Hoy Communion and on that day, this amazing news became official! Blessed Francisco and Blessed Jacinta will be canonized by Pope Francis at Fatima on May 13th! By the way, I was able to mention in the book that their causes for canonization had moved forward and that the little shepherds would be canonized, just before my book went to print!

Here is a short excerpt from a news story from yesterday:

“Vatican City, Apr 20, 2017 / 03:06 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During his trip to Portugal for the centenary of the Fatima Marian apparitions next month, Pope Francis will canonize visionaries Francisco and Jacinta Marto, making them the youngest non-martyrs to ever be declared saints.

The children will be canonized during Pope Francis’ May 13 Mass in Fatima. The decision for the date was made during a April 20 consistory of cardinals…”

Here it is!

It’s a sturdy and beautiful hard covered thick chapter book (230 pages) with gorgeous illustrations suitable for children 7 to 107! May it bring inspiration to countless souls!

It is $14.95 (plus shipping and handling). Order here (below) for within the United States:

 

Order here (below) for OUTSIDE the United States:

Check it out here at Sophia Institute Press! On Amazon, and on my website.

What will you do to LEARN the message of Fatima, LIVE the message of Fatima, and SPREAD the message of Fatima?

Chatting with dear Teresa Tomeo about Fatima

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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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!

Exciting news! My new Fatima Children’s book!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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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?

Radio Chat and Catching Up!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
Reply

I haven’t had time to write a blog post in a while because I have been working hard on developing a new EWTN TV series called “Feeding Your Family’s Soul” and I am happy to report that I am just about finished! All forty shows are developed, but I just need to do some final preparations (like figuring out what I am wearing on 41 shows! 🙂 As well, I have a few other things to do too. But, don’t worry! I’m just teasing about the 41 outfits. Maybe I’ll just pack 8 or 9 outfits 🙂 ).

My new series is comprised of 40 episodes to start with and I will also do a guest appearance on another show while I am there–hence the 41 shows. I’ll be flying down to the network very soon to film. I’m very excited about this new series because it is an opportunity to offer encouragement and the Catholic “tools” to Catholic and Christian parents and grandparents.

Just before developing all forty shows to begin the series, I was busy with the writing of my Fatima book which is titled Our Lady of Fatima; One Hundred Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions. It will release March 2017.

In my busyness, I almost forgot that it was time to plant the garlic! That is something I do annually. Every year at about this time, I am digging lots and lots of holes in my raised bed garden and planting hundreds of cloves of organic garlic. It is actually a bit back-breaking for me, but since I am so obsessed with garlic, believing it is very healthy and even medicinal, I am committed to growing it. I use it in home-made soups and meals I make for the elderly and sick. I also use it in our family meals. Sometimes, I give the bulbs of garlic away. But, I always need to save some from the late summer’s harvest to replant that fall.

So, I took full advantage of the warmer weather the other day and got down in the dirt to plant a bunch of garlic–all the while offering many prayers while out in God’s Creation.

garden_fall

The garlic is planted. Now I need to add a thick bedding of straw.

On another note here is a recent radio chat I had on “Seize the Day.” I hope you’ll enjoy it. It was right before Mother Teresa’s Canonization so I guess it is not exactly “recent.” But, I just received the link to it today.

Mark your calendars. In addition to the shows I mentioned above, I’ll be appearing on EWTN’s Bookmark show on December 11, 2016 and another show coming up in January that I’ll tell you about soon.

On still another note, if you receive Legatus magazine you will see my new column in the upcoming November issue.

Unveiling the new book cover for my upcoming book on Fatima!

- Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
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As you might already know, this year is the 100th anniversary of the Apparitions of the Angel of Peace to the Fatima visionaries. Next year in 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the Apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Fatima. I was asked by Servant Books to write the book: Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions.

Here is a brief description from the publisher:

On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary first revealed herself to a trio of shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She would appear to them five more times over the course of the year until the great miracle of the sun on October 13, 1917. She brought a message of love and peace that was heard around the world—a sorely-needed antidote to the ravages of World War I. To mark the 100th anniversary of the apparitions, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle provides a one-stop guide to the tradition, history and spirituality of Our Lady of Fatima, including the testimonies of those who have made the pilgrimage and prayers for those who share this devotion.

In Our Lady of Fatima, award-winning author, journalist, pilgrimage host and host of EWTN’s Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms and Catholic Mom’s Café Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle offers a mini-Fatima retreat—an “armchair pilgrimage,” if you will. This collection of prayers, testimonies and reflections will bring to life the events of Fatima and help you find ways to apply Mary’s Fatima message to the nitty-gritty details of your daily life.

Each chapter begins with a quote by or about the Blessed Mother before delving into a key aspect of the story of Mary’s appearances to nine-year-old Lúcia Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto. A prayer, a simple reflection and a doable call to action transform this book from a simple historical retelling into a practical devotional.
The Blessed Mother’s Fatima message is needed now more than ever. The uncertainty of global events can seep into our daily worries, creating fear and anxiety that’s difficult to overcome. Our Lady of Fatimais a welcome remedy for that worry. In it, you’ll find a chance to grow in faith and holiness, as well as a needed dose of inspiration, hope and peace in following its advice and suggestions, and in praying the prayers.

 

Today, on the Blessed Mother’s feast day, I am very excited to show you the cover of this book which will be released in March 2017!

Are you ready?

Here it is!

Print

Amazon is already taking pre-orders which you can see here.

You can pre-order an autographed copy at my website here.

So, what do you think?