Visiting with Dana at the RBTE

While I was at the RBTE earlier this week, I had the real pleasure of visiting with Dana, an international singer from Ireland, most known for singing at a World Youth Day for Pope John Paul II and the youth assembled there. I believe that it was at the WYD in Colorada at which my son, Justin attended. You can check out Dana's music at http://www.dana-music.com.

I think it's so interesting that when I was in Ireland for my brother's wedding when I was only 13 years old, I heard a beautiful song playing on the radio regularly. It was a hit song and was called, "All Kinds of Everything Reminds Me of You." I loved it and bought a copy of the record. I didn't really know who the singer was at that time, however I loved the song.

About a year ago, I heard that an Irish singer named, Dana was going to be in Connecticut to do a concert nearby to where I live. I wasn't able to make it, unfortunately.

Fast forward to about a few months ago and I saw Dana on an EWTN TV show. She was explaining how she had sung that song, "All Kinds of Everything..." over in Ireland when she was young and and how it had become a hit song. I was so surprised to find out that it was Dana who had sung that song that I had loved! On that same EWTN program, I learned about Dana singing for Pope John Paul II at World Youth Day.

Then, by God's wonderful grace, I was able to meet Dana at the RBTE convention that I recently attended and also able to have a beautiful and prayerful conversation with her. God is so very good to us.

God bless your night!

Donna-Marie

My trip to the RBTE

Go on over to my "Daily Donna-Marie" blog to "hear" about my recent trip to the RBTE!

Review for "Catholic Saints Prayer Book"

Catholic Saints Prayer Book. Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle. Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor, 2008. 80 pp.



“[W]e hope not just to make it to heaven one day, but rather to bring countless souls with us because of our life and how we have loved,” says Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle in her new book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book. And there is no better way to do just that than by learning from those that did it best – the saints.



This handy compilation is packed with far more than its compact design would suggest. I was pleased with how much quality information it contained about the lives of over 30 of the Catholic Church’s great saints.



For each saint featured in the book, Donna-Marie provides a glimpse of the wisdom of each of these historic individuals along with a brief synopsis of their life. It even contains an insightfully crafted intercessory prayer for each saint.



If you are looking to learn more about these heroic examples of our faith, this book is for you. It’s to the point, packed with facts, and inspiring at every page turn - making it great for all ages. It’s useful whether reading it all at once, or even just a few pages at a time. It makes a great reference book, too.



The author proclaims, as the Church does, that “we should indeed seek out the saints, who will surely help lead us to God, assisting us all along the way.” This book is a great place to let your seeking begin.



Matt Warner

Owner/Operator of Catholic Outpost

www.CatholicOutpost.com


***

Thank you very much, Matt!

Interview with Teresa Tomeo about my new book!

Check here for my interview with Teresa Tomeo about my Catholic Saints Prayer Book . You can listen right from your computer!

Okay, running to Chicago now and then down to EWTN!!

Thank you for your prayers!

God bless and hugs,

Donna-Marie

leaving for two events!

Dear Friends,

I will be leaving for Chicago tomorrow (Tuesday) morning to go to the RBTE, Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit to do a book signing of my newest book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book and then I will be going to Birmingham, Alabama later in the week to tape some episodes on EWTN. I'll let you know when they will be aired as soon as I know.

I most-likely will not be able to post messages for a few days. If it is possible, I will. I would appreciate prayers for safety if you would be so kind. Thank you in advance for the prayers! I will keep you all in mine.

God bless you!

Donna-Marie

Profile of me by Crossroad's Magazine Television

You can now view (from your computer) the profile of me regarding the Vatican congress that I attended recently in Rome for women and about my books by ORTV's Crossroad's Magazine Television show. Just click here to see it Crossroad's Magazine Television show. Then click on May 10th which is the day the show aired, the Saturday before Mother's day! I hope you enjoy the show. I am in the second segment.

God bless!

Donna-Marie

The Heart of Motherhood Review

Here is Lisa Hendey's review of my book The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home at Catholic Exhange's new totally REVAMPED website!!

"During May, Mary's month and the month in which we celebrate the vocation of motherhood, it seems fitting to write about what is undoubtedly one of my favorite mothering books in recent years. The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home by noted author Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle offers and encouraging and inspirational look at the vocation of motherhood.

