Please pray for the devastated parents of this murdered young lady

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE HERE

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

He could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

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

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

UPDATED NOW WITH THIS NEWS STORY FROM THE BOSTON GLOBE

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

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

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

God bless,

Donna-Marie

Catholic Exchange and Sarah's article

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

If you think you have worries...

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

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

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

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

Thank you and God bless!

Donna-Marie

The Rosary and our Mother in the month of May

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview on Vatican Radio

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

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

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's day to all of you!

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

Prayer to Jesus Asking for Help to LIVE My Prayers

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

***

Forever a Mother

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

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

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

***

Always a Mother

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

Update # 3 on Jessica's trip home

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

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

THANK YOU very much for your prayers!

God bless you!

Donna-Marie

From Anne in Australia on Amazon.Com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

God bless and thanks so much!

Donna-Marie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you'll join us!

God bless you!

Beautiful holy water font craft

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

Make a Place for the Blessed Mother

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

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

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

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

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

***

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


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

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

***

Thank you very much, Rist and Kim! :)

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

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

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

Out of the mouths of babes...

I just heard this little story this morning...


"A teacher and her young students were discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture had a different hair color than the other members. One of her students suggested that he was adopted. A little girl said, 'I know all about adoption, I was adopted..'

'What does it mean to be adopted?', asked another child.

'It means,' said the girl, 'that you grew in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy!'"

Praying for children to come back to the fold...

Recently a friend shared with me that her adult son, who has been searching for direction - for purpose - for God - had asked her directly one day out of the blue, why she had decided to become a Catholic. He had been thinking about all other religions and what they were all about.
This Mom had been praying for her son passionately each and every day, concerned for his soul, as did St. Monica for her dear son, Augustine. This friend told me that the best way she could answer her son was in the form of a letter. She shared her beautiful sincere words with me privately. I asked her if I could share her letter here at "Embracing Motherhood" to give others inspiration and hope and possibly the idea to pray for this son of hers and all sons and daughters who are out there searching in this big world of choices, mixed messages, and confusion.

Here is this Mom's private letter to her son with names left out, of course:

Why Did I Decide to Become a Catholic?

Dear xxxxxxx,

You asked me about me, so I will just tell my story. I know that you are you different from me, and your story is and will be different. I am going to tell it as "story", or rather as a narrative.

As you know, I started out as a protestant, and at some point in high school I felt I was coming up short, that something was missing. I went seeking. I didn't want to just go from church to church, and see which one I liked from the services and the people. I wanted to know first what they believed. Something made me interested in a Unitarian church in town (maybe a friend at school?). So I did a bit of research and found out they didn't believe in the Trinity, so I said: Forget that one, I believe in the Trinity (though I don't remember it actually being taught to me as such, but I knew it from a song we sang frequently at my childhood church: Praise God from whom all blessings flow...Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost." ). Well, after looking into that one church, I just drifted along with my church, and didn't really look actively anymore (I'd really looked hard, huh? :) ), but I remained kind of open.

Then one day my best friend told me she had hidden a Green Scapular in my wallet and had been saying the prayer on it for me, which was a little prayer to Mary, and she explained to me about devotion to Mary. When I was a younger kid, my Dad had made disparaging remarks about Catholics being devoted to Mary. Then one day, probably when I was about nine or ten, I was reading my Bible and I came across something interesting. It was Mary speaking to St. Elizabeth, "From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." I rushed out to show Grandpa that this was in the Bible! So when my girlfriend talked to me many years later about devotion to Mary, it made sense to me that if she is blessed, that we could go to Jesus through her, as well as to Jesus directly. I knew no other religion that honored Mary, and I also liked the idea of having a Mother with me all the time that I could look to for help and guidance.

The next day my friend told me that "the Catholic Church is the one true Church" and she showed me in a book how all the other churches broke off from the Catholic Church. I swallowed hard. It was very hard on my pride to think of "one true Church" after all those years - to think that I'd been taught wrong, and that I had been wrong. But I had learned in my own Sunday school when I was a bit younger that the Church Jesus founded took the name Catholic at some point. And as part of a Girl Scout project in junior high, I had even studied the history of my church, including where it had come from, tracing it back along a long line of splits from one denomination to another, seeing that each denomination was just a split from another denomination, and ultimately a few were splits directly from the Catholic Church. So, when she talked to me about the Catholic Church, I just started thinking: Since there is a Church which was originally founded by Jesus, why would I want to go with any other?

The third reason I chose to be a part of Catholicism was the Holy Eucharist. I can't say that I have always "felt" the presence of Jesus in an emotional type way every time I've ever been in a Catholic church. However, in general, unless something is in the way, being in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is a peaceful feeling for me. Back when I was in high school, my girlfriend once took me to make a visit to a church, and I felt so much peace there. One day a few weeks or months later, I arrived at my church early for youth group, so I walked on over to the Catholic church again and went in. I felt again that peace. It was similar to the feeling of peace that I would find sitting on my nightstand watching a storm outside my bedroom window.

I had always felt close to God in nature, but when I learned that He is present in a special way in the Blessed Sacrament, it was a similar joy to realizing that He had founded a Church. It was where I wanted to be as often as possible...there with Jesus for a few minutes' visit or to receive Holy Communion. When I was young and single (and even married before children), I attended daily Mass...not because I thought I "ought to" but because I wanted to be there where Jesus was present in a special way.

So those are basically my reasons for choosing the Catholic Church rather than a protestant sect. My explanations aren't terribly intellectual, I suppose, but my reasons and feelings were deep enough to see me through and out of a cult (when I left it, a couple friends in xxxxxxx were surprised that I stayed Catholic. I was like, "Um, yeah, why wouldn't I??"). My reasons have been strong enough to see me through a lot of other things, as well.

