article in today's paper in WOMAN section

New Milford woman heads to Rome: Author is 1 of 250 select guests attending upcoming conference held by the Vatican

BY TRACY SIMMONS REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
(Online edition)


Photo caption: Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, of New Milford, has written a Catholic prayer book. She has been invited by the Vatican to attend a conference in Rome next month. (photo by Steven Valenti Republican-American)

(The photo used in the actual newspaper has a nicer smile!)



Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle's newest publication, "Catholic Saints Prayer Book" has landed her an invitation to Rome.

Or, maybe it's the other three books she's written that got the attention of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Or maybe it's the two books that are scheduled to come out later this year.

Actually, it's probably all of the above.

Either way, in February the New Milford author will head to Rome to attend the international conference, "Woman and man, the humanum in its entirety."

She will be one of 250 guests from five continents attending the meeting. The letter from the Pontifical Council states that the objective is to "review the progress made over the past 20 years in the field of the advancement of women and the recognition of their dignity." (Continued here.)

The car accident - part two

I'll try to give you a bit more information...

Part Two:

While my daughter and I were shivering in the car, now pulled off the road, we weren't certain about the extent of our injuries and waited as quietly as we could for help to arrive. It is precisely at times like these that we are reminded that we have control over virtually nothing in the grand scheme of things in life.

As I sat facing forward in the driver's seat, I could see a "monster" truck to the left of my car and instinctively knew that the young man who was approaching my window was the man who hit us even though I had not seen him hit us since he came up from behind.

"I'm sorry!" he said.

"It's okay." I responded in a sort of a daze. "I have to shut my window, though, I'm cold," I said as my body trembled. I knew I couldn't get into a conversation at that point. I was in survival mode for myself and my daughter.

Just then, a kind soft spoken man came to my window and then opened my door. He talked to me and asked my name, my age, my birth date, my daughter's name, my social security number and other things as well. I was able to roll the answers off my tongue between shivers. I surprised myself that the information seemed to come forth coherently. He then explained that he was an EMT and worked at the hardware store just yards away from the scene of the accident. The other EMT who worked at that store was now at my daughter's side of the car talking with her.

We were also, of course asked about out injuries and what was going on. We were told that the ambulance had been called and should arrive to us shortly. The man explained to me that he was going to have his partner get in the car seat behind me and hold my head still with his hands until they could put me in the brace. Based on my complaints and everything apparent to them, they did not want me to chance moving my neck. I explained several times that I am a mother of five and am used to taking care of everyone else. It was because of this, I think, that they chose to hold me still, knowing I wanted to care for my daughter, but that I shouldn't move. I was so deeply grateful to have these men there at the scene so quickly. I felt comforted amid the fright I felt because these men knew what they were doing and took the time to care for us.

This was certainly one of the most difficult moments I had ever been through as a mother in all of the 31 years of my mothering. This was the first time that I was unable to help one of my children when they were hurt because I had to remain still. I think that pain far outweighed the incredible pain in my neck and head. I couldn't hold my daughter to comfort her, I couldn't kiss her or caress her or anything but speak to her when not speaking to those working on us. The most I could do was to reach and touch her a couple of times before I was worked on and taken from the vehicle to be strapped on the body board.

(I'll try to write part three soon)

The recent car accident

This will be part one:

A couple of days ago I told you about my car accident with my daughter. I put a short quick post up on this blog to request prayers. That's all I could do at that point. THANK YOU everyone for your concern and prayers for my daughter and for my speedy recovery. We are supposed to leave in a week for Rome! If you can still spare a few prayers, please continue because we have a ways to go in our recovery.

Since I left you all "hanging" and without details of the accident, I'll give you a little more information now. Please be patient with me because It's not easy to type this out and I have to get rest, too.

Friday afternoon I picked my daughter up from school and proceeded to do a couple of errands. It was my husband's birthday too. We were on our way home and traveling slowly down a certain street because of the many crosswalks. I noticed that the car in front of us didn't stop to allow the woman who stood at the crosswalk cross the street. I slowed down to a stop and motioned for her to cross if she'd like to. She nodded and started across the street. We waited while she walked across. Suddenly I was deeply shocked to feel intensely a sharp painful blow to the back of my head and neck as if someone had taken a huge baseball bat and slammed me there! It was incredibly searing and excruciating. My mind couldn't comprehend in that instant what had happened. However, my daughter's face told it all to me. When I saw her pain and her fright too, I realized in the next instant that it had happened to her as well and that meant we were just hit from behind. We were in a car accident. The blow was from the force of the "monster" truck" which had been speeding down the street behind us (we found out later) and made no attempt to slow down or stop because the driver was oblivious to us there. We took the full impact since we were standing still.

I was freezing and in pain. I didn't know at that time that the back of my car was gone - a formerly big strong Mountaineer. The freezing twenty degree air rushed in our vehicle and partnered with the shock that we were already experiencing; causing us to shake profusely. In those 2 or 3 minutes that followed, it seemed that no one knew what had happened. I reached to open my window and pleaded with a passing driver to call the police that we were hurt. The woman who was crossing the street came to our windows and asked us, "Are you all right?" "No, we're not all right, please stay with us." I asked her. She did. I wanted her to tell the police what had happened.

I reached my right hand towards my daughter, trying not to move my neck or body too much and took her hand to pray together. "Please dear Lord, help us. Blessed Mother Mary, please be with us. All of you Angels and Saints be with us and pray for us."

Someone asked me to move my car off the road, I don't recall who. People were surrounding my car, on my daughter's side and mine; all talking at once. I suddenly remembered to call my husband. I was in shock. I tried to pull my cell phone from my purse. I dialed his cell number. No answer. This is not the time to not answer your phone, I thought. I dialed his work number. I knew that he was leaving about that time to come home. We were going to go out to dinner for his birthday.

I got the answering machine. "Sweetie, we had a car accident!!!" I said into the phone and then placed it on my lap because everyone was talking to me and my husband hadn't answered the phone. After a few minutes, I realized that I should pick up my phone and I saw the word, "connected" on the screen.
"Are you there?" I asked the phone, hoping my husband was listening by some miracle and not just his machine.
"Where are you?!" my husband asked me.
I told him where we were. "Be careful," I added. I knew he would be tempted to speed to get to us and we certainly didn't need two accidents!
He said, "I'm on my way."

All we could do then was to stay still, pray and try not to move our necks while we shivered in the cold, hoping for medical help to arrive soon.

(I will try to continue the story soon.)

For writers and writer wannabees...