In her introductory remarks, Donna-Marie shares that today's mothers need encouragement and recognition. Her mission statement for the book comes in these early pages:

"My hope is that I can help more mothers realize and embrace the sublimity of their missions as mothers, responsible for the souls entrusted to our care."

Having savored the pages of this book through several readings, I would say that Cooper O'Boyle manages to hit that mark head on. Among the highlights of this book, along with Donna-Marie's warm and engaging writing style, are the many quotations she shares from two luminaries of our Church: Pope John Paul II and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, with whom the author shared a personal correspondence. The Heart of Motherhood is the type of parenting book I favor most. Concise enough to be read in a few short settings, yet thought provoking enough to invite its reader back repeatedly for in depth illumination. Each chapter ends with dual prayers, inspiring pause and reflection upon the content discussed.

In her chapter on the need for saints in our world today, Cooper O'Boyle shares the life story of Mother Teresa, reminding readers that each of us is called to be a saint in our own walk of life. It is fitting that the author reminds mothers that any task, done with love, becomes an act of faith, love and prayer. In this manner, she commends and affirms the role of any mother who may feel that the mendacity of her day to day lives is not "good enough" or sufficiently holy. Remarks by Pope John Paul II reinforce the dignity of the role of every mother. Cooper O'Boyle also underscores the vital necessity for mothers to take breaks for prayer and refreshment throughout the course of their daily familial service.

As Catholics, we have in the Blessed Virgin Mary the greatest role model for parenting with faith and love. Cooper O'Boyle reminds mothers to strive to imitate Mary and her virtues in their lives and to turn to Mary, mother of Jesus and our mother, when in need of help or consolation. Additionally, she reminds mothers of their duty to pray on a regular basis, to teach their children to lead lives of constant prayer, and to seek out opportunities for evangelization in our everyday relationships. The age old conundrum of taking small children to Mass is lovingly and patiently discussed as the author shares her own experience as a mother of five. Donna-Marie encourages mothers to pray throughout their day and to model this prayer to their families. Families should emphasize family dinner as a time of spiritual and physical nourishment and each day should end in quiet prayer with our children.

In subsequent chapters, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle shares the story of female saints whose lives of quiet service to their families shine as a true lesson for today's mothers. Additionally, and with great charm, Donna-Marie addresses the topic of suffering as a form of prayer and encourages mothers to look for life's "everyday miracles", those moments of grace and opportunity that are sprinkled throughout family life.

I have loved and followed the progression of Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle's writing from her previous book and at her "Daily Donna-Marie" blog, so it is indeed a pleasure to have another of her books to read and recommend. With The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home it is certain that Donna-Marie continues to encourage and support the vocation of motherhood with gentle and loving care.

For more information on The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home, click here."

Please pray for the devastated parents of this murdered young lady

UPDATED AGAIN THURSDAY
NEW MILFORD -- Sorrow and shock about the violent murder of a Northeastern University student found in her off-campus apartment Tuesday morning swept from her Boston campus to her hometown Wednesday.

Rebecca Payne, a 22-year-old athletic training major and campus leader, was a 2004 New Milford High graduate and yearbook editor.

On hearing the news, NMHS social studies teacher Brock Putnam described her as "a shaft of sunlight penetrating the gloom of the darkest day."

"She was a wonderful, bright, vivacious girl -- an outstanding student," said John Lee, high school vice principal. "This is a real tragedy. Everyone who has heard has been really saddened by the news."

Her parents, Nicholas and Virginia Payne of New MIlford, released a public statement through the Boston police late Wednesday afternoon.

"We would like to remember Rebecca as someone always smiling, never worrying about things not worth worrying about," the couple said of their only child, a senior in the university's Bouvé College of Health and Sciences... (SEE NEWS TIMES STORY HERE)

MORE HERE

A volley of gunshots left a 22-year-old college student dead in her Boston apartment early Tuesday.
A black van was seen driving away about the same time.

But as of late Wednesday, Boston police weren't sure, or weren't saying, whether the vehicle one witness saw leaving the quiet residential neighborhood where Rebecca Payne, of New Milford, had lived since August was connected to the death of the Northeastern University senior.