Someone who has studied apologetics could probably tell you more about each of these factors in my decision, and others as well, but this was my story.

Love, Mom

*******

Let's say a special prayer today for this Mom and son and for all sons and daughters around the world who are trying to find their way. Families need our prayers, especially today.

Let's try also to hang onto our family times and be sure to insert the prayer - always. Pray in the morning, at meals, in the evening, and all throughout the day. Let's make our life a prayer and be an example to others, especially our children who are watching our every move and listening to every word. Our Lord wants us to raise all of our little saints to Heaven. Without prayer, we will fail.

Please dear Lord, look kindly upon families all around the world, families who are struggling to survive, struggling to find their way, families who don't know You or have turned their back on You. Please give us strength, an increase in faith, in hope, and in love, so that we may be an example to our own family, families out in the world, and to the society that mocks You. Dear Lord, we love You! Amen

Please pray for this mother of young children

I just found out about this young mother, Emilie who has very young children, one is a baby, who needs prayers right now. She and her family need our prayers. In a note to her friends she said, "Thank you for all your prayers and support, and please keep them coming. I need to hold onto hope that miracles are possible. And even if there is no miracle, or not the kind I wish for, I need your support to stay strong and face this with courage. And Steve needs your support, too. And our poor, sweet boys. Thank you."

I'll send you over to her blog here so you can see for yourself and read Emilie's own words about her situation. Please say a prayer for her today and continue, if you will. We all have to pray for one another throughout life's journey. Emilie and her family need us now.

Dear Blessed Mother Mary, please bring this family peace and healing. Wrap them in your mantle of love. Dear sweet Jesus, give them strength, increase their faith, their hope, and their love. Amen.

If you can please spare a few moments, I invite you to pray a Memorare novena for this family right now. Mother Teresa used this form of prayer often. She had her sisters pray nine Memorares in a row whenever there was an urgent need. Then, in thanksgiving, no matter what happens, it's good to pray another Memorare novena of thanks.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

"Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens..and my brain MRI."

(This is not me in the photo, however this person is wearing a similar helmet as I did and is about to go into a similar MRI machine.)

I shared with you recently that I was going to have an MRI on my brain and I asked for your prayers, since I wasn't wild about the idea of the MRI's tight quarters and the fact that one part of the test called for dye to be inserted into my veins. I have had severe allergic reactions to medicines in the past and I don't like putting anything in my body that shouldn't be there. I was more concerned about the test than the results.

Just before I left the house for my brain MRI a few days ago, I quickly made a CD with some of the happy songs from "The Sound of Music." I was planning to do a mix of Christian songs and a couple from "The Sound of Music," however, my lack of time and a computer glitch produced a CD with the songs just from "The Sound of Music." That would be perfectly fine for me, I thought, as I tucked it in my purse before leaving. These days, the MRI technicians actually expect you to bring some of your favorite music on a CD that they will play for you while you are in the MRI machine with all of the jackhammer pounding sounds around your head. It really helps to hear something more pleasant at that time. Trust me. :)


I'd like to thank you all for your prayers for me for my brain MRI. It was tough staying in one place for almost 2 hours without moving one iota. My head and neck were already hurting prior to the test, due to the car accident, so laying on hard metal bed (more like a slab!) of the machine, and being completely flat wasn't easy. The images of the brain must be consistent, so even in between the images that are taken (which take 5 to 8 minutes or more for each one), one cannot even shift one's head even a fraction of an inch. Your breathing is shallow because you don't want to move and you don't want to swallow very hard either! The quarters were very tight and a "good" place for many prayers to be offered. I was holding a plastic (metal not allowed near MRI's) rosary that belonged to my dear friend, Fr. Bill (my former spiritual director, now deceased).

While I was in that monster machine with "Climb Every Mountain," "Edelweiss," "My Favorite Things," and other "Sound of Music" tunes blaring behind the almost deafening magnetic imaging sounds of the MRI testing, I was truly thinking of all of you who offered your prayers and I was praying for you! Thank you very much for your prayers. I'll meet with the doctor in a few days to go over the images and results.

Another nice gift God gave me that morning was being able to speak to each of my children prior to my test. I have five children and they just so happen to be spread around the world right now. One is in India, one in Ireland, one away at college, and two others closer by. It was so nice to hear all of their voices. They all would be praying and that was a comfort. When I reached my daughter, Chaldea on her cell phone in Ireland, she told me that she was planting tomatoes on a farm right at that moment. She was working on a farm and it was amazing that my call got through out in the fields of Ireland. I told her that I would be praying in the MRI, listening to "The Sound of Music" and thinking of all of my children. I told Chaldea that if it started to get too claustrophobic in there, I would envision her planting tomatoes over in a sunny, happy field in Ireland, having a great time out in nature. And that's what I did.

God is in control at all times. We pray and we trust. It's always nice to surround ourselves with the prayers of loved ones to envelope us. God is so good to us.

I'd really like to know...

Hmmmm, I wonder if dear Sarah over at Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering got her copy of Canticle magazine today. Please don't tell me that she received it before today!

Just so you all know, my issue arrived safe and sound in my mailbox today! If you are a new visitor to this blog or don't know about Canticle magazine, let's just say that it's something we have been talking about the last few months...trying to be patient while waiting for the latest issue of Canticle to arrive!

Oh, did I tell you that my article, "A Mother's Life of Prayer" is in this issue?

Well, Sarah, I hope you stop by and let me know if you have your issue. And for those of you who may be curious, Canticle's Editor, Heidi Hess Saxton says, "Anyone who is thinking about subscribing to the magazine who would like a free sample issue can call 800-558-5452 and place their order. You will receive a free copy plus an invoice, which you would return with payment (if you decide to subscribe) or write "cancel" and return (if for some reason you decide not to subscribe)."