Check out this post at Catholic Mom.com

Or check out the RBTE Catholic Writer's conference 2008 workshop where authors (including myself) and journalists will be involved. Here's a bit of the information you will find there:

World Wide Web--Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the first annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held May 2-9, 2008, and is sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and Canticle magazine. The conference, which will be conducted entirely through the Internet, is free of charge and open to writers of all levels. It will feature online seminars, chats, and forums throughout the week on a variety of topics. Sample topics and presenters include:

"Balancing Your Life and Writing," by best-selling author Donna-Marie O’Boyle
"Can Your Query Pass the Seven-Second Test?" by Canticle editor Heidi Hess Saxton. Heidi will also be presenting "The Good Writer: Seven Important Habits."
"Ethics of Memoir Writing," by magazine editor and freelance writer Meredith Gould. She will also present "Self-Publishing as a First Resort."
"Funds for Writers," by Hope Clark (her website, www.fundsforwriters.com, has been in Writer’s Digest’s 101 Best Websites seven years running)
"Marketing Basics," by Carolyn Howard-Johnson (speaker, editor and author of The Frugal Book Promoter and Frugal Editor) and Karina Fabian (award-winning writer and editor of Infinite Space, Infinite God)
"Pitching and Working with Agents," by agent Terry Burns
"So, You Want to Write a Book?" by journalist and NCR correspondent Tim Drake
"Virtual Book Tours," by CWG Guild President and sci-fi writer Karina Fabian

In addition to attending seminars, aspiring and published authors alike will have outstanding opportunities to attend moderated chats from important industry contacts, including Vinita Hampton Wright (bestselling author and editor of Loyola Press), Ami McConnell (senior fiction editor at Thomas Nelson), Bert Ghezzi (veteran author and acquisitions editor of Word Among Us Press), and Lisa Hendey (founder of CatholicMom.com and Catholic Moments podcast). Other moderators include Tom Grace and Tim Powers.

Are we letting our light shine?

I just read a beautiful story at Catholic Exchange...


Light or Darkness: Which Do You Bring?


Is 8:239:3 / 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17 / Mt 4:12-23 or 4:12-17

Some years ago there was a new eighth-grade class at the local parish school, and they were trouble!Negative and sniping, they were down on everything and everybody, most especially themselves.Nobody wanted to teach this class, until finally old Sister Ambrose volunteered.

She was a wise old nun, so she did something very simple.She gave each student a list of their classmates."Next to each name," she said, "write down all the good things you know about that person.Don't exaggerate or make up anything.Just write the good that you see and give me your papers on Friday."And so they did.

Over the weekend, Sister read the students' comments and then typed for each one a full page of all the good things the class saw in him or her.On Monday she handed them out.

The students were astonished."Is this me?" asked some. "I didn't think anybody noticed," said others."Wow, I can't believe I'm this good!" said still others.And so it went.

Years later, when the class had scattered to the four winds, many of them returned for the funeral of one of the boys who had been killed in Vietnam. After the burial they were clustered around old Sister Ambrose when the dead soldier's father came along.

"Thank you, Sister, for all your help to my boy," he said."He grew up fine, just as you hoped, and he made us very proud.Now I want to return to you something you gave him long ago in the eighth grade."

With that he pressed into her hand a yellowed piece of paper, folded very small to fit into a wallet, and falling apart now from being folded and unfolded, read and reread many times.It was the list Sister had typed for that shy boy so many years before!

Silently and tearfully each of his classmates reached into their wallets or purses and produced their own worn and yellowed sheets, which we falling apart from being folded and unfolded, read and reread many times across the years.

And old Sister Ambrose, now leaning heavily on her cane, sighed and whispered a silent prayer, "Thank you, God."


A small kindness cast its light like a beacon across many years.It pierced the darkness, and nothing could put it out.

May our light shine, and bring light to all we meet.And may it never grow dim. Amen.(Catholic Exchange)

Article from yesterday's front page

Author's 'journey' to include Vatican

By: Emily M. Olson 01/25/2008

Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle's journey as an author has really progressed since she published her first book, "Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers," in 2005. With Blessed Mother Theresa as her inspiration, this devoted parent is sharing her faith and her experiences on the road-both in person and online.

She writes a blog almost daily, communicates with hundreds of readers and speaks at retreats, spiritual study groups and at book-signings around the state and in New York. As life-changing as the experience has been thus far, nothing prepared her for the invitation she recently received to visit the Vatican for a women's conference with a program based on the writings of the late Pope John Paul II.

After the successful release of her first publication through Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, Mrs. O'Boyle wrote "Heart of Motherhood" and "Prayerfully Expecting," which have also been well-received. This year, Mrs. O'Boyle has three more books being released: "Catholic Saints Prayer Book," which she will speak about and sign copies of at a promotional event in Chicago in May; "Unlikely Saints," a biography and memoir of her relationship with Mother Theresa, and a study book on motherhood that is still untitled. It is intended to be used by spiritual study groups in churches and other religious organizations.

Despite her newfound fame, the mother of five has remained humble and believes she is doing God's work, guided by the spirit of her mentor and friend, the late Mother Theresa, who inspired her to write her first prayer book.

"There's a saying in the Bible that tells us, 'Don't hide your light under a bushel.' I think I'm shining that light by doing the Lord's work, and what's happened is just amazing to me," Mrs. O'Boyle said. "It's not really about me, though ... I always remember that what's happening here is about helping other people."

So when she received a letter from the Vatican inviting her to attend a conference celebrating the writings of Pope John Paul II, she was thrilled, nervous and excited. Mrs. O'Boyle will leave for the Vatican Feb. 2 with two of her daughters in tow, joining a congregation of 250 other guests for an international conference that is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the apostolic letter "Mulieris dignitatem," written by Pope John Paul II in August 1987. Hosted by the Pontifical Council for the Laity at the Vatican, the event will be held at the Hotel Palazzo Carpegna. The theme of the conference is "Woman and man, the humanum in its entirety."

"To be invited to participate in this conference is such an honor. I'm so blessed," Mrs. O'Boyle said during an interview Wednesday morning. "We'll be taking part (See story here.)

Car accident

My daughter and I were in a car accident today and are just home from the hospital. I'll tell more soon. We were hit by a truck and the back of my car is partially gone. We both have whip lash and are now recovering at home. Please say a little prayer for us.

My days have been filled with...

My days have been filled with meetings with interviewers and photographers coming to my home to document the news about my upcoming trip to the Vatican. It's been like a whirlwind around here trying to accomplish all of that plus get the many events set up for my upcoming book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book which will be released in March. I've been completing writing assignments, attending functions, helping my daughter study for exams, fighting off the migraine head ache that has decided to linger for over a week, and even involved in a debate/discussion with some fellow Catholics regarding Catholicism and a woman's role. Oyvay! Lord, give me strength, please! And He does.

I'll pass along the article to you from the front page of today's paper a little later on when I can get the link to it.

I'll be leaving in a little over a week for Roma! I'm taking two of my daughters with me to take it all in. I am excited about the International women's congress that I will be attending on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem, On the Dignity and Vocation of Women and will be immersed in three full days packed with conferences run by The Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Please say a little prayer for me as I prepare for this mission and also for our safety, please. I will keep you all posted and plan to take tons of photos that I will post when I get back.

God bless your day!

Lord, help us!

Schenectady, NY, Jan 24, 2008 / 11:32 am (CNA).- Religious leaders in favor of abortion gathered on Tuesday to bless an abortion clinic in support of the Roe v. Wade ruling, the Supreme Court decision that mandated legalized abortion nationwide. One Catholic leader described the ceremony as “two-faced”.

Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Linda Scharf described the purpose of the event at a new 18,000 square-foot building to the Albany-based Times Union, saying, “It’s a blessing to demonstrate the support of the clergy.”

She said that clergy had long supported Planned Parenthood and the right “to make a personal decision based on their moral beliefs.”