"We can't say whether it's related, but it's a piece of information, and every piece helps," police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said.

Payne, described by one neighbor as "a really sweet young lady," was found dead in her two-bedroom apartment shortly before 7 a.m. Tuesday, hours after several other residents in the 40-unit complex remember hearing gunshots.

None, however, called 911, police said.... (Continued here)



Updated on THURSDAY BY MATT O'ROURKE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
A 22-year-old New Milford woman was found shot dead Tuesday in her Boston apartment.

Rebecca Payne, a Northeastern University student, was discovered lying on the floor in her off-campus apartment shortly before 7 a.m. A building manager called 911 after finding her apartment door slightly ajar and noticing blood inside, a law enforcement source said.

Although police had not released the woman's identity, Nicholas Payne, Rebecca's father, confirmed in an interview with The Boston Globe on Tuesday that the body was his daughter's.

He could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Rebecca Payne was shot twice in the legs and once in the chest, according to police.

"A tragedy like this, suddenly and without explanation, that takes the life of one of our brightest young lights brings us unfathomable grief," said Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern University, in a statement posted on the university's Web site Wednesday morning... continued here with this news story.

UPDATED NOW WITH THIS NEWS STORY FROM THE BOSTON GLOBE

ORIGINAL BLOG POST IS HERE. UPDATES WERE ADDED ABOVE AS THEY CAME IN

Please dear friends, pray for parents I know who just lost their only child - a beautiful, talented, God-loving twenty two year old daughter. This girl (not mentioning her name until it's out in the news) just exuded joy and was a wonderful role model to all around her. We just heard that she was murdered last night in Boston near where she went to college. She was staying in an off campus dorm temporarily for a week or so to do a part time job and someone got into the dorm and shot her three times. I can't even explain the devastation here. She was my daughter's dear friend.

Thank you for your prayers for her parents and friends and for her soul.

God bless,

Donna-Marie

Catholic Exchange and Sarah's article

Run on over to Catholic Exchange to enjoy Sarah's "Season's of the Present Moment." While you're over there, check out the new look at Catholic Exchange!

If you think you have worries...

Can you spare a few prayers? Please read this woman's entry to her "diary."

"Every morning it's the same. I'm far away, in my dreams (last night, I was in Paris), and then, slowly, I wake up, feel the bed around me, feel the pillow between my knees, feel the slight soreness of my hip and in my back when I turn, and it all comes back to me: Oh yeah ... I have cancer. Sometimes, like yesterday and this morning, I think, I have cancer, and I'm going to die. And I get so depressed I can barely drag myself out of bed. I'm all bogged down with wondering: Is the chemo going to work? What if it doesn't work, and I nearly destroy my body and I still have these tumors, and they start growing again? What if I go through all this poisoned suffering for nothing? And what about the week that I'm hooked up to the ifosfamide? Will I be afraid to touch my children? They say my bodily fluids will be toxic, and that anyone else who touches them will be poisoned, that Steve will need to wear rubber gloves to clean anything that I've accidentally peed or bled or spit on. What about my sweat? I wake up in the middle of the night soaked with night sweats. Will that poison Daniel if he rolls into me? Will I be able to feed Ben his bottle, to hold him at all, without worrying that my poison is seeping into him? Will we have to wash all our bedding every single day, with gloves and extra rinse cycles?

If all these worries aren't enough, I've been having a nutritional crisis lately. I've read in a few places that sugar feeds cancer through the production of insulin. I think about the slice from Betty's Pies I ate last weekend, all the desserts people have brought over for us, all the sweet fruits I love to eat, like bananas and pears. Have I been causing my cancer to grow? Have I been unwittingly feeding this cancer with the foods I eat?... (Continued at Emilie's blog)

After you finish reading Emilie's post, please search your heart and see if you can spare a few prayers and also a few dollars (or more). A trust fund has been set up at her blog.

Thank you and God bless!

Donna-Marie

The Rosary and our Mother in the month of May

Sarah at Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering put together a very beautiful, colorful, and artistic description of the Rosary utilizing sentiments from various Blessed Mother loving contributors.

