Our Guardian Angels

On this feast of the Guardian Angels I'd like to take a moment to reflect on these powerful intercessors and friends.

My friend and former spiritual director, Fr. John A. Hardon SJ (now deceased) has said in his book, Theology of Prayer (St. Paul Editions) "The angels are pure spirits who have no bodies like our own but they are persons no less than we. They are intelligent beings whom God has brought into being to praise, love and serve Him no less than us. They are the angels who proved their loyalty to God and are now in heaven with God, never to be separated from him. Their role in God's plan for the universe, and how this bears emphasis, is to serve our needs. They are literally the guardians of the human race.And it is part of our faith that each one of us has his or her own guardian spirit...Within the realm of created beings the angels are more like God because they are pure creatures having no body, but they are also like us because we too have a mind and a will, so we can talk to the angels. The angels are providential intermediaries between God, whose vision they already enjoy, and mankind, whom they are entrusted to lead to the vision not yet attained. We therefore have not only the privilege but the duty to talk with the angels in easy, intimate and frequent conversation."

Are we conversing with out Guardian Angels? Frequently? We should be. They are our friends and powerful intercessors! Most of us have no idea of the magnitude of the blessing of the Angels. We should not squander the privilege of conversation with them. They help us immensely. We can send our Angel before us in the case of an important meeting or situation. Our Angel will "pave the way." We should teach our children to pray to their Guardian Angels frequently. As a parent, we can pray to our infant's and children's Guardian Angels on their behalf. Each family has a separate Guardian Angel that watches over the family too.

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day (night) be at my side to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Take a look at this powerful 3 minute video!

For more information about Catholic vote, visit here.

Sturdy Totes for Carrying All of Your Stuff!

I am now offering sturdy totes for busy Moms, GrandMoms, women, and others who are dashing around with their arms full on their way to activities and such. Put your stuff in one of these cute totes and ease your carrying! Each tote will be imprinted with my blogger header artwork on each side. There will be a "Daily Donna-Marie" on one side and "Embracing Motherhood" on the other. You may request to have both sides with the same imprint if you prefer.

The colors are white or natural. Please specify when you order. The natural color is a bit thicker and is shown at the right here. The price is only $12.99 plus shipping and handling (for US orders). You may use the Pay Pal button or send $12.99 plus $3.50 shipping and handling to Donna-Marie at PO Box 773, New Milford, CT 06776, USA.

Special Prayer to Our Blessed Mother for those in the path of the hurricane

Litany of Our Lady of Prompt Succor

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Mother of the Infant Jesus, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of all who invoke you with confidence, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of all who are devout toward the Infant Jesus, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining a lively faith, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor for sustaining the hope of Christians, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining and persevering in charity, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor for observing the law of God, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor for observing perseverance in virtue and good works, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every spiritual necessity, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the revolt of self-will, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor in the occasion of sin, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every temptation, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the evil spirit, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor for obtaining contrition, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of those wishing to re-enter the path of salvation, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor for the conversion of sinners, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every temporal necessity, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every affliction, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of afflicted families, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of the sick and the poor, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor against contagious diseases and epidemics, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor in every accident, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor against destruction by fire, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor against lightning and tempest, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor against destruction by flood, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of travelers, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of navigators, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of the shipwrecked, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the enemies of our country, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor in time of war, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of those aspiring to the holy priesthood and the religious life, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of laborers in the Lord's vineyard, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of missionaries who spread the faith, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor of our Holy Father the Pope, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor for those searching for the faith, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor against the enemies of the Church, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor at the hour of death, pray for us.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor for the deliverance of the souls in purgatory, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V: Our Lady of Prompt Succor, pray for us.

R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

O Almighty and Eternal God, Who sees us surrounded by so many dangers and miseries, grant in Your infinite goodness that the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Your Divine Son, may defend us from the evil spirit and protect us against all adversities, that always and with prompt succor she may deliver us from every evil of soul and body, and safely guide us to the kingdom of heaven, through the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Contemplation:

If our eyes are always on heaven and God, at the end of life we will find ourselves in His Presence.

(Recitation of the Rosary)

Imprimatur:
Joseph F. Rummel
Archbishop of New Orleans.
New Orleans.
February 11, 1936.

As long as we have those prayers going out...

Please also pray for two other new Catholic mother's groups who will be doing a study using my book, The Heart of Motherhood. Two women from different areas of the country - Domini will be leading one and Jane will be leading the other. Inspiration must be in the air for Catholic mothers at this time of year! Please say a prayer for their groups as they get started and as they embark on their mother's study. May God bless them all!