"The clergy were instrumental in getting abortion services legalized in the United States and right here in Schenectady," she added. "I know a member of the clergy who was part of an underground who directed young women to safe abortions before Roe v. Wade."

Governor Eliot Spitzer, Lt. Governor David Paterson, and first lady Silda Wall Spitzer also affirmed their support for Roe v. Wade in a statement.

According to the Albany Times Union... (please read story here).

Happy Feast of St. Francis de Sales!

Happy feast of St. Francis de Sales!

"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.
Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”

New Milford woman invited to the Vatican

This is the story in today's paper:

NEW MILFORD -- Devout Catholic author Donna Cooper O'Boyle believes motherhood is one of life's highest callings. She finds it disturbing when that dignity is in any way diminished or demeaned.

O'Boyle has written three Catholic-oriented books in the past three years aimed at empowering mothers to see the solemnity of their duty. Her fourth book, titled "Catholic Saints Prayer Book," will be in bookstores at the end of March.

The author is also delighted to be one of 250 people on five continents whom the Vatican invited to attend a three-day international congress in Rome early next month, which will focus on the dignity of women in today's world... (Continued here.)

Busy, busy, busy!

Lots going on. I'm getting ready for Rome. It's exciting. I'll be leaving soon and have a lot to do before I go. In addition to all of the busyness, there is the added interviews from the media to spread the news about the trip and also my new book coming out in March. I've also been trying to get articles and some writing finished up.

Am I crazy? I'll also be filmed tomorrow night as an extra in a movie. I must be crazy!

Fun Quiz to win this book!

To win one of the first copies of my upcoming book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book published by the Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Company and scheduled for release in March, you must answer these three questions correctly. The first person who answers all three questions correctly will win a signed copy of this book!

1) Who is the Saint who was drawn to a life of holiness because of dead bodies?

2) Who is a Saint whose birth place is unknown?

3) Who is the Saint who was scheduled for an amputation and through prayer and a vision from Jesus was healed and no longer required the operation?

Send your answers in an email to me at DMCooperOboyle(at)aol(dot)com with the words, "Saint quiz" in the subject line, please or to P. O. Box 773, New Milford, CT 06776. You may only enter this contest one time.

I will announce the winner on March 15th, feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary!

Good luck!

Book Contest!

Get ready for my newest book giveaway contest! I'll be posting the directions for this contest very soon. It has to do with my new book published by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Company coming out in March, Catholic Saints Prayer Book! Stay tuned!

My daughter's voice!

I heard my daughter's voice this morning for the first time in twelve days (who's counting??)! We only spoke for a minute - that was a tease. She surprised me and called me early to give me a phone number that I will be able to reach her at occasionally. I just tried and the call did not go through. It's not easy to get a call through to India. It reminds me of years ago when I called Mother Teresa at her Mother House in Calcutta. It took many attempts to get a call through. Hopefully, the Indian phone system may be a little more modernized now.

Have a BLESSED day!

My daughter in India with her classmates

(Jessica is in the middle of the other two students)

The weather lately

My discussion with Teresa Tomeo on the radio this morning

You may click here to hear my radio segment this morning with Teresa Tomeo when we discussed the upcoming International Women's Congress in Rome that we will both be attending.

"Mom's Corner" tomorrow for EVERYONE!

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, January 15th at 9:15 to 9:30 AM Eastern Standard Time on "Catholic Connection" Ave Maria Radio, Teresa Tomeo and I will be discussing our upcoming trip to the Vatican! We will let you in on our roles in the International Women's congress to be held in Rome very soon.

Here's an article that I wrote about the twentieth year celebration of Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem, On the Dignity and Vocation of Women.

***

The Twentieth Anniversary Celebration of Mulieris Dignitatem
By Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

This is an exciting time for women in our world. Twenty years ago, our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, wrote the extraordinary letter, Mulieris Dignitatem, “On the Dignity and Vocation of Women.” The Pontifical Council for the Laity is now encouraging the lay faithful worldwide to observe a celebration of this Apostolic Letter in the coming year of the twentieth anniversary by reflecting on the meaning of the document. Each continent has its own specific theme regarding the Apostolic Letter.

Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter (given on August 15, 1988) was written to encourage women in their vocations, to highlight the essential feminine genius that they provide to their families and the world, and to restore spiritual and physical motherhood to a culture that was quickly losing sight of the dignity of women and mothers.

Living in an era where the unborn baby may not be safe within his own mother’s womb, with debates raging over the nature of marriage, and confusing messages directed at women about where she should find her place in society - all point to the timeliness of this observance.

The Pontifical Council of the Laity has asked the Catholics of North America to consider the document specifically in light of one overarching theme: The Dignity of Women in a Technological and Consumeristic Society.
Interestingly, Pope Benedict spoke recently about “the materialist ideologies that say: It is absurd to think about God. It is absurd to observe God’s Commandments. It is something from a bygone era…. Only consumerism, selfishness, and fun are worth something. That’s life.” He said, “Again it seems absurd, impossible to oppose this dominant mentality with all its media and propaganda power. It seems impossible to think about a God who created man, who became a child, the real would-be ruler of the world.”

The poignant words to women at the closing of the Second Vatican Council should compel us to do something to help better our understanding of a woman’s role and dignity. “The hour is coming, in fact has come, when the vocation of women is being acknowledged in its fullness, the hour in which women acquire in the world an influence, an effect, and a power never hitherto achieved. That is why, at this moment when the human race is undergoing so deep a transformation, women imbued with a spirit of the Gospel can do so much to aid humanity in not falling.”

We know that all of salvation history depended on the faithfulness of one young woman in Nazareth and her courageous “yes” to the Lord. Our Church has held women throughout history with the deepest respect, despite what our world might have us believe. Women of the third millennium have an amazing opportunity to reap the benefit of the graces poured out on them now for a clearer understanding of their dignity and vocation as they reflect upon Pope John Paul II’s affirming and beautiful words for them. Women of our time “can do so much to aid humanity in not falling.” It’s time to open our hearts to God’s message to women and act upon it imbued with the spirit of the Gospel, spreading love, understanding, and peace with our own “yes” to a world in desperate need.

A website has been created in order to provide a comprehensive resource for those interested in ways to reflect on this timely anniversary.
Dignityofwomen.com will point to the Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem, relevant books, speakers, study guides, and other initiatives that will bring the beauty of this document to as many people as possible, while continually integrating suggestions, additions, as well as a bulletin board of events to access over the coming year. The website suggests ways in which to get involved with this Vatican initiative including: procuring a study guide and taking time to discuss the document, compiling book lists related to the document and discuss different aspects or topics relating to the reflection of these authors, planning a day of reflection in the parish or larger community whereby talks and prayers can bring to light the beauty of the Pope John Paul II’s understanding of authentic femininity, and a larger project might be the creation of a congress or conference, in which the ordinary is invited to participate. This would reflect the collaborative nature of the Church: joining the hierarchy, or Petrine dimension, with the women, who image Marian dimension, and bear spiritual fruit by means of the spousal reality.