Sarah begins, "When she introduced the Loveliness Fairs for this spring, Colleen explained the Loveliness of Rosaries this way: Praying the rosary is that moment when we encounter our Sweet Mother on the journey and share a quiet conversation with her. In the month of Our Lady, let's share our stories of her rosary and how it has shaped and formed us on our journey. And let's share the simple loveliness of rosaries themselves.

The rosary has a special place in my life. I remember learning it, haltingly. It was as unfamiliar to me as a new Catholic as the controls of my parents' car was when I was a new driver. The prayers sat in my mouth, clogging my tongue and distracting me from the mysteries. The counting and figuring out the beads distracted me from the prayers. The mysteries loomed impossibly before me. It was all a nice theory, at first.

And then, having given it up, I was inspired to pray like the dickens for a miracle. I was doing a lot of driving back and forth to grad school, and the rosary became my companion on the late night drive home. I think now that Mary might have been there with me as I sobbed and cried, my heart splintering as I prayed and my appreciation for the mysteries - and Mary's role in leading me to Jesus - deepening.

We all have a different approach to the rosary, just as we have different ways of approaching so many things in life. And so, with this collection of posts, let's pause together between posts and reflect together on the mysteries that hold the rosary together. You don't have to be Catholic to do this. You don't have to be familiar with the prayers or comfortable with the set-up. You can just amble along with us. (More information about the mechanics of the rosary, as well as links to some great rosary resources, are at the end of this post.)

Think of it as a walk in the garden with your mother. Her arm is around your shoulders, and as you get more comfortable, maybe you slip your arm around her waist. There's warmth there, between your bodies. You're going to the same place, though she knows the way far better than you do..."(To see her lovely post you may click here.) However, I should forewarn you to be prepared to spend at least a few moments to pause, appreciate, ponder, and be uplifted!

Interview on Vatican Radio

I now have the proper link to my (audio) interview with EWTN's Rome Bureau Chief, Joan Lewis. Joan interviewed me while we were in Rome attending the international congress held during the twentieth anniversary year of the Apostolic Letter Mulieris Digntatem penned by our beloved Pope John Paul II. Two hundred and sixty women from around the world convened at the congress to study and reflect upon the document. I was honored to be one of them.

We also heard from women from five continents about the issues that women face in their areas. You can hear Joan Lewis's interview with me by clicking here and then scrolling down the list until you see my name. Then, simply click on the segment to listen. When Joan and I did our interview, it was after 3 sleepless nights for me due to traveling to Rome and then the problems I experienced with sleeping due to injuries from a car accident prior to my trip to Rome. Hopefully, I will sound at least a bit coherent!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's day to all of you!

I am offering a few excerpts from my Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers here for pondering...

Prayer to Jesus Asking for Help to LIVE My Prayers

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me stay focused in the mothering of my children, knowing the importance of my actions as well as my words in raising them. Help me to see that because I can not easily break away from the task at hand to seek the silence needed to formulate prayers and lift my heart to You, You will help me transform my life into a prayer. Help me to be patient as my children grow, not trying to rush them, enjoying the time we have together. Please help me to remember that You know how busy I am with my family, and that although I want to devote more time to prayer, I have to be patient with this season of my life, knowing my acts of loving service to my family are very pleasing to You. Please help me to live my prayers, uniting my heart to Yours. Amen.

***

Forever a Mother

A mother is always a mother, no matter how old her children are. When they are young, she is ever attentive to their care and their well being. As they grow, her care for them continues as they learn to navigate life a little on their own. But, even when her children are adults, a mother's love and concern and even her guidance will be ever ready, always available. Her love never stops, only increases.

Dear Lord,Jesus, Thank you for the love You have put in my heart for my children. Please help me to help me to have a never-ending influence on my children, even as they are older and on their own. Remind me, please, that my prayers for them are an integral part of the means to their salvation.

Dear Blessed Mother Mary, create in me a vessel of joy to be given to all around me. Amen.

***

Always a Mother

Once a mother, always a mother.
A mother to her beloved children
And a motherly influence to many more,
A shining example to others,
Her love is a shelter.
Dedicated love,
Serving,
Loving.

Update # 3 on Jessica's trip home

Thank you, dear Jesus, for getting Jessica safely back! Thank you dear Mother Mary. Thank you all you Angels and Saints. Dear Mother Teresa, thank you! Amen.