Thanks!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

I will be on EWTN Sunday morning and at other times coming up

(photo of the American delegates who attended the congress in Rome earlier this year and who are on the shows)

Just a quick note to let you know that I will be on EWTN television tomorrow and Wednesday, as well as the following Sunday and Wednesday. The times I will give here are for Eastern Standard Time. You'll have to check for your own area.

Additionally I do have a little "button" in the right hand column of my blogs to view EWTN television right from your computer if you are living in an area without EWTN, such as my friend, Heidi who is in Alaska. So, be sure to check the "button" out.

Here is the info copied from my blogs:



"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)


I hope that your summer is going well!



God bless you!

Donna-Marie

SNEAK PEEK! Book Review: The Domestic Church, Room by Room

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle at previous book signing event.

Book Review by Hugh McNichol: The Domestic Church, Room by Room by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle to be released in October
[now with fixed links]

Editor's note: This book is actually a study guide for Catholic mothers to be conducted within a group setting. It can also be done individually.

"I recently had the chance to read the finished galley copy of Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle’s latest book, The Domestic Church, Room by Room. This incredible text illustrates for all Catholics the need not only to practice the faith on Sunday mornings in our parish communities, but also in every aspect of our personal and domestic activities. Donna provides a tour of the Catholic home and associates particular scriptural, doctrinal and social significance with each room and asks the reader to prayerfully consider their own role as a parent, spouse, child or sibling in living the Catholic lifestyle in all aspects of their personal domestic lives.

The book is intended for mothers to share with other mothers the richness of tradition and spirituality that is associated with Catholic motherhood that also includes the great responsibility of promoting the family’s appreciation of faith on a daily basis. The fact that the author makes the book …interactive between prayer, reading and interrogatory dialogues is a magnificent indication and re-affirmation of the Catholic belief in parental responsibility in the religious education of their children. Donna’s inclusion of the Catechism of the Catholic Church further solidifies the theological responsibility that the Church entrusts to Catholic mothers (and fathers) in the establishment of a Catholic household..." (Continued here and here at the reviewer's blog.)

Humanae Vitae: Forty Years Later

From Fr. James:
"You may be surprised to learn that prior to 1930 every Christian denomination agreed in their opposition to artificial birth control. In 1930, the Anglican Church, motivated by increasing social pressures, stated that artificial birth control could be allowed in some circumstances. Shortly thereafter the Anglicans gave in, allowing contraception. Since then, all other Protestant denominations followed the example of the Church of England. Today, the Catholic Church stands alone in opposition to artificial birth control. However, even though the Catholic Church affirms that artificial birth control is intrinsically evil, the majority of Catholics in America completely rejects and ignores the Church's teaching on procreation.

The first cries for change within the Catholic Church came about in the late 1950's and the early 1960's with the availability of the birth control pill. In July of 1968, Pope Paul VI published an encyclical letter Humanae Vitae (On Human Life) which reaffirmed the constant teaching of the Catholic Church that artificial birth control is intrinsically evil. The encyclical was confronted by a massive revolt within the Catholic Church and it is believed that 96% of Catholics in this country completely reject Humanae Vitae.

Why does the Catholic Church affirm that artificial birth control is intrinsically evil? The reason is founded on this principle: every marital act must keep together "the inseparable connection, established by God, which man on his own initiative may not break, between the unitive significance and the procreative significance which are both inherent to the marriage act (Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, 12)..." (Continued here)

"Mom's Corner" Radio segment!

If you didn't get a chance to catch the "Mom's Corner" segment the other day with Teresa Tomeo and myself on "Catholic Connection" on Ave Maria Radio (through EWTN) you can check it out now by clicking here. I hope you enjoy it. :)

God bless your day!

Donna-Marie

A Review of Catholic Prayer Book For Mothers

Elizabeth from A Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars just posted this beautiful review of my Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers

Something to Help Us Mothers Along

Donna-Marie has done it again! Just when I thought I had no really good material to work with to get through the pre-teen years with not just one, but TW@! girls in the house, my prayers are answered.

Another beautifully hardcovered treasure trove of personalized prayers to throw in your purse and/or keep tucked under your pillow at night.

Donna's "Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers" is 12 short chapters reaching far and wide the vocation of motherhood's needs and inspirations.

There are poems, reflections, formal, and beautifully written prayers from her heart. Here's a poem I especially liked:



The Rosary, One Decade at a Time
Because caring for my family
Demands my full attention,
Please, Lord, accept my Rosary
One Decade at a Time.

When the children are fed and dishes washed
And baby is asleep,
I can borrow some time now to kneel down
And pray a decade of the Rosary.

And later, as I sit and rock and nurse my baby,
My heart goes out to You, my Lord.
As I recite the second decade....."