“Through prayer and discussion, women everywhere will reveal their feminine genius in the way they celebrate this anniversary - ultimately giving glory to God, Who delighted in creating women in His image” (from the Dignity of Women website).
You may send your suggestions or submissions of resources to the link provided at the website or to Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle at DMCooperOBoyle@aol.com. Please join with us in prayer so that this will be a very fruitful observance. May our Blessed Mother watch over this worldwide celebration for the dignity and vocation of women and bless us with her graces in all of our efforts to understand the richness of the feminine vocation.


***

I hope you'll join Teresa Tomeo and me tomorrow morning to learn more about this celebration. Feel free to tune into "Catholic Connection" at Ave Maria Radio and perhaps call in to the show or comment here to this post with any questions or comments.

God bless you!

Entering the New Year with Hope, Grace, and Prayer

You can check out my New Year article at Catholic Exchange today.

"Mom's Corner" Coming Up for Everyone not just Moms!

On Tuesday morning, January 15th at 9:15 Eastern Standard Time I will be on the air with Teresa Tomeo doing our "Mom's Corner" segment on "Catholic Connection" Ave Maria Radio. This segment is not just for Moms or parents but for everyone. We'll be letting you in on a wonderful and amazing conference that we will be attending in Rome! Stay tuned. I will be posting the details about the segment later today. I hope you'll be able to join us on Tuesday morning.:)

God bless!

Book Review: The Pearl of Great Price

The Pearl of Great Price: Gospel Wisdom for Christian Marriage

Published by Liturgical Press, 2007
Author: Julie McCarty
Review by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

Julie McCarty invites us to take a look at the gospels with “married” eyes to understand how married and engaged couples can pray and reflect on God’s words together. Along with the Liturgical Press Publishing Company, Mrs. McCarty has put together an excellent tool for Christian couples—truly a pearl of wisdom and inspiration for those couples willing to pause together in prayer with open hearts so that they may discover a deeper meaning and love in their commitment to one another. Through The Pearl of Great Price, the author bids couples to abandon their fears of discussing and sharing their deepest thoughts, hopes, fears, and failures and instead to embrace the intimacy of prayer united together as one.

The ancient prayer, lectio divina or “sacred reading” is utilized in this resourceful book. The couple is encouraged to “bite off a little chunk of Scripture and chew on it.” Mrs. McCarty alleviates the reader’s possible fears of discussing Scripture and praying together with a writing style that will ease away tension.

After explaining ways in which a couple can apply the full gospel to married life in her introduction, the author said, “You are not alone if at this point you feel a certain panic arising in you. Me? Take out a Bible and pray with my spouse? Are you kidding? Some couples can barely mumble a rote prayer together before meals, let alone hold hands and say something spontaneously aloud to God.”

By providing Scripture verses, reflections, simple discussion questions, and a closing prayer for each segment which should take twenty to thirty minutes of time, Mrs. McCarty supplies the tools necessary to get couples engaged in active and productive discussion with the goal of enriching their marriage or engagement.

This diminutive book will fit in one’s purse or pocket to be pulled out during quiet moments. However, don’t let the size of the book fool you! Plenty of wisdom and discussion starters for couples are packed between the pages. The Pearl of Great Price can be reflected upon individually. However, it is designed to be studied and shared as a couple.

Mrs. McCarty encourages couples to bare their souls to one another. She said, “What makes the strongest marriage is a total sharing of selves—bodies and minds, hearts and souls—and this comes about best in an atmosphere of listening, love, and respect for each other.”

Check out Liturgical Press and Amazon.Com for more information and to order.

To learn more about the author, go to her website.

Book giveaway contest coming up!

Get ready for my newest book giveaway contest! I'll be posting the directions for this contest very soon. It has to do with my new book published by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Company coming out in March, Catholic Saints Prayer Book! Stay tuned!

Lisa Hendey's New Year's Podcast

Don't forget to check out Lisa Hendey's latest podcast for the New Year here. You'll also find out more about the Catholic Exchange and Cheryl Dickow's Scripture study program.

Things I've been pondering...

Recently I remarked that I had a lot that was being pondered in my heart and mind but no time to express it in words. Well, if you would like a glimpse, just go to my "Everyday Blessings" column at Catholic Mom.Com to read my reflection.

Happy New Year!

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord the other day

I really like Fr. Tom's homily on the SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD which we just celebrated the other day.

He said:

"Today’s feast gives us one of the most familiar scenes of our Christmas readings – that of the three Magi coming to see the child Jesus. We sing the familiar hymn, “We Three Kings,” and we all know the story well. We all know how many gifts the wise men brought – three. But, today, I want to propose that there are actually six gifts in this Gospel story.

We all know the scene; three men in their rich oriental clothing, bearing three gifts. Our eyes are riveted on the gold. Our noses respond to the scent of frankincense and myrrh. They bow before the Son of God. But, in the midst of this great show, the Magi are slipping something in, on the quiet, that we might not see if we don’t look closely enough. It is something that they share. They have it tucked up in their sleeves, right next to their hearts. Even though the gold, frankincense and myrrh get all the press, this is actually their finest offering – even more precious than the gold. It is the fourth gift – the gift of their faith – the trust they place in a baby, their recognition of a Savior..." (Continued here.)

She arrived safely!

My daughter, Jessica's third flight landed safely in India. I received an email from the program director with the news. So, needless to say, I have exhaled my sigh of relief. I was told that the students are now involved in orientations. After the orientations, they will travel by train to their host families where they will live; attending school by day. Soon, they will need to purchase their Indian clothes which they will wear throughout their stay. I'll keep you posted. THANK YOU so very much for your prayers!

Planes, Trains, and Elephants!

A lump grew in my throat as I poured my daughter's cup of tea down the sink yesterday morning just after she left. It would be the last cup of tea that I could make for her for more than four months. She didn't have time to drink her tea as she bustled around the house, gathering everything she would need for her trip to India that she was too tired to pack the night before; checking off the two lists I had made for her of what needed to be done and what needed to be packed. Still, with all of our plans and preparation, notoriously we are always running around at the last minute in a bit of a panic.

But, after all, this wasn't just any trip. It was a trip that would take my daughter away from us for a big chunk of time--a trip in which Jessica needed to prepare ahead with notarized documents for power of attorney, many inoculations, prescriptions for medications, passport, visa, and plenty more things and details. She would need to take anti-malaria medicine a few days before leaving and everyday while there in India and for a couple of weeks after she arrives home.

I admire Jessica's courage, open mind, and energy to embark on such a trip as a "study abroad college student." However, my mother's heart is concerned about the travel and what lies ahead being so far from home for so long in a foreign country such as this where disease may be rampant and foods, though enjoyable to her, may reek havoc to her small delicate body. Will she get homesick? What if she gets sick? She did get sick in Bangladesh. And then, of course, there was the monsoon in Bangladesh while she was there that took over 1,000 lives and no word from Jessica for days when the electrical power was out there in many places. All kinds of questions spin through my brain, however my heart places her in Jesus' arms and under Mary's mantle. I will envelop her in prayer unceasingly as will the family and friends.

The actual traveling part of Jessica's trip involves three flights - one to Washington, DC to meet up with the small group of eight or so students going to India, another flight to Germany, and the last one to India. After she arrives in India she will take a five hour train ride, a bus and then the last part of her trip by elephant! I am still awaiting word about my daughter's safe arrival at her destination in India. Her journey will continue until Monday sometime.

