Review of The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home

Sarah over at Sarah's Musings graciously sent me her review of my book, The Heart of Motherhood. Her review is below and after you've finished reading it, go on over to her beautiful blog and read the history behind her review and how this book almost got "lost in the shuffle!"

Here is her review:


The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle is both encouraging and inspirational. A mother of five, Donna has weathered the storms and inspires me (as a new mom) with her experience and wisdom.

Peppered with inspirational quotes from Mother Teresa, among others, Bible passages and heartfelt prayers, The Heart of Motherhood, inspires from within. Donna-Marie begins the book with the statement that motherhood is, indeed, a truly ordinary and yet extraordinary vocation. By being mothers and by welcoming, loving and teaching our children, we are truly doing the Lord's work. She explains,

"A mother's day is filled to capacity with many ordinary tasks, not unimportant, but rather works of love that may be overlooked or unnoticed. Changing diapers, doing laundry, schedule keeping, house cleaning, planning and cooking nutritious meals and helping with homework are just some of the ordinary tasks in a mom's repertoire. Her own family family may take these loving acts for granted. Although these tasks may seem mundane, or even monotonous, they are the nitty-gritty details that keep the family going and together. . . . A mother's deep inner faith affirms that a day's sacrifices and seemingly ordinary tasks please our Lord because they are done with extraordinary love."

And later reminds us that "love is not merely a feeling or emotion. Love is also a decision [emphasis mine] . . . at times, this decision may be an enormous sacrifice."

Donna-Marie notes that today's society, unfortunately, rarely respects the woman's role as mother and wife nor the mother's domestic role in the home. I appreciated a quote that she included from Pope John Paul II who stated


"There is no doubt that the equal dignity and responsibility of men and women fully justifies women's access to public functions. On the other hand the true advancement of women requires that clear recognition be given to the value of their maternal and family role, by comparison with all other public roles and all other professions. Furthermore, these roles and professions should be harmoniously combined, if we wish the evolution of society and culture to be truly and fully human.

While it must be recognized that women have the same right as men to perform various public functions, society must be structured in such a way that wives and mothers are not in practice compelled to work outside the home and that their families can live and prosper in a dignified way even when they themselves devote their full time to their own family.

Furthermore, the mentality which honors women more for their work outside the home than for their work within the family must be overcome. This requires that men should esteem and love women with total respect for their personal dignity, and that society should create and develop conditions favoring work in the home."


Donna-Marie then encourages her readers to bring back the dignity and respect motherhood deserves by being an example of holy mothering to our family and, ultimately, to society. She continues by explaining how one can focus on holy mothering, the importance of a mother's prayer life, shares inspiration for those times when you feel anything but holy in your mothering, gives inspirational examples of holy mothers (including the most holy mother, Mary) in history and ends each chapter with beautiful prayer.

It is a blessing to me to have read this book. This is a book that will be an inspiration for years to come. It does not tell you how to run a household, how to clean a sink or how to get your family pulled together each Sunday morning to make it to church on time. Instead, it delves deeper into the holy vocation of motherhood and encourages mothers young and old to keep the faith and to recognize the immeasurable importance of the job to not only their children and families, but to society, the Christian family and God.

I'll be keeping this book handy, by my bedside, on my kitchen counter, in the bathroom (yes, you read that right. You know it might be the only quiet time you get all day!) . . . maybe for a few minutes of refreshing, or even for 30-seconds of inspiration and prayer.

The essence of The Heart of Motherhood is love. God is love. And the greatest of these is love. We do difficult, easy, ordinary and extraordinary things for our family and children because we are mothers (and wives) and we do them out of love.


God is love and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

1 John 4:16


And now, a smattering of my underlined and starred quotes and prayers that I gleaned inspiration from; I hope that it does to you as well (and encourages you to go buy the book! We need to continue to encourage good Christian authors!). These quotes are just a small amount of the beauty found within this book.

On Our Duties as Christian Homemakers and Mothers

St. Frances of Rome, a wife and mother, said, "It is most laudable in a married woman to be devout, but she must never forget that she is a housewife and sometimes must leave God at the altar to find him in housekeeping."

"Since we are generally our children's first teacher as well as their most important teacher, we must hold tight to our values and teachings of the truth about God."

"Christian mothers need to be a contradiction to the world" - being Christian and being a mother is counter-cultural (we are a creative minority!) after all!

She reminds us of St. Thérèse of Lisieux' words, "Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love," and backs them up with Blessed Teresa of Calcutta's statement that "Small thing done with great love bring peace and love."

LORD, HELP ME SEE
Dear Lord, help me to see the extraordinary graces that abound in a role that is sometimes thought of as ordinary. Please reinforce the dedication in my heart to raise my children with extreme love - love that knows no limits, love that is priceless. Help me to remember that there is immeasurable power in a mother's love and a mother's prayer for her children. Thank you, dear Lord, for this awesome gift! Amen

On the Importance of Prayer in a Mother's Life, both formal and in action

"prayer is a way of life. . . . so we learn to make our life a prayer."

"Mothers have to find a proper balance for prayer on their knees and prayer in action."