What are you waiting for?

Happy 81st Birthday, Pope Benedict!

Trying to catch up...

I told you recently that I would catch up with you. I have been so busy! My new book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book was just released! I have been doing book signings as well as planning and preparing retreats that I will be giving. One is coming up on April 26th in Connecticut and will be very beautiful because it also includes an opportunity for Mass in the morning, two talks, lunch, a time of Eucharistic Adoration and an opportunity for Confession, plus a book signing. Details are on the appearance section of my website here.

I've been so busy with family, projects, my book launch and all, that I forgot that a Television series that had been taped about me a few months ago was airing! I missed the first episode which aired last Thursday! However, I thought, well, that's okay because the Part One will air again next week. Guess what? Missed that one too! I have the tapes, so it is not a big deal. Parts Two and Three will be aired this month, as well. Maybe I'll find some time to sit down and watch them with my family.

Let's see, what else? Want to get your house in tip top shape? It happens when the TV station calls and asks if they can come over and feature you on their show because of your recent trip to the Vatican Congress! Need I say more? You certainly don't want anyone zooming in with their TV camera on a little stray "dust bunny" or a possible smear or anything on the window as the sunlight streams in, now would you? I even allowed the photographer into my little office which is a big mess! I am trying to get it organized. My husband had just brought another set of shelves into my office. I had my papers and things in piles on the floor to sort and put away nice and neat and organized! You know, some good old spring cleaning. However, with all of the busyness with book signings and appointments at physical therapy and doctor's offices, writing articles, as well as dealing with major head and body pain, needless to say, my piles of stuff that were to be organized did not get done in time for this interview. I told the photographer and the reporter that no one had been allowed in my office except family, so far. But, they wanted to see my office to get a few shots in there. So, you'll get a peak at where some of my books "come from!"

This show will air around Mother's day. I will also be able to link it to my blogs and website as I have done with this ORTV Crossroad's Magazine television show (same people) before when they featured my Catholic Prayer For Mothers book and my relationship with Mother Teresa.

In addition, there were reporters to my house and phone interviews with others about my new book and the Vatican experience.

I've also been busy getting details worked out and flights booked for my trips to Chicago and EWTN in Birmingham, both in May. The Chicago trip will be to the RBTE (the Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit) which is the largest Catholic bookseller conference! I have been invited by Our Sunday Visitor to be one of their three chosen authors to do a book signing there with my newest book. Straight from there, I fly down to Alabama to be featured on four segments on the "Faith & Culture" show moderated by host, Colleen Carroll Campbell about the Vatican Congress and Mulieris Dignitatem with a few other women whom I was very honored to get to know while we attended the congress together. They are: Genevieve Kineke, Teresa Tomeo, Dale O'Leary, and Elizabeth, Kirk. I'll let you know when EWTN will air the segments as soon as I know.

I've posted this before, but here is a reflection I wrote for Lay Witness magazine about the International congress that I attended which was held in Rome in February.

And by the way, I am scheduled for an MRI on my brain on Thursday, April 17th. The doctors want to make sure there's a brain in my head somewhere! :) Actually, it's really because of the car accident that my daughter and I were in which has caused some problems. If you could spare a prayer, please pray for me for Thursday. I'm more concerned about the procedure, to tell you the truth, than the test results. It's the dye they'll put in me and the fact that I have had severe allergic reactions to medications in the past. Plus the tight quarters of the MRI and all. But, with prayer, and God's good grace, I'll get through it and then, God willing, back on my feet to do my Barnes & Noble book signing this Sunday in Danbury, CT.

So, there you have at least a bit of an update on what's been going on here. Oh, and throughout all of this, I had to say, "Good bye" to my artist daughter, Chaldea who went to Ireland and Scotland to work on some farms for a couple of months. She's like me, she loves nature. She deserves this bit of time enjoying Ireland, a place some have called "a piece of Heaven."

I'll bring you some more news soon and will be posting a beautiful letter from a Mom to her son about her faith. Stay tuned for that.

God bless your day! Wherever you are in this great big world, give your smile away and brighten someone's day. Hug your children a little tighter, hang on to those family times. Be understanding of the grumpiness of some people - maybe they just need a little love. Pray, pray, and pray some more.

I hope you experience the sites of some bright blooming forsythias or early spring flowers. It's happening here and it's gives a fresh feeling of rebirth.

Be good, be happy, take care of the people around you and love them with all of your heart!

Thank you in advance for your prayers.

God bless!

Donna-Marie

What a beautiful post from Anne in Australia!

I just happened to find this very beautiful post from Anne (Under Her Starry Mantle) in Australia tonight. Anne was sharing her sentiments about my book Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers.

"My Perfect Mother's Prayer Book"
She begins, " After the birth of my little girl in January, I posted a lovely picture of her and mentioned briefly that I had a new prayerbook, Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers, that was really 'feeding' my soul - and it was. And I still feel that, so much so that I want to write more about it. I understand that the mother who wrote this book, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle was very much encouraged by Mother Teresa to write and publish it. Here are a few encouraging words from Mother Teresa inside the book:

"My gratitude is my prayer for you that you may grow in the love of God through your beautiful thoughts of prayer you write and thus share with others."

"Your books on mothers and expectant mothers are much needed. Yes, you may use some of the things I said on motherhood and family...I pray that God may bless your endeavors."

"I pray that it does much good."

I had alot of physical suffering after the birth of my little girl and it had the good effect of scouring my soul and softening it. It was time (I believe through the blessing of St Anne) for a greater renewal of my motherhood, a deepening of it. 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 a written in such a way to speak to my heart as well as directing my petitions for my children's heart and soul... (Please read Anne's post here. It is just so heart warming!) Then, after you read her post, come back and finish reading this post to Anne. :)

Anne in Australia, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about how my book has helped you. You did it so beautifully and even showed off the beautiful colorful pages. It warms my heart and I am so thankful to Jesus and His Blessed Mother that the inspiration has touched you and now you are passing it further along to others!