Last night when all was quiet, I sat on Jessica's bed to say some more prayers in addition to prayers all day for her and her fellow group of students. I felt blessed and comforted to be able to pray from a special prayer book that belonged to my dear friend, Fr. Bill. I didn't hold back on any prayers to our dear Blessed Mother, prayers for protection from the mighty Arch Angels and our beloved Saints. You can bet that I am waiting to exhale my big sigh of relief when I get word of my daughter's safe arrival in India- please God.

If you feel so inclined, dear reader, please say a little prayer for my brave daughter, for her trip, and her extended stay in India - a place I hope to go to someday because of my affiliation with and love for Blessed Mother Teresa and the poor in Calcutta.

(photo is Jessica about to leave early in the morning with her pillow under her arm to catch a little nap on the way to the airport)

Catholic Exchange's Woman's Study

Catholic Exchange is sponsoring a woman's study that begins January 7th. It is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem, On the Dignity and Vocation of Women.

From the website: "Are you interested in participating in a bible study but don't always have the time to attend a regularly scheduled meeting?

Would you like to connect with women around the world and share insights, support, encouragement, and opinions?..."

Hurry because this is starting soon! For more information go to Catholic Exchange.

New Catholic Movie Review Blog!

I am so excited that a faithful group of Catholic bloggers have taken up the task of forming a movie review group to help all of us! You can visit the blog, Catholic Media Review here. Go take a look, there are already a bunch of films reviewed which include: "National Treasure," "Juno," "I Am Legend," "Bella," "Enchanted," and "The Water House - Legend of the Deep."

This blog certainly promises to be an outstanding resource for Catholic and Christian families!

Jean Marie of Catholic Fire one of the co-founders of the Catholic Media Review group has this to say, "We will do our best to examine each film in the light of Catholic teaching and to warn parents about films that will present a danger to our youth. We also want to encourage people to see those films which we believe will have a positive impact on our society. Some of the outstanding films that I personally have seen include: The Passion of the Christ, Amazing Grace, Into Great Silence, and Bella. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we as Catholic Christians could make an major impact on the type of films that come out? We have this power simply by purchasing tickets to those films that are of excellent quality. You can count on us to keep you informed."

Check out the blog to meet the reviewers and read the reviews. Please pass on this valuable information to help keep families informed!

Pondering in my heart...

My dear friends,

There are so many things that this blogger is pondering in her heart today and these past days. I just have to find a bit of time to write them down and post them for you!

God bless you as you embark upon a new year!

Feast of the Solemnity of Mary

"Mary, the all-holy ever-virgin Mother of God, is the masterwork of the mission of the Son and the Spirit in the fullness of time. For the first time in the plan of salvation and because his Spirit had prepared her, the Father found the dwelling place where his Son and his Spirit could dwell among men. In this sense the Church's Tradition has often read the most beautiful texts on wisdom in relation to Mary. Mary is acclaimed and represented in the liturgy as the "Seat of Wisdom." — Catechism of the Catholic Church 721


In addition to this day being a beautiful feast day of our Blessed Mother, it is the day that begins the new year of 2008. Today is a day filled with graces and blessings.

Many challenges and blessings lie ahead for us in this new year. How will we embrace this new year? Hopefully, with resolutions to allow our hearts to be changed by our Creator and be instrumental in changing other's hearts. The opportunities will surround us. Will we open our hearts to God's love so that we can spread His love to others?

Here is a link to article that I wrote about the Blessed Mother Mary and Motherhood at Catholic Exchange.

(The image of Mary and her baby son, Jesus in this post now adorns my kitchen wall. I just received this painting the other day. It had adorned my dear friend, Fr. Bill Smith's dining room wall for many years. I am so thankful to have it.)

Happy Feast of the Holy Family!

From today's Gospel
Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

When the magi had departed, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,
Out of Egypt I called my son.

When Herod had died, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream
to Joseph in Egypt and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,
for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”
He rose, took the child and his mother,
and went to the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea
in place of his father Herod,
he was afraid to go back there.
And because he had been warned in a dream,
he departed for the region of Galilee.
He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,
so that what had been spoken through the prophets
might be fulfilled,
He shall be called a Nazorean.

***

"Scripture tells us practically nothing about the first years and the boyhood of the Child Jesus. All we know are the facts of the sojourn in Egypt, the return to Nazareth, and the incidents that occurred when the twelve-year-old boy accompanied his parents to Jerusalem. In her liturgy the Church hurries over this period of Christ's life with equal brevity. The general breakdown of the family, however, at the end of the past century and at the beginning of our own, prompted the popes, especially the far-sighted Leo XIII, to promote the observance of this feast with the hope that it might instill into Christian families something of the faithful love and the devoted attachment that characterize the family of Nazareth. The primary purpose of the Church in instituting and promoting this feast is to present the Holy Family as the model and exemplar of all Christian families."

— Excerpted from With Christ Through the Year, Rev. Bernard Strasser, O.S.B.

Catholic Mom, Lisa Hendey's exciting new development

Lisa Hendey, a Catholic wife, mother, and webmaster at CatholicMom.com, recently sent me this exciting news regarding her "Catholic Moments" podcast:

"Hey everyone, I just had to share this great news! Christmas came early for me this year!!You can check out the details at http://www.sqpn.com/?p=2489 and comment there if you are as excited as I am! This happened just in time for me to ask you to join me in supporting SQPN with any size donation you might be able to share this year. I truly believe that podcasting and new media are tremendous tools for lifting up our Catholic families and sharing our faith. If you can share a donation of any size, please visit http://www.sqpn.com/?page_id=528 - your donation will go to help SQPN continue to grow and will support the talented individuals who lead this organization and have committed their lives to this project.Thanks to all who have supported and encouraged me in this new project, and here's to many more "Catholic Moments" in 2008. Happy Fourth Sunday of Advent, Lisa"

Please take a moment to visit the site mentioned above to congratulate Lisa!

Back issues of Canticle magazine!

Good news! I just found out from Heidi's blog, "The Silent Canticle" that Canticle website has just posted some back issues which you can get to from here.

Catholic Outpost

Have you been to Catholic Outpost yet?

According to their website: "Catholic Outpost is a networking tool created by Catholic groups for Catholic groups."

These are some of the things you can do there:

Sign up now and start connecting!
Share documents, pictures and events with your group members,
Connect with other groups in your area - and around the country,
Collaborate with Catholic musicians, speakers and other talent, and
Sell and buy products in the Catholic Outpost Marketplace.

Plus, I have a column there called, " Everyday Moments of Grace."

So, what are you waiting for?

Merry Christmas!

I hope that you all had a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful time with family and friends. I am spending time with my family and will be back soon to "catch up!"

God bless!

Christmas version of First Corinthians 13

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home
that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return;
but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.
Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust;
but giving the gift of love will endure
(Author unknown)

Please help...

Please check this out to see how you may be able to help!

Thanks so much!

Merry Christmas!

Prayers needed

Go over to "Daily Donna-Marie" to find a prayer request. Just click here. Thank you!

God bless,

I love Saint Joseph!