Jessica is now staying overnight with our friends in the city, since it is so late due to the airline complications and they live nearby to the airport. I am dying to see her and wrap my arms around her, but that will be tomorrow, by God's good grace!

THANK YOU very much for your prayers!

God bless you!

Donna-Marie

From Anne in Australia on Amazon.Com

The Best Catholic Mother's Prayer Book!, May 8, 2008
By Anne "aussieannie" (Australia)

This book has been such a great blessing to my motherhood, it keeps my heart and soul focused in a very special way to God, Our Lady and the saints and to the needs of my children. This book has been the perfect prayer manual companion to keep my heart soft and continually directed to my children and my eternal destination. And I know that it is only through daily prayer that it is possible. The prayers are written in such a way to speak to my heart as well as directing my petitions for my children's heart and soul.

The book is artistically delightful, a little hardback book that can weather my handling of it and the occasional 'pouncing upon' by little chubby fingers and small enough to carry in the handbag.

The pages are filled with heart touching informal prayers, poems, quotes from the saints, lovely motherly thoughts, formal prayers we all know (The Memorare, St Michael prayer, prayer to St Therese etc.) Another important addition to this book is a 'Spiritual Communion' often mothers cannot get to daily Mass but they can unite themselves spiritually with the Lord. Finally, there is a reflection at the end of each chapter, good for meditation if you wish to add a 'mini retreat' to the end of your day's or week's prayers (whenever you have time to add it in.)

We all want as mothers, one book that offers us the most perfect prayers that really meet our spirtual and emotional needs - this is it.

Donna-Marie I understand, was particularly encouraged by Mother Teresa to write this book and this saint prayed for it as well. I've just finished reading "Come Be My Light" on the spiritual life of Mother Teresa and I can see Mother Teresa's simple love and 'signature' in Donna-Marie's writings, she obviously was greatly inspired by Mother.

I buy this book all the time to give as gifts to mothers when they have had a new baby or as a birthday gift for friends who have children. I know I am giving them the best little present ever! I can't recommend this book enough.

If you would like to read more of my thoughts on this book and see how I use it daily, go and visit my blog: http://starrymantle.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-perfect-mothers-prayerbook.html You will also see pictures of the inside of this beautiful book.

***

Thank you so very much dear Anne! God bless you and your beautiful family!

Please pray with me for a safe return for my daughter from India

UPDATE # 2 The airline in DC changed flights without notifying my daughter. They said they sent her an email telling her that they changed her flight. Well, she's been in transit for two days and had no internet service. So, needless to say, she didn't receive an email. Then she was told she would have to take mass transit to go to another airport to catch another flight. By the time she got there, the flight left!! So then, she had to go to plan C which was another flight that was arranged for her. But, before boarding the flight, she was made to get rid of some of the things in her luggage because of the weight. She said she felt like she would cry at that point and threw stuff away. Poor Jessica. :( I guess there was no time to make arrangements at that point to ship anything home.

So, now she's on the last plane to her final destination!! Please God, let everything work out okay and have her Guardian Angel protect her!! Amen.

UPDATE! Jessica is now on American soil, awaiting her next flight to her final destination tonight. She's two thirds through her trip! I spoke to her and she sounds great. Thank you so much everyone for your prayers! You guys are the best to share your concern and prayers!


I am lighting a candle and have been praying for my daughter, Jessica's safe return from India. She is en route and has a 30 hour trip which includes three flights. Thank you in advance for a prayer for her safety.

What a beautiful gift it will be to have her home for Mother's day after over four months away!

God bless and thanks so much!

Donna-Marie

I will be profiled on ORTV this Saturday, May 10th

I just heard from ORTV, the Office of Radio & Television of the Archdiocese of Hartford, CT and was told, that the televsion show that they profiled me on will air on Mothers' Day week end! It will recount some of my recent Vatican experience, talk about women and their mission and vocation and also about my books and vocation as a mother.

They said it will be "On Saturday May 10th. It will air on WTXX-CW20 at 10:30 am, and then again at 10:30 pm on channel WCTX My-TV 9."

I inquired of the reporter as to which channel to watch it on and she said, "Every cable company is different. Most likely it will be on channel 9, but I would check your local listing. And regarding channel 20, again that is different everywhere, where I live its channel 7. But rest assured, these channels are available on every cable company in the state. If you’ve ever seen the TV Mass, that is channel 20."