Anne, interestingly, you posted your beautiful thoughts on March 13th, the anniversary of my mother's and my grandmother's death.

Because you said you like to have extra copies on hand to give out, please send me your address and I will send you another copy to have on hand along with a copy of my newest book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book and a blessed Miraculous medal that I brought to Rome recently when I was at the Vatican that was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI! You can send your address to DMCooper OBoyle(at)aol(dot)com.

God bless you and your beautiful family!

Donna-Marie

PS By the way, after you have read Anne's blog post you'll know about her heart stickers. She told me that she also gives heart stickers along with the book to the recipients of the gift of this book. Isn't she creative and generous? :)

"Papal Visit 2008 News and Views" at Our Sunday Visitor's Blog

Our Sunday Visitor has a great place to check out our Holy Father's visit. It's called, "Papal Visit 2008 News and Views" by John Norton, OSV Editor; Mary DeTurris Poust, OSV Contributing Editor and Russell Shaw, OSV Contributing Editor check it out!

Christ Our Hope! Pope Benedict's Apostolic Journey to the United States

Check out this website for Pope Benedict's Apostolic Journey to the United States.

Pope Benedict will carry the pastoral staff of Blessed Pope Pius IX.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Pope Benedict XVI processes to the altars where he will celebrate Mass in Washington and New York, he will be carrying the pastoral staff of Blessed Pope Pius IX.

Msgr. Guido Marini, master of papal liturgical ceremonies, told Catholic News Service that the 19th-century pastoral staff, topped with a cross instead of a crucifix, "is becoming the usual one for papal celebrations."

On Palm Sunday, March 16, Pope Benedict started carrying the older staff, which was used by every pope from Blessed Pope Pius to Pope Paul VI.

"This is the typical staff used by the popes because it is a cross without a crucifix," Msgr. Marini said April 10.

It is taking the place of the staff with the rugged crucifix on top that was created by Italian artist Lello Scorzelli for Pope Paul in the mid-1960s. The Vatican's yearbook, "Activity of the Holy See," includes a photograph of Pope Paul holding the Scorzelli staff on Easter 1965.

But the piece has become closely identified with the pontificate of Pope John Paul II and is placed alongside a photograph of him in the renewed "Vatican Splendors" exhibit currently touring the United States.

Msgr. Marini said there actually are two copies of the Scorzelli staff: the one in the exhibit, open in St. Petersburg, Fla., through May 11, and "the other which is here in the pontifical sacristy."

The Scorzelli crucifix remains the model for the crucifix on the rosaries Pope Benedict gives to his guests.


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Editor's Note: More information about the pope's schedule while he is visiting the United States is available online at: www.uspapalvisit.org.

Welcoming pope with open arms

Welcoming pope with open arms: Locals say NYC visit is just what the country needs now

BY TRACY SIMMONS REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

In his first visit this month to the U.S., Pope Benedict XVI will find an American flock wrestling with what it means to be Roman Catholic. Lay people and priests have conflicting ideas on parish life. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)

Mary Gentile, of Waterbury, won't be traveling to New York City next weekend to attend Pope Benedict XVI's Mass at Yankee Stadium. But she's thrilled that he's coming.

On April 15 Pope Benedict XVI will fly into Andrews Air Force Base on his personal aircraft, Shepherd One, where he will be greeted by President George W. Bush. His first papal visit to the United States has been named "Christ our Hope" and is meant to send a message of faith, hope and love to the Catholic community, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"I'm very, very pleased about it and I feel he's coming close to home and Heaven knows we really need something like that," Gentile said. "Our country is in such a cesspool right now and I'm sure there's going to be an awful lot of young people attending, and maybe they'll be more aware."

She said she'll be watching the Mass on television, noting that she is fond of Pope Benedict and thinks he's following well in Pope John Paul II's footsteps.

However, studies have shown that not everyone favors the pontiff. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, together with the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, found that one in five Americans have an adverse perception of Benedict. However, in the Catholic community, 89 percent are partial to him.

A group of 30 from Hartford County plan to protest the pope's visit when he arrives in D.C. on April 15.

"The peaceful protest will be in front of the White House," protestor Anthony Ramos said. "The protest will be against what the Catholic church calls celibacy."

He noted that the recent sexual abuse cases by priests needs to be dealt with by the pope.

Others dislike Pope Benedict because of comments he's made regarding the Islam faith, in which he said that the Prophet Mohammed had brought the world only "evil and inhuman" things. The Vatican later retracted the pontiff's statement and has since reached out to various faiths.

Local reaction, however, reveals high regard for the pope.

Oxford resident Christina Watkins said she feels some people are a bit leery about Pope Benedict because of his age. He will be 81 on April 16. "When Pope John XXIII was elected he was rather old and only lasted a few years," she said, noting "The Good Pope" who was elected in 1958 and died in 1963 at age 81.

But age hasn't proven to be much of a plight and she said she's happy with the job Benedict has done thus far."Benedict now has granted those who wish to return to the Latin Mass the full chance to do so," she said. "For this, we are grateful."

The Tridentine Mass, or Latin Rite, was replaced in the 1960s by English Masses, as well as other predominant languages.

According to The Washington Post, The Tridentine Mass was codified in 1570 and remained the common Roman Catholic liturgy for nearly four centuries, until church leaders known as the Second Vatican Council ushered in major changes from 1962 to 1965.

The Rev. Bill Considine of Lourdes in Litchfield lived in Rome for 12 years and has met both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

He remembers when Pope Benedict was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and worked in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith whose mission is "to promote and safeguard the doctrine on the faith and morals throughout the Catholic world."