I want to share a little story with you. My friend has been looking for a place to live for a while. She has been staying with friends temporarily. Certainly she was very appreciative for the place to stay with her friends. However, she wanted to give them some space so they could accomodate their visiting relatives for the holidays. I had recommended that she pray to St. Joseph, since he is the head of the Holy Family and always took care of Jesus and Mary, finding them places to live. My dear friend and spiritual director, Fr. Bill taught me about St. Joseph quite some time ago and I am so thankful that he introduced me to him! He has always been good to me!

My friend has been trying to find a home for herself and her two children. She told me the other day that stables are beginning to look good to her, referring of course, to St. Joseph and Mary ending up at the stable because there was no room at the inn. Each time I talk with this friend, I promise my prayers and try to encourage her and the other day told her that "Home is in your mother's eyes" and that wherever she ends up for Christmas, it will be home. She was planning to rent a hotel room while waiting for a home to come through and plans to get a small Christmas tree and put up her creche there and celebrate the coming of the Christ Child.

So, the other day we spoke and things still didn't look promising at all. After I got off the phone with her, I pleaded with St. Joseph, whom I love and who has helped me so much in the past. St. Joseph, can you PLEASE help ****? Please, St, Joseph, she needs a place to have Christmas with her children. Please help her according to God's holy will." I then thought about a place that could possibly work out. I called a friend whom I knew had a guest house to see if something could be arranged there. No room at that inn either, because they generously had taken in a family who was already staying there.

The phone rang last night and it was my friend calling to tell me her news. She had called a few more places looking into rentals. She told me that one of her inquiries was answered by a gentleman. He left her a phone message about the house that he had for rent, telling her that he was impressed with the manner in which she had inquired. He wanted to meet with her to discuss things. At the end of the message he said, "This is Joseph, the carpenter."

How do you like that?!

Update on "The Golden Compass"

Please visit Kate to find out new information about "The Golden Compass" Movie and that the Vatican disapproves of it. Just click here.

Five days until Christmas!

What? Five days until Christmas?! I had better go out and finish shopping! I will be back later on to post some things. I hope that your day will be BLESSED and that you will see Jesus in all you meet!

God bless and hugs!


PS Please also pray for a woman who is scheduled to abort her baby tomorrow. PLEASE storm Heaven so that she won't do it as well as so many other women contemplating abortion, or who have had abortions and are wounded in so many ways. Please pray at least one Hail Mary for this woman. Thank you.

Lisa Hendey's Christmas Podcast!

Go on over to hear Catholic Mom.Com, Lisa Hendey's podcast by clicking here.

Please pray for this mother and unborn baby!

I received this today from a Pro-life friend. Please take a moment to read about this expectant mother who feels that she has to abort (kill) her unborn baby a few days before Christmas!

***

Dear Friends of the Unborn,
I am copying this email below to ask for urgent prayers for this little soul who is in danger of abortion on Friday. A good woman from my church sent it to me. She received it from one of her family members I believe who is good friends with the woman who is contemplating abortion. This is NOT one of those bulk email chain letters but is from a very reputable source that I know personally. For those of you who can fast along with pray please do. And for those who can go before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament to plead for this soul thank you!
God bless,
Mike and Kerry




Dear Family and Friends,



Please take a minute to read this email and pray for my friend. I won’t give you her name for her sake, but she is having an abortion on Friday the 21st. PLEASE pray that she won’t go through with it. She found out last week that her baby will be born with Down syndrome and apparently the doctors and her family have led her to believe that “terminating” her pregnancy is the right thing to do. Not only am I sad for the child, but sad for her b/c the psychological ramifications will haunt her for years. I’ve put her in touch with a woman we found yesterday who founded ‘Reece’s Rainbow’ which is a Georgia-based ministry for saving Down syndrome children- they have 200 families, paper-ready, to adopt Downs children.



Below is my friend’s email, which she sent out yesterday to over 100 of us who have taken her exercise class:



“To my pregnancy:

In my age group I had a 1:86 chance for Trisomie 21(Down Syndrom) and this time we were the unlucky ones..I'll have the DNE(similar to DNC)done Friday afternoon. It's sad and I wish I could change it, but hopefully the next time I won't be the 'unlucky winner'. It makes us appreciate even more what we've got with Andy, family and friends!”



Please pray today and tomorrow for her and for the soul that is about to be killed. Please pray for our efforts to interrupt her decision, and please pray for our culture that seems to think it is okay to broadcast a decision to kill a life so casually.

My forthcoming book, "Catholic Saints Prayer Book"

My newest book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book is now listed with its cover image on Amazon.Com. This book will be released in March 2008 by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Company and can be pre-ordered through my website or Amazon.Com.

My radio segment about Christmas

Well, here's the link to my latest segment with Teresa Tomeo. I was on the air with her yesterday morning on my "Mom's Corner" segment discussing Christmas traditions. I also shared a couple of experiences I just had recently. One of them, I call, "Jesus in the Post Office." The other little story is about a woman I met in the grocery store a couple of years ago around Christmas. You can hear the whole segment by clicking here.

Prayer for the morning...

"The promised One shall come and rule over us in peace: come, let us adore him!

Glory to the Father...Alleluia!"

Today, on December 18th, we also think about dear St. Joseph and how the Angel came to him in his sleep bringing him a beautiful message of hope and consolation - that Mary, his beloved has conceived by the Holy Spirit and will give birth to the Son of God.

***

God bless your day today surely filled to the brim with busyness! Pause and reflect, though, on Jesus coming to us. Let's prepare our hearts no matter how busy we are. Stop for a moment to pray and thank God for His many blessings!

I will be back later with a few things to share!

God bless you and keep you!

Hugs,

Overnight Christmas Blueberry-Pecan French Toast

This morning I spoke about this recipe when I was on the air with Teresa Tomeo on "Catholic Connection" discussing Christmas reflections. I promised that I would post the recipe for all of you. I will also post the segment soon so that if you didn't get a chance to tune in this morning, you'll be able to listen to it from my blog. I'll also tell you the story behind this recipe - but FIRST the recipe for all of you eager chefs out there! Here it is!

Overnight Christmas Blueberry-Pecan French Toast

Ingredients:

nonstick spray
1 baguette, cut into 20 one inch slices
6 eggs
3 cups of milk
1 cup brown sugar
vanilla to taste
nutmeg to taste
1 cup pecans, toasted
2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

Preparation:

Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with the nonstick spray and arrange the baguette slices in a single layer in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, three-fourths of the brown sugar, vanilla and nutmeg. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread.

Cover and chill the mixture overnight. There will appear to be a lot of moisture when the mixture goes into the refrigerator, but it will all soak into the bread by morning.

Just before baking, sprinkle the remaining one-quarter cup brown sugar, pecans and blueberries over the bread. Bake the dish in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes to one hour (the recipe says 30 minutes, but I found that it takes longer, so check at 30 and be sure to have allowed for 45 minutes to 1 hour) or until golden and bubbling. Serve with maple syrup. For an added treat, heat the syrup with blueberries and have blueberry-flavored syrup.

Enjoy!