So, for everyone who can view this who lives in Connecticut, there is your information. For those of you in another location, I will link the episode to my website and blogs when it becomes available to do so.

Lucy and Ethel, I mean, Teresa Tomeo and I on "Mom's Corner" Monday - BE THERE!

On Monday, May 12th at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time, Teresa Tomeo and I will be chatting at "Catholic Connection" on our "Mom's Corner" segment the day after Mothers Day! We'll be celebrating Moms, of course and we will also be talking about my new book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book which was recently released.

We always have a lot of fun and I encourage you to join us. Feel free to call in if you'd like or write me a comment here at one of my blogs to suggest a topic or comment on a current one.

You can listen to the show right from your computer. "Catholic Connection" at Ave Maria Radio is here and then click on the "Listen Live" button on the top of the screen. Teresa goes on the air at 8:00 AM. So, feel free to tune in to hear the whole show if time permits.

I hope you'll join us!

God bless you!

Beautiful holy water font craft

Wait until you see what the very clever and creative Alice has done over at Cottage Blessings. It's a great craft you can do with the kids and gives you all of the steps and lots of beautiful photos! Go over and take a look and get inspired!

Make a Place for the Blessed Mother

In the month of May which is devoted to the Blessed Mother, we can make a nice place where we can pray and honor Mary as Jesus' Mother. We can make a prayer table and bring fresh flowers to our dear Mother. The picture hanging on my dining room wall once hung on my dear friend and spiritual director, Fr. Bill's dining room wall for many many years. The rosary on my prayer table was made for me by my dear brother-in-law, Luis. Here I have a few flowers that I was able to pick today from my yard; forsythias, daffodils, and bleeding hearts from a plant my son, Justin gave me years ago. I will bring my favorite flower, lilacs, to Mary as soon as they bloom. I think it's just so nice that lilacs bloom where I live just in time for Mother's Day!

I could have made my Mary table using one of my Blessed Mother statues, however, I chose to do this below a beautiful picture I have of Mary.(Click on the photo for a better view)

Two new reviews on my "The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home" book

I just found these reviews of my The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home" book over at Amazon.Com:

"This is exactly the book I was looking for. I am a stay at home Catholic mom who at times needs a few words of encouragement. It is hard to pray when the 3 year old is up at 5am, the 1 year old just went back to sleep, the 11 and 14 year old need to get up and be ready to go at 7:30 and I am trying to find time for a conversation with God. It is helpful to hear that everything we offer up for our children is a prayer. While I was reading this book I thought of friends and sisters who have and have not given up comfort and wealth to raise souls for God. The Chapter on the Cross made me think of my own Mother who lost my adult sister a few years ago. This book is highly recomended for moms and dads who suspect that there is more to life than what our culture is trying to sell us. God is love and the fullness of his love is in loving our children." (This was by "Rist" from Maine)

***

Life Changing!
By Kim Cooper "Kim Venneman Cooper" (Colleyville, Texas)


"I am a mother of soon to be 3 children ages 3 and under and have read THE HEART OF MOTHERHOOD and it has truly changed my life! The author's outlook on the vocation of motherhood could only have come from the Holy Spirit....Donna Marie Cooper Oboyle's writings are awe inspiring. I encourage all mothers to read this book. It is easy reading and one you can't put down. The writings of this book are ones you remember in the middle of the night when you are up with sick children and want to break down and cry or the days you don't know how you are going to make it through the day....the voice of this book sticks with you and truly helps you become a better mother and helps you to live a holy life at home. IT is a reminder of the true vocation of motherhood that has been lost in today's society."

(By the way, this person with the same name, "Cooper" is of no relation to me)

***

Thank you very much, Rist and Kim! :)

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention and mission intention for May

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for May is: "That Christians may use literature, art and the mass media to greater advantage in order to favor a culture which defends and promotes the values of the human person".

His mission intention is: "That the Virgin Mary, Star of evangelization and Queen of the Apostles, may still guide today with maternal affection the missionaries, both men and women, throughout the world, just as she accompanied the Apostles in the early stages of the Church".