St. Catherine of Siena said, "You must pray the prayer of action, which is the fragrant flower of the soul. A good man [woman] is a prayer."

"So from our hearts as we go about our motherly duties, we pray to touch the heart of God, by lifting up to him our actions of love and service to our families. He knows we are busy! He made us the moms! He knows that we can't stop everything and drop to our knees to pray. He wants us to pray throughout our daily actions.

Pray to remember to lift your heart to God often. He is there to listen. He is waiting. He wants us to satiate his thirst on the Cross, by opening our hearts and lifting them to him. He is very pleased when a mother offers her heart to him in the midst of her hurried day. Strive to find the opportunities to do just that."

"Prayer is joy, prayer is love and prayer is peace. You cannot explain it; you must experience prayer. It is not impossible. God gives it for the asking."

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta


On Holy Motherhood

"Holiness is not reserved for a few, but is a duty for everyone. Holiness is really living our lives to our fullest potential within God's will. it is striving to reach our eternal destiny while living in God's providence. It is surrendering our wills to God and praying for the graces to fulfill our duties faithfully.

We are not perfect creatures. We fall many times, even throughout the course of one day. But the difference between a person striving for holiness and one who is indifferent to God's promptings in her soul is that the former will pick herself up, examine her conscience, ask forgiveness for her shortcomings, and strive to improve with prayer.

It is a daily effort; it is an hourly effort. We have to want holiness. God will not force it upon us."

"The best and surest way to learn the love of Jesus is through the family. Whatever you do in your family for your children, for your husband, for your wife - you do for Jesus."

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta


And to close, a final prayer


LIVE AND SHINE THROUGH ME, LORD

Dear Jesus, please help me to become united to you as I prayerfully journey through my life. Please increase the desire in my heart to bring others closer to you. As I mother my children, helping them to light their lamps, please radiate my own lamp so brilliantly that others who come to know me will see your heart burning within me, lighting the way for others. Amen.***

Now go on over to Sarah's blog!

Review on my Catholic Saints Prayer Book

Go on over to Moments of Inspiration With Your Favorite Saints to read the latest review!

(photo from Mary Rose)

Are there dangers to cell phone use?

I just came across this article about the possible dangers of cell phone use:

"Twenty-eight years ago, Arthur Firstenberg had a dental X-ray. He's been on the run ever since.

That X-ray, he says, made him excruciatingly sensitive to electromagnetic fields—the low-level radiation that emanates from power lines, microwaves, and, most vexingly, cell phones. Now 58, Firstenberg has spent more than a decade crisscrossing the country, trying to find the last unwireless spot in America. When cell phone towers came to New York City, he moved upstate. Then he headed to Mendocino, California. These days, he lives out of his '87 Nissan station wagon in Santa Fe; a house is too risky. "Your neighbor could get wifi, and then you have to leave and hunt for a new home."

At first, I was inclined to chalk Firstenberg's symptoms up to plain old paranoia. After all, the World Health Organization's website says "no study [on cell phone radiation] has shown adverse health effects at exposure levels below international guideline limits." But doctors and scientists are starting to scrutinize how invisible electromagnetic fields affect human health, especially when it comes to cell phones, one of the most ubiquitous sources of microwave radiation. In 2006, a Swedish study reported that 85 of 905 brain tumor patients had used mobile phones heavily for 10 years or more, and most of their tumors occurred on the side of their head where they usually held their phones. In March, after... (Continued here)

What do you think?

"Spiritual Support," A Review of "Prayerfully Expecting"

This review was posted at Amazon.Com and comes from a Catholic mother in Alaska named Heidi:

Donna Marie's book, Prayerfully Expecting, is a real gem. The monthly prayers and readings were such a tremendous help to me in making my pregnancy a truly blessed time of drawing closer to Our Lord and Our Lady. The "Mother's Daily Prayer for her Children" became especially precious to me as I called on many of the saints associated with motherhood and pregnancy to pray for us. When our baby suddenly came six weeks early, those prayers went with me to the neonatal ICU where I continued to pray them over our delicate little girl. Such comfort and peace this book brought to my whole pregnancy. I cannot think of a better gift for any expectant mother!!! Thank you, Donna, and may God bless you always.

***

Thank you very much for your review, Heidi. I am very grateful that you felt comforted during your pregnancy while you read Prayerfully Expecting and as you prayed for your tiny darling daughter when she was in the neonatal ICU. God is so very good!

God bless you and your beautiful family!

Big Hugs,

Donna-Marie

***

PS Heidi gave me permission to post a photo of her little bundle of joy and love! That's little Emily above on the right!

Check out CATHOLIC OUTPOST!

Catholic Outpost has a completely new look and a great focus! I am a featured blogger at their site. You can check out their very cool video here! Or you may click on the YouTube to the right.

You can go to CATHOLIC OUTPOST here.

Enjoy!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Keeping Prayer in Summer: A Mother's Strategy at CE today

My summer prayer article at Catholic Exchange today...

Just the thought of summer fast-approaching could bring thoughts of rest and relaxation to mind. We may recall the lazy days of summer during our youth. Summer may also mean anticipated excitement and adventure: exploring new places or trying new things.