I love this recipe because you do the preparation beforehand and only need to pop in into the oven on Christmas morning 45 minutes to an hour before you'd like to serve it. I like to also serve fresh fruit with this "french toast," which can be washed and prepared on a dish in advance to save you the trouble on Christmas morning. I also like to serve fresh muffins - various kinds along with the fruit and "french toast." You may also use a whole grain type baguette in this recipe for added nutrition. You can put this dish in the oven Christmas morning, set the timer and go open your presents! So EASY - that's the idea - keep it simple and enjoy your loved ones!

Let me know how you like it if you decide to make it. :)

Christmas breakfast bread

Hello Everyone,

This morning when I was on the air with Teresa Tomeo on "Catholic Connection," I mentioned a Christmas bread that I make and told a story about it. Some of you have been writing to ask for the recipe that I said I would post for you. Don't worry! I will post it for you. I have to run out now to do some errands and to Christmas shop and perhaps I'll bump into "JESUS in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor" as Mother Teresa always said.

I'll try to post the recipe by tonight or tomorrow. Please be patient with me! :)

Thanks for joining me this morning!

God bless you!

Hugs,

JOY enters our hearts...

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI told us that JOY enters hearts of those who seek to minister to the poor. This Advent season, are we focusing on the BIRTH OF CHRIST? Are we getting caught up in the busyness of running around and trying to have everything (superficially) perfect? Are we giving our hearts to the poor?

I'll be back a little later on to post about the radio show this morning with Teresa Tomeo on "Catholic Connection," as well as speak about some family Advent and Christmas ideas.

God bless you!

Do you have about four minutes?

If you can spare about four minutes at this busy time, I'd love for you to listen to this beautiful reflection by Sally Robb about the Holy Family on Catholic Radio International.

Grab your cup of tea or coffee on Monday morning and join us!

I hope you'll join me on Monday morning! Brew yourself a cup of tea or coffee and sit down for 15 minutes to visit with Teresa Tomeo and me. We'll be doing our "Mom's Corner" segment on "Catholic Connection," Ave Maria Radio at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time. Perhaps you can also tune in from your vehicle on your way out for morning Mass or to do some last minute Christmas shopping! Either way, I hope you'll join us for a few minutes of some Christmas inspiration for Moms and families. Maybe we'll throw in something for the Dads, too!

I'll look forward to spending some time with you on Monday morning! In the mean time, watch out for the black ice and slippery conditions in some places out there. Try not to get flustered over the harried shoppers running around! Keep it simple if you can, so you can enjoy this beautiful season of Advent - of preparing our hearts for the Christ Child!

God be with you!

Yours in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,

I'll be back later...

I'll be back later on today to share a little story about Jesus in the Post Office, perhaps share a photo or two with you from our little snowstorm yesterday, as well as to give you details about my Christmas radio show on Monday at 9:15 Eastern Standard Time with Teresa Tomeo for our "Mom's Corner" segment. I am running out to Christmas shop! I just finished the book I was writing (Yippee!!) and have to get ready for Christmas now. We've only had our Advent wreath out so far and just started with our decorations yesterday! It's been busy around here. I've been doing a lot of talks and book signings and I've also have Lyme disease and haven't felt well. I hope that you are enjoying your Advent and your family at this BLESSED time of year!

God bless!
See you later!
Hugs,

I hope it was worth the wait...

I decided that I couldn't possibly pick this winner from a hat...

Every one's entry was so compelling...

So, I decided that the winner is...

EVERYONE who entered!! SURPRISE!! After all, it is ADVENT and CHRISTMAS is coming! I know who you all are, so just email me again and this time give me your mailing address and please tell me who you want me to inscribe the book to (yourself or the person you were thinking of).

Have a BLESSED day!

The winner is...

I have picked the winner in this latest book contest! The winner was chosen yesterday on our Blessed Mother's beautiful feast day under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the unborn.

Drum roll, please...

I told you that I would pick the winner today!

Well, I told you I would pick the winner today on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe for my "Prayerfully Expecting" contest. I will have my daughter pick an entry out of a hat shortly! "Stay tuned!" Be back soon!

Our Lady of Guadalupe

"Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything."

— Our Lady to Juan Diego


"In the winter of 1531, a poor, 57-year-old Aztec Indian living five miles outside of Mexico City encountered a miraculous happening on his way to morning Mass. First he heard strange music coming from Tepeyac Hill, and then he heard a woman's voice calling his name. Juan Diego climbed the hill and encountered a young woman, appearing to be of his own people in physical appearance and dress. The woman identified herself as the Virgin Mary, and told Juan Diego to ask the bishop of Mexico City to build a church on the hill to assist in the conversion of the nation and be a source of consolation to the people.

Juan Diego obeyed the request, but the bishop was skeptical regarding the message, even though he perceived that Juan was a humble, and well meaning Catholic. Juan reported the bishop's doubt to Our Lady at Tepeyac Hill, and she asked him to return to the bishop once again, bearing the same message. The bishop once again heard the story, and told Juan Diego to ask Our Lady for a sign that it was indeed herself that wished for the church to be built.

When he returned to the hill, Mary gave Juan Diego such a sign. Miraculously, roses appeared on the hill in the middle of winter, and Juan gathered them in his tilma, or cloak. Our Lady arranged the roses in his tilma with her own hands, and Juan returned to the bishop's presence. When Juan released the tilma, allowing the flowers to fall to the floor, it was revealed that a miraculous image of Our Lady had imprinted itself on his tilma (see above).

The bishop immediately fell to his knees, and came to believe in Juan Diego's message. A church was built on the spot of the apparition, as Mary had requested, and 8 million people converted to Catholicism in a short period of time upon hearing of or viewing the miraculous image of Our Lady.

The tilma of Juan Diego has been the subject of much modern research. The tilma, woven out of coarse cactus fiber, should have disintegrated after 20 years, but although over 500 years have passed the tilma is still in perfect condition. The pupils of Mary in the picture reflect the Indians and clergy present at the time of the first revelation of the image. No paint was used, and chemical analysis has not been able to identify the color imprint. Additionally, studies have revealed that the stars on Mary's mantle match exactly what a Mexican would have seen in the sky in December of 1531." (from Catholic Culture)

Happy Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

God of power and mercy,
you blessed the Americas at Tepeyac
with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe.
May her prayers help all men and women
to accept each other as brothers and sisters.
Through your justice present in our hearts
may your peace reign in the world.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

(opening Mass prayer, feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe)

PLEASE PRAY TODAY FOR THE UNBORN AND FOR THE MOTHERS WHO ARE TODAY CONTEMPLATING ABORTION.

PLEASE DEAR LORD HELP US! PLEASE DEAR LADY OF GUADALUPE, SPARE THESE INNOCENT CHILDREN FROM MURDER! HELP THEIR MOTHERS TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE HOLDING WITHIN THEIR BODIES A PRECIOUS LIFE! AMEN.


I will be back later to post more about this beautiful feast!

Advent: A Pilgrimage Blessed by Hope

As we begin our new Liturgical year, lighting our first Advent candle, we embark on a pilgrimage once again towards the Christ Child, a pilgrimage blessed with hope. Advent is the perfect time to rediscover the beauty and depth of Christmas hope. We are so fortunate and truly blessed that the Holy Spirit has inspired our holy father, Pope Benedict XVI to gift us with his new encyclical, Spe Salvi, Saved by Hope, at this moment in time to a world that is for the most part without God — a world seemingly depleted of hope.