Considine said Ratzinger would walk every day, with briefcase in hand, from his apartment on one side of the Vatican, across the piazza to his office on the other side.

"He would always smile at people, and when people would say 'hello' he would nod," Considine recalled.

When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, it was Ratzinger who presided at several of the Masses, including the funeral Mass. "He did it with a great dignity and a great power that really touched many people," said Considine, who considers Ratzinger to be a natural leader.

"When he was elected pope, at first many people were a little nervous," he said."But almost right away from his first sermon, what he showed was more like a shepherd. He's a much more shy man than Pope John Paul II but nevertheless he has a warmth and a real care that started to come through from the beginning."

John Paul II, the "people's pope" was extraordinary with massive assemblies, Considine added.

"He just connected with vast crowds but if you met him one on one, he was sort of a little distant, almost looking over your shoulder to the next person, whereas with Pope Benedict all his attention was right on you, with his eyes, with his questions, with the way he responded to you, it was very impressive," Considine said.

[Caption: New Milford author Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle was one of 260 people from 46 countries and five continents to serve as a delegate at the Pontifical Council for the laity's International Congress. She heard Pope Benedict speak twicwe while she was in Rome for the conference.]

Mary-Catherine McCarthy, 16, hasn't met Pope Benedict, but heard him speak in Rome earlier this year. She went to Rome with her mother, New Milford Author Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, and sat in the front row at his weekly general audience.

"It was pretty cool," McCarthy said. "It was just really awesome to be in a room with this man who is so holy and known around the world."

She said Pope Benedict spoke, with an accent, in several languages.

O'Boyle heard Pope Benedict speak twice while she was in Rome for the conference, "Woman and Man, the Humanum in its Entirety," once with her daughter and once when he addressed the congress attendees.

"At the time I didn't know what he was saying, it was in Italian, we were waiting for a translation and were all on the edges of our seats trying to take it all in," she said. "It was a very, very beautiful experience for me to be so close to who I consider the vicar of Christ, our shepherd in the Catholic faith."

She said Benedict is a humble, regal, serving man.

"He exudes that spirit of service and love and I believe he really lives the Gospel message. It's very apparent in just watching him," she said.

O'Boyle won't be traveling to New York City for any of the upcoming papal events, but said those who are going are in for treat.

"I think that it's just going to be an unforgettable day for them, they're always going to remember it," she said.

She saw Pope John Paul II in New York City in the 1970s and again in Rome in 1988.

"It's a very memorable experience when you see the Holy Father. It stays with you," she said. "They'll definitely be blessed by it. ...

"I believe that the grace from God will help them in their own journeys by being able to have met him and hear what he had to say."

She noted that people of all faiths loved John Paul, and she feels that people are still unsure about Benedict. "He's a very loving pope but people don't know him enough yet, they want to see what he's like," she said.

Pope Benedict will celebrate his third year as pope at Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on April 19.

Republican-American faith reporter Tracy Simmons will be covering Pope Benedict's visit to New York City April 18 through 20. For additional insight on the pope's visit, check out her blog at www.blogs.rep-am.com/pope; also, daily updates and multimedia presentations will be available at www.rep-am.com.

Promise to catch up with you soon!

Hi All,

It's been extremely busy here, however I promise to catch up with you shortly. I hope that you may be enjoying a beautiful day and sharing your smile with everyone you come in contact with today! :) If it's a not such a beautiful day, perhaps maybe even filled with some challenges or strife, try to offer it all lovingly to our dear Lord who will sanctify our little splinters from the Cross and use them for His glory!

God bless and hugs,
Donna-Marie

Another day...Another Book signing!

The latest issue of Canticle magazine!

As you can see from this cover image of the May issue of Canticle magazine I have an article (click here to see the cover of this issue of Canticle magazine larger) about Mother's Prayer in this issue just in time for Mother's Day! I am told that you can even get a free copy of this beautiful Catholic woman's magazine.

Canticle's Editor, Heidi Hess Saxton says, "Anyone who is thinking about subscribing to the magazine who would like a free sample issue can call 800-558-5452 and place their order. You will receive a free copy plus an invoice, which you would return with payment (if you decide to subscribe) or write "cancel" and return (if for some reason you decide not to subscribe)."

I love how Heidi says, "...if for some reason you decide not to subscribe" because once you see this magazine and read it, you'll just love it! I know subscribers who were lamenting when their issue hadn't arrived as fast as they were expecting and they were trying very hard to be very patient! Ask Sarah at "Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering." She'll tell you!

So, what are you waiting for? You can get a free issue. This one looks great. You'll get to read all of those great articles and mine too which is on Mother's prayer! So, give that toll free number above a ring and set yourself up for some uplifting and inspiring reading to help you along your journey. :)

Author invited to Vatican

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)


Date: March 27, 2008
Section: News
Article ID: 8717300

Author invited to Vatican
Author: Deborah Rose Staff Writer

To visit the Vatican is a trip many folks only dream of. But for New Milford resident Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, her recent trip to the Italian city-state ruled by the Pope was an opportunity of a lifetime, one that provided further insight into a theme to which she has devoted her adult life.


Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle was one of 260 people chosen from around the world -- only one of six from the U.S. -- to participate in the Pontifical Council for the Laity's International Congress at the Vatican in February.

The event marked the 20th anniversary of the apostolic letter "Mulieris dignitatem, On the Dignity and Vocation of Women," written by the late Pope John Paul II.

"I felt excited about the anniversary and that the church was recognizing the anniversary to reflect on the document and its relevance to women today," Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle said during a recent interview.

The letter's milestone is especially significant to her. She has quoted segments of it in some of her books, which focus on the theme of women, children and mothers.