Some families plan escapes to beaches and paradise vacations, while others may stay home and plan day trips to fun spots, the local library, or parks and recreation centers.

Summertime can be a time of well-deserved rest and also a welcome change of scenery. While making plans for our families this summer, let’s not forget about prayer. A change in schedule once we hit summertime and an eagerness to “get away from it all” could cause us to lose touch with our spiritual needs.

Prayer Strategies

One strategy to help us remain prayerful this summer is to begin each day with prayer. This simple suggestion may seem like a no-brainer to a praying individual; however the busyness of mornings and preparations for summer outings of even the well intentioned “pray-ers” can cause prayer time to become lost in the commotion.

Getting on our knees when we face each new day and giving it right over to the Lord will indeed start the day off with the proper disposition. Mothers should teach their children to do the same. A morning offering in our own words or a more formal version and prayer to our Guardian Angels at the breakfast table works very well with our captive hungry “audience!” We can offer our hearts to God throughout our days as well. Teaching our children to begin their days with prayer is an invaluable lesson that will remain with them as they grow older and navigate life on their own. Pope John Paul II emphasized the importance of family prayer

When making plans for family trips, perhaps we can think about including shrines, basilicas, and holy places in our trips. When researching places of interest for our family this summer, we can utilize the many Catholic magazines, newspapers, and websites that often highlight interesting places for pilgrimages and visits. We can attempt to attain that nice balance of nourishment for our family’s spiritual life and fun and enjoyment to relax and entertain our senses... (Continued here at Catholic Exchange)

(You can leave a comment at Catholic Exchange if you'd like)

Can anyone translate this for me?

This is interesting. Someone posted my photo of Mother Teresa with my son, Joseph on their blog which is in another language. Can anyone translate this for me?

By the way, CUTE baby in their blog header. :)

Haystack Full of Needles

I just found out that Alice from Cottage Blessings is releasing her first book Haystack Full of Needles! I haven't been blogging around much at all in quite some time since I have been buried with family (I love it) and work (I love it) and also recovering from a car accident (very challenging) so time is a rarity and I have to focus on the seemingly millions of things I have to get done! However, I made a quick visit to Alice's blog, Cottage Blessings and was amazed that her beautiful blog was even more beautiful, if that could be possible. You'll have to see and experience it yourself to understand what I am talking about! So, I emailed Alice to congratulate her and I will eventually be able to see her beautiful new book. I found out from Karen's blog that it is written in Alice's charming style of, well...Alice! Once you know Alice you love her. She's genuine and beautiful. So, I can't wait to see her new book!

You're going to have go on over to Karen's place and see what she has to say about Alice and her new book. Karen has quite a bit of information for you over at her blog. I'll be reviewing Alice's book at some point soon and will report back to you with my take on it.

The Blessed Mother and Breastfeeding

Isn't this wonderful?

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The loving, tender images of Mary breast-feeding the baby Jesus need an artistic and spiritual rehabilitation, said the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano.

A vast iconography of traditional Christian art has been "censored by the modern age" because images depicting Our Lady's naked breast for her child were deemed too "unseemly," the paper said June 19.

Artists began depicting a fully clothed nursing Mary in sacred art in an attempt to make her seem less "carnal," but the depictions unfortunately also diminished her human, loving and tender side "that touches the hearts and faith of the devout," the newspaper said.

The article, titled "Those Marys, Too Human, Censored by the Modern Age," was written by Christian historian Lucetta Scaraffia. It was one of two articles commenting on the release of a two-volume work documenting the variety in iconography and history of Mary. The work, "The Sword and Milk," by Tommaso Claudio Mineo, was published recently only in Italian by Rome's Pontifical Lateran University and presented to the public at a Vatican-sponsored event June 17.

The Vatican paper published the two commentaries in its June 19 edition along with a Renaissance portrait of Mary baring her breast, nursing a swaddled baby Jesus.

Salesian Father Enrico dal Covolo, a professor of classic and Christian literature at the Pontifical Salesian University, said in his commentary that a nursing Mary represents an interesting paradox: "He who gives nourishment to all things, Mary included, now lets himself be nourished by her.

"The Virgin Mary who nurses her son Jesus is one of the most eloquent signs that the word of God truly and undoubtedly became flesh," he wrote. And it was only by becoming fully human that the Son of God could save humanity from sin and death, the priest wrote.

Scaraffia said that when the early Christian theologians wrote about and artists represented Our Lady breast-feeding they were showing "concrete proof" of God's incarnation.

"Jesus was a baby like all others. ... His divinity does not exclude his humanity," she wrote.

This kind of Marian iconography can be traced back to Egypt and early Christian times, but it ends around the 16th or 17th century, both authors said.

Scaraffia wrote that the Protestant movement was quite critical of "the carnality and unbecoming nature of many sacred images." Even though Catholicism rejected this view, the condemnations still affected the church's approach to sacred art, as evidenced by artists later covering up the naked forms in the Sistine Chapel, she wrote.