Catholics are given this time of preparation by our Church to prepare our hearts, our families and our homes. We can succumb to the hustling and bustling that our material-oriented culture would have us participate in. After all, the newest toys, gadgets, electronics, and fashions are exploding from the television set, radio, the Internet, store window displays, and sales pages of the newspaper, each store boasting of the absolute best sale ever. Children know exactly what they want for Christmas and where it can be gotten! It's a difficult task for parents to teach the true meaning of the Advent season in an era when Christians are even prohibited to some extent from publicly expressing their faith-filled sentiments of this holy season.

It's almost impossible to escape the chaos to find some peace with the craze of materialism enveloping us. However, we can decide to stay away from the commercialism and materialism as best as we can and use this holy season wisely and prayerfully. Time can be put aside each day for essential personal prayer and family prayer, seeking a bit of stillness in which to retreat to the heart for reflection.

The Catechism tells us, "When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: 'He must increase, but I must decrease'" (CCC no. 524 and John 3:30).

Parents should make use of the Advent wreath tradition within their own homes — their domestic Churches. Each evening at the family dinner table... (my article is continued here at Catholic Exchange.)

Last chance to enter the contest!

Tomorrow, on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I will be picking the winner in the "Prayerfully Expecting" contest. The winner will receive a signed copy of my book, Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena for Mothers-To-Be.

You still have time to enter if you do it right away!

Here's what you do:

Tell me why you are wishing for this book for yourself or someone else. Do this in a paragraph or less and please send it to me by email to: DMCooperOBoyle(at)aol(dot)com. You may enter only once for this contest. But, be sure to tell others about this contest and perhaps you can link to this from your own blogs to spread the word. :)

God bless you!

My new book cover!

I'm so excited! I was just shown my new book cover for my book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book which will be released in March 2008! I will show it to you very soon. I have to wait for the high resolution image to be sent to me before I can post it.

The Golden Compass again!

Kate at Rosemary Sauce offers a comprehensive look at The Golden Compass. Go check it out!

My Advent article

Here is an Advent article I have over at Catholic Mom.Com.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

Happy feast day! What a beautiful one it is. I haven't been home. I was out of town giving a talk this morning to a wonderful Pro-Life group called, The "Gospel of Life Society."

I pray that you are all invoking our beautiful Mother Mary for all of your needs today and always. As Mother Teresa has told me, you may pray these simple but succinct words, "Mary, Mother of Jesus, be a mother to me now." She wants to be our mother and wants us to come to her often. She will bring us to Her Son, Jesus.

Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.

Who is St. Nicholas anyway!

"The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in Patara, a village in what is now Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of... (Continued here.)

The Golden Compass

Check out Jean Marie's fabulous post at Catholic Fire about "The Golden Compass" movie here.

St Nicholas's feast day today

Did your children put their shoes out last night? If you forgot, you can do it tonight. :)

"In many places St. Nicholas is the main gift giver. His feast day, St. Nicholas Day, is December 6, which falls early in the Advent season. Some places he arrives in the middle of November and moves about the countryside, visiting schools and homes to find out if children have been good. Other places he comes in the night and finds carrots and hay for his horse or donkey along with children's wish lists. Small treats are left in shoes or stockings so the children will know he has come.

Where St. Nicholas is prominent, his day, not Christmas, is the primary gift giving day. Parties may be held on the eve, December 5th, and shoes or stockings left for St. Nicholas to fill during the night. Children will find treats of small gifts, fruit or nuts, and special Nicholas candies and cookies. St. Nicholas gifts are meant to be shared, not hoarded for oneself." (More here including how this day is celebrated all over the world!)


This is from Catholic Culture today:

"St. Nicholas was born in Lycia, Asia Minor, and died as Bishop of Myra in 352. He performed many miracles and exercised a special power over flames. He practiced both the spiritual and temporal works of mercy, and fasted twice a week. When he heard that a father who had fallen into poverty was about to expose his three daughters to a life of sin, Nicholas took a bag of gold and secretly flung it through the window into the room of the sleeping father. In this way, the three girls were dowered and saved from mortal sin and hell."

Happy St. Nicholas day!

Advent activities for kids

Here is a nice selection of activity ideas for CCD (Religious Education) classes throughout Advent. Some of activities will work well with your children at home too. Just click here.

And some more Advent wreath ideas here.

Here is a St. Nicholas activity here.

The blessing of the Advent Wreath

Have you blessed your Advent wreath? It's not too late. Here is a suggested prayer.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross
2. Pray the Responsory

The father of the family (or other leader) recites the verse, and the family (or group) responds. If you are alone, recite both the verse and the response

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made Heaven and earth.

Optional: Read Isaiah 9:1-2, 5-6

The father (or other leader) reads this passage from the Prophet Isaiah, familiar to many from Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, which reminds us that Christ is our light, and that His Birth brought us out of the darkness of sin and saved us.

Isaiah 9:1-2, 5-6

The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen.

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and hast not increased the joy. They shall rejoice before thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils.

For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.

His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace: he shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom; to establish it and strengthen it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth and for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Source: Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition of the Bible (in the public domain)

Pray the Prayer of Blessing

The father (or other leader) prays the following prayer over the Advent wreath, and the family (or group) replies "Amen."


O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth thy blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sprinkle the Advent Wreath With Holy Water
The father (or other leader) sprinkles the Advent wreath with holy water.

Optional: Pray the Advent Wreath Prayer for the First Week and Light the First Candle

While the blessing ceremony can take place at any time, if you are ready to light the first candle, the father (or other leader) leads the family (or group) in the Advent Wreath Prayer for the First Week of Advent and lights the first candle.

We begin this first week of Advent by asking Christ to come, to set us free from our sins and from the punishment that we deserve. He is our salvation.

Advent Wreath Prayer for the First Week of Advent

Bestir, O Lord, Thy might, we pray thee and come; that, defended by Thee, we may deserve rescue from approaching dangers brought on by our sins, and being set free by Thee, obtain our salvation. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

End With the Sign of the Cross

Advent: Time to get ready...

Our new liturgical year begins. Advent is upon us! It's time to get our hearts and homes ready to greet the Christ Child! Are we getting caught up in the worldly hustle and bustle of getting ready for Christmas? Let's be sure that we take the time to pause each day in prayer to prepare our hearts as we also set the example and guide our household in prayer.

Did you get a chance to set up your Advent wreath? It's not too late, of course. It can be simple or elaborate. A prayer said together as a family each evening at the dinner table after the first candle on the wreath is lit is in keeping with a wonderful tradition of our Catholic Church (of course, always use caution with a flame and candles with children and also pets).

In Hope We are Saved: our holy father, Pope Benedict XVI's new encyclical, Spe Salvi was just released and is extremely beautiful. I encourage everyone to read and reflect upon this document that is so beautifully written and came at an absolutely perfect time immediately before Advent. You can get the encyclical here. I plan to bring it with me before the Blessed Sacrament and prayerfully read it and reflect upon it.

God bless you this first week of Advent!

First Sunday of Advent!