This is a book to be cherished daily as we work the fields in God's creation. Once again, I am very thankful for the amazingly gifted Catholic community we have, it is not an easy road to pave the Catholic way with children in tow and husbands to keep healthy and happy, but we can do it...with the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Thank you so very much, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, for the gift of you!

***

Thank YOU, Elizabeth for your very kind words. I pray that this book will inspire you and aid you in guiding your beautiful girls!

May God bless you and your beautiful family!

Hugs,

Donna-Marie

Win Two Books: What's your opinion on my new "Header" for "Embracing Motherhood?

Please let me know what you think of my new header for "Embracing Motherhood." I will put all of the comments into a drawing to win a copy of each of my new books coming out this October for mothers! One is a mother's study guide book and one is an inspirational book for mothers. These books address all mothers - biological, adoptive, stepmothers, Godmothers, single mothers, and grandmothers. I think you are going to love them, if I may say so myself. :)

So, get your comments in on the "header" and be honest. Your opinion matters to me and ALL comments will go into the drawing to win BOTH books!

So what are you waiting for?

God bless you!

Donna-Marie

Want to Know What's Going on in Sydney at the World Youth Day?

Be sure to check out the World Youth Day Central regularly for scedules and all kinds of good stuff! Just click here!

I have also been posting a lot of good information about World Youth Day 2008 at my "Daily Donna-Marie blog. Go over and take a look!

Blessings on your week end!

Donna-Marie

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

"Just" a Mom!

Someone sent me this beautiful reflection on motherhood!

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is, " explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a ...?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,'housewife' covers it,"

said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself

in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more

distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood!

What a glorious career!

Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers
"Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"
And great grandmothers
"Executive Senior Research Associates?"
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants."

Didn't you just love that?

updated link to Vatican radio interview

I have updated the link in my post in the right column about my interview on Vatican radio with Joan Lewis, EWTN's news bureau chief. Check it out by clicking on the post in the right hand column.

Sorry, but I just found out that this link might take you to another interview even though it has my name listed. I have sent an email to EWTN to ask for the link and will update this as soon as I have the information.

Busy at "Daily Donna-Marie"

Well, it's sure been busy over at "Daily Donna-Marie" yesterday. Go take a look.

UNICEF is a sponsor to an initiative that supports legal abortion!

From Catholic News Agency:

"New York, Oct 8, 2007 / 10:53 am (CNA).- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is a sponsor to an initiative that includes support for legal abortion.

The initiative, titled "Deliver Now for Women and Children," was launched in New York last week by various United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations. UNICEF has persistently denied that it supports abortion in any way, shape, or form.

The "Deliver Now" campaign's stated objective is the improvement of maternal and child health. It lists a number of severe maladies that affect maternal health, concluding “most maternal deaths could be prevented if women had access to and could use professional care.” The campaign defines quality care as including “services before and during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, as well as safe abortion.” "Safe abortion" is often a synonym for legal abortion..." (See entire article here.)

Tune in tomorrow to "Mom's Corner!"

Tune in tomorrow morning at 9:15 AM Eastern Standard Time to hear the newest segment of my Mom's Corner" with Teresa Tomeo on "Catholic Connection" on Ave Maria Radio. We will be discussing a timely and urgent topic for parents regarding our "tween age" and teen age girls and the pressures on them from our culture. Join us and feel free to call in with a question or comment. You can listen in at this link from your computer!

For all you bakers and chocolate eaters...

"Kraft Foods Inc. has recalled 288,000 packages of white chocolate baking squares on fears of salmonella contamination, the latest in a wave of U.S. food safety alerts and the third chocolate-related salmonella warning in the past year.

The Northfield-based food giant issued the recall late Wednesday for certain six-ounce packages of Baker's Premium White Chocolate Baking Squares.

The recall came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration detected salmonella in some packages of Baker's Premium, Kraft said. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, and can create life-threatening infections in people with weakened immune systems..." ( See entire story here.)

"If today you hear His voice..."

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord;
let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the Lord who made us.
For he is God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock
he guides.

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
"Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works."

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Psalm 95)

***

Do we hear our Lord's voice today? Is He calling us through our spouses and our children? Is He speaking to us through our neighbor who wants ten minutes of our time (when we are in a hurry) to vent about a problem, hoping for a loving response? Is our Lord calling us through our duties in our household that sometimes seem to loom over us with a burdensome pressure? Is our Lord asking us for ten minutes of our time to retreat to our hearts to truly listen to Him? Is our Lord asking us to meet Him in the Blessed Sacrament where He waits for us; wanting to shower us with His love and blessings and tremendous peace? Is our Lord perhaps calling us to reach out to the lonely around us, allowing His love to shine through us to transform their hearts and bring them closer to Him? Where is our Lord calling us? Do we dare ask Him?