The splintered views concerning the sanctity of the human body were not repaired and therefore an "artistic and spiritual rehabilitation" of a breast-feeding baby Jesus is needed, she wrote.

She said the sacred image of Mary nursing her child is "an image so concrete and loving" that it recalls her offering her body for nourishment and giving herself completely to her son as he offers his body and blood in the Eucharist and gave himself completely for others with his death and resurrection.(Catholic News Service)

Author Mary De Turris Poust has this to say at her blog, "Not Strictly Spiritual"

Surprise! Jesus Wasn't A Formula Baby
"It’s a rare moment when the Vatican can reaffirm the Incarnation and at the same time appease earth mothers everywhere, but Church officials pulled off that amazing feat recently when they declared that artistic images of Mary nursing the infant Jesus should be “rehabilitated.” It seems the images, which were quite common back in the day, were banned around the 16th or 17th century when breasts became taboo and were seen as either medical or erotic but, as is always confounding -- at least to me, not for the natural, God-given purposes for which they were created. The painting above, “Nursing Madonna” by the Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Solari, is one of the shocking depictions in question. Aren’t we humans too funny?

Of course Mary nursed Jesus. Back before the medical community convinced the world --at least the industrialized world -- that a man-made made powder full of artificial ingredients with names too long to pronounce was better than the absolutely perfect nutritional make-up of mother’s milk, everyone nursed. Can you imagine Mary, during the flight to Egypt, trying to find a Wal-Mart so she could pick up a case of Similac?

Perhaps we can forgive the fact that our Medieval counterparts were uncomfortable with the visual image of the Mother of God nursing the Son of God. After all, they were Medieval, for goodness sake. They... (Continued here)

The Ten Commandments of Driving for this week end!

The Ten Commandments of Driving

Cardinal Renato Martino's Pontifical Council for Migrants has issued “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road,” aka The Ten Commandments of Driving


1)You shall not kill.

2)The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

3)Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

4)Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.

5)Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

6)Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

7)Support the families of accident victims.

8)Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

9)On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

10)Feel responsible toward others.

Have a very happy and healthy FOURTH week end! Watch out for the drunk drivers on the road!! I hope you have some great FAMILY time!

God bless and hugs,
Donna-Marie

Are flip-flops bad for your health?

Did you hear about the new study about flip-flops and your health and safety? There's a bit about it here.

Review of Catholic Saints Prayer Book

By Hugh J.McNichol

The Catholic Church's arsenal of saints is truly a resource that is sadly overlooked by contemporary Catholics. Donna's synopsis of the lives of popular saints is a welcome addition to my spiritual reading library. The heroic lifestyles of the holy men and women that are portrayed in such a clearly spiritual manner by the author are refreshing reminders that all of us as Catholics are called to the ultimate vocation of sainthood. A great book for catechesis and religious education for all levels of faithful Catholics and those interested in learning about the "pillars" of Catholicism. Well done, this book is inspiration to Catholics seeking to identify more closely with the spiritual "heavy-hitters" that have achieved the ultimate title...Saint! Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle has done a great job bringing the great Catholic saints into our unique 21st century perspective.


You can see this review here and there's a place to post a comment.

The Catholic Carnival!

Don't forget about the Catholic Carnival!

Encouragement for the Journey of Motherhood: A Review of "The Heart of Motherhood"

THE HEART OF MOTHERHOOD: FINDING HOLINESS IN THE CATHOLIC HOME
Encouragement for the Journey of Motherhood

By Sarah Reinhard

This book came in a brown paper package a few months ago, and I saved it to be my hospital book (though it nearly killed me to see it sitting there so patiently on my shelf, waiting for the baby right along with me). What a book to read during those first few days with my new baby! As I savored the excitement of my new daughter, feeling much the way I remember feeling on the Christmas mornings of my single-digit years, Donna's book reminded me about the hard work and the bright rewards of motherhood. She doesn't gloss over the difficulty, nor does she make light of the responsibility. In this book, she does what she does so well - she encourages all of us mothers.

In the past few months, I've gotten to know Donna a bit, through her blogs and some emails we've exchanged, and reading this book was just like talking with Donna. Each chapter ends with prayer, the kind that you'll want to copy into your prayer book or post on your bathroom mirror. I felt the same sort of comfort in reading this book that I feel when I'm having a cup of tea with a dear friend. So go and grab a copy of this book and a steaming cup of tea. Donna has some words of encouragement for you!

***

Thank you very much, Sarah, for sharing your thoughts on The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home. I'm very happy that it brings encouragement, by God's good grace!

God bless!

Donna-Marie
aka "Mom Donna" to Sarah :)

The GIFT of Motherhood and "Daily Inspiration - a Review of "Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers"

This review for my book, Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers,was posted on Amazon.Com today:

A Daily Inpsiration, June 26, 2008
By Ann (Glenville, PA) -

This book was given to me by my sister/godmother at a time when I truly needed it. The insights and quotations strengthen my resolve every day to be more the wife and mother that I believe God would have me be. It is a resource that you can use every day, as I do, to remind you what a gift you have been granted through your motherhood.

***

Thank you very much, Ann! I am so happy that my book brings you daily strength and inspiration, by the grace of God!