"It was a pilgrimage/mission for me to travel to Rome," Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle said of her experience. "It was such an honor."

The soft-spoken, petite mother of five said she believes she was invited to attend the Congress in recognition of her continued work celebrating women and mothers by writing articles and books and giving presentations to various groups.

The author has had a respected relationship with the Catholic Church for more than two decades, having first traveled to Rome 20 years ago (while pregnant with her fourth child, Joseph) to hand-deliver papers from her spiritual director, Fr. John A. Hardon S.J., to then-president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity Cardinal Eduardo Pironio.

In addition, she met Mother Teresa in the mid-1980s and corresponded with her over the years, and has received letters from both Pope John Paul II and reigning Pope Benedict XVI, all in acknowledgement of and praise for her work while encouraging her to continue.

This trip was especially close to Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle's heart. It gave her an opportunity to be "part of a history-making event" and reflect on her faith, and her role as a woman, mother and writer, she said.

Plus, she was able to take two of her daughters, Chaldea, 26, and Mary-Catherine, 16, with her for some family time away from her attendance at the Congress.

"It was amazing to me to be in the same room with people from five continents, from some 48 or 49 countries, [who] were there for the same mission and reason -- to go deeper into our Catholic faith and the apostolic letter," she said of her experience at the Congress.

The purpose of the three-day event was to "review the progress made over the past 20 years in the field of the advancement of women and the recognition of their dignity... [and address]... the new cultural paradigms and the difficulties faced by Catholic women as they strive to live according to their identity and to collaborate with fruitful reciprocity with men in building up the Church and society" among other things, according to the letter of invitation Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle received from the Council on Laity.

Delegates attended several conferences led by theologians, Biblical scholars, women authors and others, some of whom presented panel discussions, and a workshop of their choice.

Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle said she found the workshop she attended, which focused on technology and consumerism and their relationship to women, informative and reaffirmed her belief in the importance of "hang[ing] on to family time, not allow[ing] technology to take over and not allow[ing] the demands of our culture to" impact our children.

"Women are the target of mixed messages in our culture and the demands of perfection in the workplace and home are really tough for women," Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle said.

As a delegate, Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle also attended a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI at the Papel Palace, which turned out to be one of the highlights of her trip.

"We were all on the edges of our seats trying to get closer," Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle said, noting the Pope thanked the delegates for their attendance at the Congress and offered them a special blessing.

Another highlight was hearing the encouraging words of Cardinal Rylko during the Congress' closing ceremony.

Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle said Cardinal Rylko suggested the delegates "come down from the mountain and go against the current -- be a contradiction giving witness" and reminded them not to be concerned with being a minority.

"Salt is a minority but it gives flavor, yeast is a minority but makes the whole dough rise," he said.

These words touched a special chord in her heart, Mrs. Cooper O'Boyle said, noting she has used similar words in her presentations and books.

Hearing his words "resolidified my vow to do what I feel God calling me to do," she said with a quiet confidence.

"I'm so happy if God can use me," she said. "I'm not hiding my light under a bushel."

Copyright, 2008, The News-Times (Danbury, CT)

"Catholic Saints Prayer Book" is out!

My book signing at the Borders store in Danbury, CT went very well. The event was called, "Tea and Fellowship" which combined the news of my recent Vatican trip (as you can see boards around me with photos and articles) and the release of my new book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book!

You may order a signed copy of this book through my website or this blog (look at the right hand column) or from The Catholic Company, Amazon.Com, and many other places.

Our dear Papa Pope John Paul the Great!

On the third anniversary of his death and entrance into Eternal Life!

Pope Benedict's prayer intentions for April

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention is: "That Christians, even in the difficult and complex situations of present-day society, may not tire of proclaiming with their lives that Christ's resurrection is the source of peace and of hope".

His mission intention is: "That the future priests of the young Churches may be constantly more formed culturally and spiritually to evangelize their nations and the whole world".

A Time of Hopeful Rebirth

(Check out my article at Catholic Exchange here.)

What is it about the hope of warm breezes and sunshine right around the corner promising to warm our winter-chilled bones and to pop up an array of colorful delicate spring flowers from the once-frozen earth that motivates us to delve into cleaning and organizing projects? It's a feeling akin to the "nesting" instinct that surfaces for an expectant mother before the birth of her baby. One senses the urgency of doing and then experiences the satisfaction that a cleaned out pantry, an organized closet, or a fresh coat of paint on the kitchen walls brings along with it. It's just the right time for it — spring brings it forth from us. It's no wonder that I am in that organizing and cleaning frame of mind. I think I've been bit by a spring cleaning bug!

Spring is similarly a time for fresh new hope that warms our souls because of the Easter Resurrection. We've trodden the path of our penitential Lenten journeys and now we have been blessed with our Savior's promise of new life for us after He selflessly and lovingly shed His Blood. "Jesus, who himself died on the Cross, brought something totally different: an encounter with the Lord of all lords, an encounter with the living God and thus an encounter with a hope stronger than the sufferings of slavery, a hope which therefore transformed life and the world from within" (Pope Benedict, XVI, Spe Salvi).

Along with the miracle of the Resurrection and the gift of new hope, we experience the bright rays of.. (Continued here.)

Divine Mercy Sunday!

Jesus to Sr. Faustina

"On one occasion, I heard these words: 'My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy.
'[Let] the greatest sinners place their trust in My mercy. They have the right before others to trust in the abyss of My mercy. My daughter, write about My mercy towards tormented souls. Souls that make an appeal to My mercy delight Me. To such souls I grant even more graces than they ask. I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal to My compassion, but on the contrary, I justify him in My unfathomable and inscrutable mercy. Write: before I come as a just Judge, I first open wide the door of My mercy. He who refuses to pass through the door of My mercy must pass through the door of My justice.