God bless you!

Donna-Marie

My "Mom's Corner" segment with Teresa Tomeo

In case you didn't get a chance to tune in to my "Mom's Corner" segment yesterday morning with Teresa Tomeo about summertime prayer and proper summer attire for Mass, among other things, you can listen here.

Happy New Week and Happy Summer!

Happy Monday morning! My best GIRLFRIEND on the air, Teresa Tomeo and I just chatted live on Ave Maria Radio which is aired internationally through EWTN radio. We discussed summery issues: summer prayer, changes of schedule, strategies for keeping prayer in summer, and even modesty in dress for ourselves and our children, especially when attending Mass. I quoted a little bit from the Catholic Catechism about modesty in dress (#2521-2524).

I also referred to my summer prayer article which is here on my blog and at CatholicMom.Com.

You can hear the segment a little later on when I post the segment on my blogs after I receive the MP3 from their very kind and accommodating producer. He's the best!

This morning, I also hinted on the air at the end of our segment about my two new books for mothers coming out this fall! I will fill you in soon. :)

Enjoy your summer day. Start with prayer and offer it all to Him who gives us life!

God bless and hugs,
Donna

Mom's Corner on Monday morning with Teresa Tomeo!

We're on the air on Monday morning! I hope you can tune in! You can actually tune in from your computer by clicking here and then click "listen live." Teresa Tomeo and I will be doing our "Mom's Corner" segment at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time.

What are your thoughts right now about a mothering issue? What would you like to hear us discuss on Monday morning? Don't be shy! Send me a comment to this post or if you'd rather in an email, send it to DMCooperOBoyle(at) aol(dot)com.

Talk to you soon!

God bless and Hugs,
Donna-Marie

Canticle magazines's latest issue

The latest issue of Canticle is out and I hear it is an amazing one!

Canticle is "an excellent resource for women who are serious about growing in their faith, and who want to share their faith with others in their homes, their parishes, and their communities. Totally faithful to the Magisterium, dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and under the protection of St. Joseph, this quarterly publication is produced by Women of Grace ® and Living His Life Abundantly®."

You can go to this link at Heidi's Hotline to read about the contributing authors. You can go to Canticle magazine's website and order a copy of Canticle magazine and/or subscribe! If you are not already reading Canticle, you are really missing out. I kid you not! :) Canticle is the voice of "Women of Grace" which is associated with EWTN. Visit the Canticle website here.

Oh, did I tell you that this is me with Teresa Tomeo (my favorite girlfriend on the air!) and Cardinal Rylko on the cover? Card. Rylko is the President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him and in this photo I was giving my books to him.

I hope you enjoy the my article, "Women Thirsting for the Living Water: Mulieris Dignitatem and the International Women's Congress in Rome."

Pope Benedict says he hopes to visit Holy Land

Vatican City, Jun 19, 2008 / 10:04 am (CNA).- Members of the Aid Agency for the Oriental Churches were received in an audience by Pope Benedict this morning at the Vatican. At the audience, the Holy Father stressed the vital role of the Eastern Churches in working for peace and expressed his desire to visit the Holy Land.



Speaking to the group in Italian, English, German and French, the Pope said that the "everyday life and the special mission" of the Eastern Churches, "especially at the ecumenical and the inter-religious level, must be supported by the entire Catholic Church."


The Pope first spoke of the aid agency’s concern for religious communities in Armenia and Georgia "which were among the first to receive the light of Christ." These churches, he said, are able "by living humbly and fraternally with other Christian Churches, and by generously serving the poor … express in a very practical manner the communion of love proper to the universal Catholic Church."


Nonetheless, Pope Benedict said that he still worries about the difficult situation of Christians in Iraq, recalling the figure of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul of the Chaldeans, who died in tragic circumstances after being kidnapped on February 29 this year... (Continued here)

Miracle birth of baby along with miraculous survival of mother

Uplifting article about the choice for LIFE:

Mexico City, Jun 16, 2008 / 05:20 pm (CNA).- The director of Pre-Natal Care at the La Raza National Medical Center in Mexico City, Polita del Rocio Cruz, said this week the open heart surgery and C-section carried out simultaneously on a pregnant woman who had considered aborting her child “was a miracle with the help of God.”

Identified as Elizabeth, the young woman became pregnant at the age of 21 despite her use of contraceptive devices. Her doctor warned her that the pregnancy would be risky and that she should consider abortion.

“They gave me three months to decide,” Elizabeth told the Excelsior news agency, adding that she was also worried “that the baby would be born with a birth defect or some other problem, as such things can develop in any pregnancy during the first three months.”

“I decided to wait. If a problem came up, I would get an abortion. If not, then she’s hanging on to life for some reason,” Elizabeth said. At three months she had an ultrasound and the baby was in good health, so she decided to proceed with the pregnancy. (article continued here at Catholic News Agency)

"The School of the Home"

Check out Genevieve Kineke's article at Catholic Exchange today:

"In the domestic church, children learn a variety of things. Sharing a bathroom with siblings can be frustrating but essential to the give-and-take necessary to communal living. Finding the box of a favourite cereal emptied and trashed is familiar terrain, providing an opportunity to make sacrifices and forgive. Living with the disappointment of a busy father missing a stellar game offers the means for a child to grow in understanding in this fallen world. In each case, a strong family should remind its members to apologise, make reparation, and retool its priorities when necessary. Sometimes families are schools of hard knocks while still managing to be a haven for unconditional love.

Children encounter a host of trials in the modern world that throw them off balance — challenging their abilities to receive love and love in return. Some, like divorce and abandonment, are so overwhelming that a variety of outside resources are needed to help them cope. Stacks of new books are aimed at holding their young hands and offering sage advice and a mental framework that will help them process these shocks. The divorce manuals, explanations about death, and sweet introductions to the “new families” are now supplemented by a new title, My Beautiful Mommy, by Dr. Michael Salzhauer.

This plastic surgeon has performed hundreds of “mommy makeovers” and knows how confusing the procedure can be for children. Kids normally associate doctors with illness and bandages with trauma-so seeing their mother hospitalized and incapacitated is frightening. No so! With this helpful illustrated tool, children will know that all is well.

Or will they?..." (Continued here.)

"Motherhood Interrupted"

I just found this website and book through Catholic Exchange called, "Motherhood Interrupted," which is a Catholic Ministry for post abortive healing.

"Motherhood Interrupted is a compilation of stories
by women who have experienced an abortion and its
painful after effects. The book chronicles their journeys
toward healing and redemption through
God's mercy and forgiveness." (quote from the website)

You may check it out here. It may be a place you can suggest to those in pro-life work or to someone you know who may be hurting inside because of having had an abortion.

EWTN's Religious Catalogue

My Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers (Our Sunday Visitor Pub. Co.) at EWTN's online store is here. All of my books will be sold in the very near future through EWTN since I was recently profiled on their "Book Mark" television show with Doug Keck. I will be sure to let you know when the episode will air.

"Joan's Rome" blog about President Bush and Pope Benedict

UPDATED LINK


Joan Lewis is EWTN's Rome Bureau Chief stationed right near the Vatican. You can see St. Peter's from her dining room window! What a beautiful view she has there! I had the distinct pleasure of spending much tme with Joan while I was in Rome, participating in the International congress for women for the 20th anniversary of Mulieris Dignitatem. Joan also interviewed me on Vatican Radio (which you can listen to from my blogs by looking in the right hand column to find it and then clicking on the link).

Joan also invited my two daughters that I brought with me to Rome, as well as Teresa Tomeo, (my best girlfriend on the air at Ave Maria Radio!) who is a dear friend of Joan's to a lovely dinner at Joan's home on our first evening in Rome. Teresa and Joan have been friends for quite some time and I am just so happy that Teresa has "shared" Joan with me! We were able to be together on many more occasions together while in Rome in February. I feel so very blessed and honored to know Joan.

Go on over to "Joan's Rome" to read her blog about President Bush's visit with Pope Benedict. You can read her post and see many photos here. Her coverage of the event is excellent! I love her title and commentary! "POPE BENEDICT OFFERS U.S. PRESIDENT BUSH UNPRECEDENTED WELCOME...Oval Office meets Round Office – so to speak."

Keeping Prayer in Summer: A Mother's Strategy

Keeping Prayer in Summer: A Mother’s Strategy
By Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

Just the thought of summer fast-approaching could bring thoughts of rest and relaxation to mind. We may recall the lazy days of summer during our youth. Summer may also mean anticipated excitement and adventure; exploring new places or trying new things.

Some families plan escapes to beaches and paradise vacations, while others may stay home and plan day trips to fun spots, the local library, or parks and recreation centers.

Summertime can be a time of well-deserved rest and also a welcome change of scenery. While making plans for our families this summer, let’s not forget about the prayer. A change in schedule once we hit summertime and an eagerness to “get away from it all” could cause us to lose touch with our spiritual needs.

Prayer Strategies

One strategy to be sure that we keep prayerful this summer is to begin each day with prayer. This simple suggestion may seem like a no-brainer to a praying individual; however the busyness of mornings and preparations for summer outings of even the well intentioned “pray-ers” can cause prayer time to become lost in the commotion.

Getting on our knees when we face each new day and giving it right over to the Lord will indeed start the day off with the proper disposition. Mothers should teach their children to do the same. A morning offering in our own words or a more formal version and prayer to our Guardian Angels at the breakfast table works very well with our captive hungry “audience!” We can offer our hearts to God throughout our days as well. Teaching our children to begin their day with prayer is an invaluable lesson that will remain with them as they grow older and navigate life on their own. Pope John Paul II emphasized the importance of family prayer... (Continued at CatholicMom.Com)

Church Bulletin Bloopers!

Church Bulletin Bloopers

Perhaps I am being irreverent to pass these funny bloopers along to you on Sunday. I hope not! They made me laugh. :) Out loud! Seriously. Maybe I am just over tired due to lack of sleep because of all of the thunderstorms last night, the high humidity, and lack of electricity. I hope you'll get a giggle out of a couple of these, at least!

And...to all of you writers out there, see what a few misplaced words can do?