'From all My wounds, like from streams, mercy flows for souls, but the wound in My Heart is the fountain of unfathomable mercy. From this fountain spring all graces for souls. The flames of compassion burn Me. I desire greatly to pour them out upon souls. Speak to the whole world about My mercy.'"

Excerpted from Diary of Sr. M. Faustina Kowalska.

Interview about my "Catholic Saints Prayer Book"

Author, Mary De Turris Poust recently interviewed me about my newest book which has been JUST RELEASED! You can read the interview here.

Prayer request from Jim at "Real Life Rosary"

"On Tuesday [during Holy Week] my wife went to the doctor for a check up on our baby who is due in May. She called me from the office in tears. The baby had an enlarged stomach and was smaller than she should be. The doctor was sending her to a specialist for further testing.

I met her at the specialist's office in the hospital and we watched as the technician spent over an hour snapping pictures with the ultrasound. In the end we were told that the baby has a condition called - Duodenal Atresia. Simply put, this is where the tube between the stomach and the intestine is not formed correctly. However, it is also sometimes associated with Down's Syndrome - 1 out of 3 children who have this also have Down's Syndrome. Everything else looks normal though and we are thankful for that.

So, we are facing some trying times in the next couple of months with the birth, surgery, etc. We would surely appreciate your prayers for Nicole, myself, and baby Catherine Therese (I knew you'd be excited Sarah!!). Please pray for the intercession of Saint Catherine of Sweden who is the patron against abortions and miscarriages and who is said, according to Butler's, to have had a stomach problem that kept her from receiving the Eucharist. Please also pray for the help of Saint Therese of Lisieux that she might drop roses on our little Therese."


This is from Sarah at Just Another Day of Catholic Pondering: "Will you join me in this novena to St. Therese, the Little Flower, beginning tomorrow? Will you pray with me about this beautiful family, as they battle worry and fear in the midst of what should be a time of joyful preparation? Will you storm Heaven with me for little Catherine Therese and her family?"

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Please pray for this family. I will be adding their intentions to my Mercy Novena and will ask our dear Lord, Jesus and his Blessed Mother Mary to help them. I will also invoke all of the Angels and Saints to intercede and help.

Thank you and God bless you!

Donna-Marie

Happy Easter!

First day of the Mercy Novena

Divine Mercy Novena
Novena: March 21 - 29
Divine Mercy Sunday falls on March 30

From the Mercy shrine:

"This is a very special time for us here at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy as we prepare for our annual celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday.

In the Diary of St. Faustina, Jesus asked that the Feast of Divine Mercy, known today as Divine Mercy Sunday, be preceded by a Novena to The Divine Mercy. A Novena is nine days of prayer in preparation for a feast. In the case of the Novena to The Divine Mercy, we pray the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy each day for a specific intention..." (Continued here)

To start the novena:

Novena to The Divine Mercy
"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fountain of My mercy, that they may draw therefrom strength and refreshment and whatever grace they need in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death." (Diary, 1209)

"Today bring to Me...

First Day: all mankind, especially all sinners
Second Day: the souls of priests and religious
Third Day: all devout and faithful souls
Fourth Day: those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Me
Fifth Day: the souls of those who have separated themselves from My church
Sixth Day: the meek and humble souls and the souls of little children
Seventh Day: the souls who especially venerate and glorify My mercy
Eighth Day: the souls who are detained in Purgatory
Ninth Day: souls who have become lukewarm

...and immerse them in the abyss
of My mercy."

Discussing Holy Week on "Catholic Connection"

Earlier this week I discussed Holy Week and a few other Catholic things with my friend and radio host, Teresa Tomeo on "Catholic Connection" on Ave Maria Radio (EWTN). Grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea and pull your chair up to the computer because if you didn't get a chance to tune in, here's another opportunity by clicking here!

The Holy Triduum

I can't believe that the Sacred Triduum is upon us! The three most sacred days in our Church year! I pray that your Holy Week is going well and that grace abounds for you. More here tomorrow about Holy Thursday.

The First day of Holy Week

Here we are - the first day of Holy Week. Can you believe it? This Lenten season seems to have flown by. We have a lot going on this week and the richness of graces and blessings available to us which I will talk about in upcoming posts throughout the week.

Lent began for me in an extraordinary way this year. On Ash Wednesday I was in Rome and received my ashes sprinkled on top of my head at St. Peter's! That was a first for me. I was there for the International congress for women on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of Mulieris Dignitatem. It all still seems like a dream to have been there participating in the history-making event. I'll be discussing that quite a bit coming up in my talks and events as well as on the air with Teresa Tomeo in our segment on "Catholic Connection."

For now, back to Holy Week. Yesterday's Palm Sunday sends us forth into Holy Week. Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly as palms were dropped on the roadway before Him to hail Him as King. At the end of the Mass on Palm Sunday, we were recalling Jesus' Crucifixion, passion, and death. We continue this reflection and journey throughout this amazing week.

It may be interesting to note that it was in the fourth century that Holy Week originated as part of the ritual of bringing new members into the community.

A few thoughts to ponder as we begin this week...Don't be discouraged. Perhaps you feel that you have not been true to your commitments and resolutions along your Lenten journey. Our Lord knows - He knows your heart. He knows that you may have wanted to be before Him on your knees at the Blessed Sacrament, at Mass more often, and at the Stations of the Cross, however you were called in other directions - caring for elderly or sick relatives, sick children, lonely neighbors, and various needs surrounding you, perhaps that required your undivided attention - CHARITY comes first and you have served our Lord in the others that you have helped, loved and cared for.

And even for those of us who did not come through with their Lenten resolutions due to our own choices - there is still time - we are beginning a Holy Week Journey we have before us a whole week in which to embrace the Cross and our Lord's will in our lives - whatever it may be.