So here we go...I am told," Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:"

1. Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight
at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all
the way from Africa.

2. Announcement in a church bulletin for a national PRAYER &
FASTING Conference: "The cost for attending the Fasting & Prayer
Conference
includes meals.

3. The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The
sermon
tonight: "Searching for Jesus."

4. Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in
the recreation hall - Come out and watch us
kill Christ the King.

5. Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get
rid of
those things not worth keeping around the
house. Don't forget your husbands.

6. The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due
to a conflict.

7. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile
at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to
someone who doesn't care much about you.

8. Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

9. Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again,"
giving
obvious pleasure to the congregation.

10. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a
nursery downstairs.

11. Next Thursday there will be try outs for the choir. They need all
the help they can get.

12. Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more
transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of
Pastor Jack's sermons.

13. The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir
will sing: " Break Forth Into Joy."

14. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the
church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

15. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall.
Music will follow.

16. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What
Is
Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

17. Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of
several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

18. Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be
recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

19. Please place your donation in the envelope along with the
deceased person you want remembered.

20. Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a healthy
lunch.

21 The church will host an evening of fine dining, super
entertainment and gracious hostility.

22. Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to
follow.

23. The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind.
They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

24. This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn sing in the park across
from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

25. Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM All
ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

26. The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation
would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next
Sunday.

27. Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please
use the back door.

28. The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in
the
Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this
tragedy.

29. Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian
Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

30. The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign
slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge ! - Up Yours!"


******************************

I hope you have a JOYFUL day!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Teens and substance abuse: Are teens listening to parental advice?

Susan Brinkmann, staff writer for Women of Grace recently said that teens DO LISTEN. She just wrote an informative article about teens and substance abuse. You can check it out here.

A life saved!

I recently heard from a woman who regularly prays outside of an abortion clinic and actively seeks helpers to come and pray and bear witness. This woman is a lovely prayerful soul who often shares beautiful stories about those who have changed their minds and decided not to have the abortions because of the loving presence of the sidewalk counselors and pray-ers outside the clinics. I am including an excerpt from her recent email:


"On Saturday I had the privilege of speaking with a young mother who had her 5 year old boy with her in front of PP. I began speaking to her offering her our assistance and literature when she assured me she was not coming for an abortion. She wanted me to meet her son who was almost aborted 5 years back when they did abortion at the xxxxxx street women's center location. She told me that those who were out there praying that day helped her from allowing them to kill her son who she loves more than anything. The boy was smiling and joyful. I watched in great thanksgiving to Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother as I watched the two of them walk away into the busy world. For a moment looking into that little boys eyes, time truly stood still. Never underestimate what your prayers and presence can do for these mothers and babies and especially for Our Lord to whom these children belong. Come out and pray with us, these mothers and babies need you.

May God bless you,

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"


GLORY TO YOU O LORD!!

Baby Macie Hope was "born" twice

Read this incredible article about little baby Macie Hope who was "born" twice! Doctors actually performed surgery on her outside of the womb about six months before her birth recently. The story is here.

Organ donation and my previous post

Please take a moment to read the previous post about organ donation and the comments that came in about it as well as my own in response to their comments.

Thanks and God bless!

Donna-Marie

This is why I am not an organ donor

As much as I love to help others, even with body parts, so far I have never ever felt inclined to offer my organs after my "death" for fear that my organs may be snatched before I am actually dead!

Please read this article that I found over at Catholic Exchange which is an article courtesy of LifeSiteNews.com.

"A Virginia family was shocked but relieved when their mother, Val Thomas, woke up after doctors said she was dead. 59 year-old Mrs. Thomas, while being kept breathing artificially, had no detectable brain waves for more than 17 hours. The family were discussing organ donation options for their mother when she suddenly woke up and started speaking to nurses. Ethicists have strongly criticised developments in organ donation criteria that would have made Mrs. Thomas a candidate for having her organs removed before she woke up.

At 1:30 am Saturday May 17, Mrs. Thomas’ heart had stopped beating and she had no pulse when the family called paramedics. She was without a heartbeat or oxygen for 15to 20 minutes before being put on a ventilator and transported to a Charleston, West Virginia hospital.

An attempt was made to lower her body temperature but her heart stopped three times causing doctors to estimate that her chance of survival was less than 10 per cent. The ventilator was kept running for nearly 18 hours and rigor mortis had set in while Mrs. Thomas’ family considered organ donation. The decision was taken to discontinue life support but ten minutes into the process, Mrs. Thomas moved her arm and began speaking to nurses...." (Continued here.)

Catholic Mom contest!

Go on over and see what Lisa Hendey is up to. I hear she's having a great contest! Check it out at now right here!

My trip to EWTN in Alabama

Last week I left for Chicago as I have posted earlier, to attend the RBTE (Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit). Over 300 book store buyers come from all over the world to get copies of the displayed books at the HUGE event. It was a very nice experience and then I was whisked off to the next hotel to be closer to the airport since I had to catch a very early flight to Birmingham, Alabama to be taped on some EWTN television shows.

As many of you already are aware, I was one of 260 delegates from around the world to participate in an international women's congress in Rome earlier this year. I felt very honored and humbled to be able to be part of a group of women (and a few good men) to "go up to the mountain" to listen, study, reflect, and pray together on the Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem/On The Dignity and Vocation of Women penned by our dear Pope John Paul II twenty years ago. The Pontifical Council for the Laity invited the delegates to come together from five continents and about 46 countries to listen to presenters, Biblical scholars, theologians and women from various parts of the world presenting the issues that they face as women in their countries. We heard some incredible stories and shared an amazing and intense three days together--a history-making event that I am sure will be etched in my memory. The profundity of the experience is still sinking in with me.


(In this photo, I am presenting my books to Cardinal Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity as as "Catholic Connection" radio host and author, Teresa Tomeo looks on)

Because of this Vatican experience, EWTN arranged with TV host, Colleen Carroll Campbell to conduct a four part series of round table discussions about women and the culture on Colleen's show "Faith & Culture." I was honored to be among these women who comprised the series: Author, and host, the lovely and very accommodating Colleen Carroll Campbell, author, Genevieve Kineke, author, Dale O'Leary, Notre Dame University's Elizabeth Kirk, and "Catholic Connection" radio host and author, Teresa Tomeo. We hope that the shows will be enlightening, informative and may spark an interest in viewers to read and reflect upon the Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem, the first letter written exclusively for women. It has been my experience that women have been brought to tears during my talks about women's God-given gifts and dignity while speaking about it and quoting from Pope John Paul II's beautiful affirming words.


(On the set of "Faith & Culture" with the American delegates who are in the four part series)

For more information about Colleen Carroll Campbell's show, "Faith & Culture" you may go to Colleen's website.



"Faith & Culture" is scheduled to air throughout August!(Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time and Wednesdays at 11 p.m. Eastern Time). If you don't have EWTN, you can also watch the shows on the Internet at those times. They will also eventually re-air on radio.

Here are the dates you can expect to see the shows on TV:

August 3 and 6: Women's Round table on Mulieris Dignitatem; episode one (Dale, Genevieve, Elizabeth)

August 10 and 13: Women's Round table on Mulieris Dignitatem; episode two (Dale, Genevieve, Teresa)

August 17 and 20: Women's Round table on Mulieris Dignitatem; episode three (Genevieve, Elizabeth, Donna)

August 24 and 27: Women's Round table on Mulieris Dignitatem; episode four (Teresa, Donna, Elizabeth)

After finishing up a full day of taping for the series, I had the treat of being in the studio audience of the "Life on the Rock" show in which Teresa Tomeo and Colleen Carroll Campbell were the guests. Fr. Mark and Doug Barry of RADIX (new to the show and a GREAT addition) did a wonderful job moderating and discussing our cultural climate today. I have to say that Teresa and Colleen did a brilliant job in expressing their concerns about the culture today; pointing out several areas to watch out for as well as some things we can do to help.




Some of us were able to spend some time together after the show and had a bite to eat. Teresa, Colleen, and I stayed up much too late that night because we embraced the time we had together, staying at the Madonna House at EWTN in Birmingham; catching up and discussing many issues. All the while knowing that morning would come quickly and both Teresa and Colleen had early flights out and I had a show to tape. I felt like the "Mother Hen" who every so often would say, "We'd better get to bed." But we didn't get to bed until it was the wee hours of the morning! So much to talk about and so little time!

The following morning, I had to be up bright eyed for my show with the very gracious, Doug Keck for an EWTN "Book Mark" series in which we discussed all of my books: Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine Month Novena for Mothers-To-Be, Catholic Prayer Book For Mothers, The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home, and Catholic Saints Prayer Book, my newest book. This show will be aired sometime in the near future and when I know for sure, I will let you know.



God bless you!

Yesterday was a very sad day!

Yesterday was Becca's funeral. Rebecca Payne is the beautiful and vibrant twenty two year old friend of our family who was murdered recently in her off campus dorm in Boston.

It was an extremely tough day for Becca's friends and family. You can read an article from this morning's "News Times" by staff writer, Nanci G. Hutson, which begins:

"NEW MILFORD -- The sun was shining Monday as Virginia and Nicholas Payne bid farewell to their daughter, a Northeastern University senior killed in her off-campus apartment two weeks ago.

The summer skies seemed apropos to many of the about 300 people who attended Rebecca Charlotte Payne's funeral at St. John's Episcopal Church on the Green, because they recalled she had such a sunny, vibrant personality and embraced life with vigor.

'It seems cruel to have such a beautiful day and to have to use it for such a sad occasion, but the sunshine today is Becca's presence," Stephen Flanagan, one of her history teachers at New Milford High School, told mourners. 'You see the impact of her life today, as so many people are at her service. She really was full of hope and love and goodness.'

Later, during the processional to Center Cemetery, Flanagan said the church service, which opened with a saxophone-accompanied duet of "My Heart Goes On" from the movie "Titanic," was 'a beautiful service that captured her spirit.'"

You may read the article here. I am quoted in the story.

May God bless the Payne family, especially Becca's parents. Please dear Lord, give them hope and strength for each day. Amen.

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)

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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".