It may not be easy. The splinters from the Cross that we may experience this week may be in the form of disappointment, heart ache, sickness, pain and suffering, or perhaps in being ridiculed or misunderstood - these all are thorns that we feel in our sides and seem to be splinters from the Cross - all are forms of penance when we offer it to our Lord. Perhaps we will experience other forms as well, that are not so small. We can offer it all to the Lord who gives us life --to Him who gives His life for us. Our Lord will bless it all and will work the miracles in human hearts. Let's embark upon this Holy Week with sincere hearts striving to do our Lord's will by responding in love to all that comes to us.

So we have time - we ask our Lord to open our hearts to Him in an extraordinary way this week! Let's experience the fullness of this week. We have Confession, the Sacraments, the community of faith. Even if our Lenten journey thus far seems lacking - we have this week to redouble our efforts and prayers and to truly ask our Lord to give us the grace to embrace it all - whatever comes our way.

Let's also pray that we can be like Veronica who wiped Jesus' face when He was walking through Calvary. Who can we console, care for, or help this week? Let's ask for the graces to be courageous like Veronica was, pushing through the angry crowd to reach Jesus so that she could console Him. Let's ask for the grace to be strong, to go against the flow, to be a contradiction, to be LOVE!

I will post a link soon to my segment on "Catholic Connection" Ave Maria Radio with Teresa Tomeo this morning in which we discussed Holy Week, Lent and good Catholic stuff. :)

God bless your Holy Week!

Tune in Monday morning to "Mom's Corner!"

Hi, Everyone,

Tomorrow morning (Monday) as we begin Holy Week, please take a few moments to tune in to my "Mom's Corner" segment with Teresa Tomeo. At about 9:10 AM Eastern Standard Time, Teresa Tomeo, host of "Catholic Connection" and I will be discussing Holy Week, Lent, as well as our recent Vatican trip to the International Women's Congress in celebration of twenty years after Pope John Paul II penned Mulieris Dignitatem.

I hope you can tune in at Ave Maria Radio. Just go here and then click the "listen live" button and be ready about 9:00 AM. Of course, you may also tune in earlier at 8:00 to hear Teresa during other segments. Our segment will be hopefully informative and sprinkled with some good humor! :) Feel free to call in to the show if you have an opportunity. The phone number will be announced on the show.

I hope you'll join Teresa Tomeo and me tomorrow morning to learn more about this celebration and perhaps how you may fit in to it all by tuning in to "Catholic Connection" at Ave Maria Radio and perhaps call in to the show or comment here to this post with any questions or comments.

"Talk" to you tomorrow morning!

Have a BLESSED Palm Sunday!

Happy Palm Sunday!

"So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young ass and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on an ass's colt (Jn 12:13-15)!"

Today we commemorate Christ's entry into Jerusalem for the completion of the Paschal Mystery. In the old calendar before Vatican II, the Church celebrated Passion Sunday two Sundays before Easter, and then Palm Sunday was the beginning of Holy Week. The Church has combined the two to reinforce the solemnity of Holy Week.

The Palm Sunday procession is formed of Christians who, in the "fullness of faith," make their own the gesture of the Jews and endow it with its full significance. Following the Jews' example we proclaim Christ as a Victor... Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. But by our faith we know, as they did not, all that His triumph stands for. He is the Messiah, the Son of David and the Son of God. He is the sign of contradiction, acclaimed by some and reviled by others. Sent into this world to wrest us from sin and the power of Satan, He underwent His Passion, the punishment for our sins, but issues forth triumphant from the tomb, the victor over death, making our peace with God and taking us with Him into the kingdom of His Father in heaven." (from Catholic Culture)

Collect: Almighty God, we pray you bless these branches and make them holy. Today we joyfully acclaim Jesus our Messiah and King. May we reach one day the happiness of the new and everlasting Jerusalem by faithfully following him who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Only a couple more days to vote!

I will bring to your attention once again that it is time to vote for your favorite Catholic blogs and you only have a couple of days to do it! There are many categories and blogs to choose from. I hope that you'll take the time to vote for some blogs that you have been enjoying.

I will repeat my recent information.

I was pleasantly very surprised to find out that two of my blogs were nominated in three categories.

If you dear reader, feel inclined to vote, go over and take a look! You will need to register (if you aren't already) which takes all of 60 seconds or so. Then the fun begins as you scroll through the categories and recognize some awesome Catholic blogs.

My Embracing Motherhood blog was nominated in two categories. 1) "Most Spiritual Catholic Blog" and 2) "Best New Catholic Blog." My Daily Donna-Marie: A Dose of Inspiration was nominated for "Best Individual Catholic Blog."

Thank you again for the nominations and to those who may feel inclined to vote for my blogs. :) But truly, I am not expecting to win anything. There are many fabulous Catholic blogs out there deserving awards. I am just happy to have been nominated. :)

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Mom Stories

Hello Moms,

Do you have an inspiring story that you would like to share here at "Embracing Motherhood?" It can be about your own vocation of motherhood, about your mother, your grandmother, or your godmother. It can even be about a friend who is a mother and inspires you or others to strive for holiness. Feel free to send me a paragraph or more to DMCooperOBoyle(at)aol(dot)com. I will feature the personal stories here at "Embracing Motherhood." I will also put them all into a contest to win a copy of one of my books!

Don't be shy!

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Just too precious!

An article about my new book and my Vatican trip

You can check out an article in a local newspaper about my Vatican trip by clicking here.

Catholic Spotlight today!

You can hear my interview with Chris Cash today at Catholic Spotlight. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and pull your chair up to the computer. Chris and I talk about my visit to the Vatican, Mulieris Dignitatem, and Pope John Paul II, as well as my books and my new book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book coming out in about a week! When you're ready click here!