The Boston Catholic Women's Conference

I returned home late last night from the Boston Catholic Women's Conference which was truly wonderful. It was a day filled with grace! I will give you some highlights later on, but now I'd like to tell you that it will be aired on Catholic TV at noon (Eastern Standard Time) today. You'll be able to see all of the speakers (myself included) and the beautiful Mass.

To find information to tune into Catholic TV from your computer or TV click here Just scroll over until you see the Boston Catholic Women's Conference and you'll also see my name which you can click on.

You can see my talk here..

Heading for Boston!

I am leaving for Boston to give a talk tomorrow at the Boston Catholic Women's Conference. It's a snowy blustery day here so please pray for every one's travel and all to go according to God's holy will. Thank you for your prayers. Here's a short Youtube: here.

Thank you for your prayers! I'll post again when I am finished with the conference about my radio show coming up on Monday or Tuesday morning.


God bless!

Donna-Marie

President Obama's latest health care proposal is "unacceptable."

Washington D.C., Feb 23, 2010 / 06:55 pm (CNA).- Pro-life Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) released a statement on Tuesday morning, calling President Obama's latest health care proposal “unacceptable” on the issue of abortion.

Rep. Stupak, who has been outspokenly opposed to abortion during his political tenure, said on Feb. 23 that he “was pleased to see that President Obama’s health care proposal did not include several of the sweetheart deals provided to select states in the Senate bill.”

“Unfortunately, the President's proposal encompasses the Senate language allowing public funding of abortion,” the Michigan representative stated. “The Senate language is a significant departure from current law and is unacceptable,” he added.

“While the President has laid out a health care proposal that brings us closer to resolving our differences, there is still work to be done before Congress can pass comprehensive health care reform.‬”

Rep. Stupak stepped into the national political spotlight when he introduced an amendment to the House health care reform bill that maintained the Hyde Amendment ban on using federal funds to pay for abortions. The Stupak Amendment passed in the House by a vote of 240-194 last November.

The story is continued here.

Pope John Paul II's beatification process is almost complete

La Paz, Bolivia, Feb 23, 2010 / 12:53 pm (CNA).- Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, who was John Paul II’s personal secretary for 40 years, told participants at a Colombian conference that the late-Pope's beatification process “is practically finished.”

In Colombia, where Cardinal Dziwisz traveled to participate in a conference on the legacy of John Paul II, the cardinal remarked that the beatification process of the pilgrim Pope “is practically finished.”

“In order for the beatification to take place, it is important that the Church recognizes a miracle in which he has interceded. There is a case that is currently being investigated and it is of the miraculous healing of a French nun suffering from Parkinson’s.”

Regarding the date of the beatification, the cardinal said, “It is not known, but his tomb is visited by thousands who thank him for favors.”

“Not only do Christians want to see him made a saint, but Jews and Muslims as well.”

Story is continued here.

Cathoic TV covering my talk at the Boston Catholic Women's Conference

Catholic TV will cover my talk at the Boston Catholic Women's Conference coming up this Saturday in Boston. You can check out the details here.

Fr. James's audio Sunday homily

Here is Fr. James's audio clip of the Sunday Homily. Click here to listen.

Boston Women's Conference

You can see a short You Tube clip to the upcoming Boston Women's and Men Conferences here. I hope I might see you there!

Interview with Author Barbara Janet Cooper

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing author Barbara Janet Cooper about her latest book, Jadon and Gabe: The Not So Saintly Horses.

I enjoyed reading it and wrote a review:

This enchanting book for children and families alike is written from a horse's point of view. It is illustrated with sweet pictures throughout. If you're looking for a book that will both entertain your child and teach worthwhile life lessons and good values at the same time, this is the book. Books like this are difficult to find these days. This one is a treasure for sure. The engaging chapters flow together with ease and many valuable life lessons are woven through the delightful and entertaining text.

Jadon and Gabe: The Not So Saintly Miniature Horses contains a spiritual element as well, while we watch the two horses look to God for direction and help as they navigate their lives through the challenges and the joys that beset them. Each new adventure or challenge played out in this book opens up opportunities for discussion between parent or caregiver and child. I highly recommend this wholesome and delightful book for your family!


Thank you very much for this interview, Barbara. Your newest book: Jadon and Gabe: The Not So Saintly Horses is a sweet children's story of adventure and seeking God for help as told from a horse's perspective. I really enjoyed reading it. Can you tell us why you decided to use Miniature horses to tell the story?
We always had at least one horse as part of our family since my children were very young.

In the early 80’s, we met and became friends with Sister Bernadette Muller. The Poor Claire Nuns, in Brenham, Texas raise miniature horses and Sister Bernadette introduced us to our very first mini. Although Sister Bernadette has since passed on, the sisters still raise the miniatures for their livelihood.

After a while we had a small herd - not all from The Monastery. They were not related to each other. I loved to sit in the barn or out near the pasture and just watch, for hours on end, these wonderful little horses interact with each other. Each horse has their own personality, but each horse, has the same goal as the other, which is pleasing their Master. Just like our human children, they may forget their manners from time to time, but their mothers, will help to lead them back on the right path.

When I decided to write this book, it felt it only natural to allow Jadon and Gabe, to tell their story and share their perspective on life.

What age range do you think your book will serve best?

I feel that Jadon and Gabe is a book that the whole family will enjoy.

Can you tell us about the writing process for this book? I understand that you have a co-author.
Yes, I do have a co-author, my ten year old grand-daughter, Brittany Jean. At the age of nine, she has won three story contests which were published, in our local newspaper. She also won a blue ribbon at a horse show when she was just three years old.

I feel blessed to have her as a co-author and the reader will receive the perspective of one of their peers.

That’s really wonderful. I’m sure it’s a blessing working with your grand-daughter on your book projects. What are your hopes for this book?
My hopes are that, Jadon and Gabe: The Not so Saintly Horses, will not only entertain, but also encourage the reader to reach higher in their efforts in settings a good example for their peers. I also hope that the words of Jadon and Gabe will remind the reader that it is much better to please God than to succumb to peer pressure.

Can you tell us about the illustrations?

Yes, Brittany Jean drew all the illustrations for this book. It is her way of introducing the characters to our readers. Her illustrations also help to tell the story. The cover of the book is an image of the real Jadon and Gabe, Jadon being the smaller of the two.

That’s very interesting. Do you have any plans for future books?
Yes, we do! Thank you for asking. Brittany and I are working, at the moment, on the 2nd in the series of the Jadon and Gabe books. I don’t want to give too much away. I can tell you that they will learn the hard way, that God gives us parents, to protect us from the evils of the world.

Jadon and Gabe: Missing in Action, will be available, late summer of 2010.

Well, I will certainly be looking forward to the next in the series. Finally, where can we purchase your book?

If ordering a signed copy, you may send a check or money order, in the amount of $7.00 plus $3.95 S/H to: B.J. Cooper-Schonert, P.O. Box 9077, College Station, Texas 77842

Jadon and Gabe: The Not so Saintly Horses is also available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

Also on my website at, http://wordsfromthehayloft.blogspot.com

Thank you very much for this interview, Barbara! Have fun writing the next Jadon and Gabe book. May God bless you and your whole family!

Fr. James's Sunday Homily in Audio

For an audio format of Fr. James's Sunday homily click here.

Pope Benedict's Lenten Message

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Each year, on the occasion of Lent, the Church invites us to a sincere review of our life in light of the teachings of the Gospel. This year, I would like to offer you some reflections on the great theme of justice, beginning from the Pauline affirmation: “The justice of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ” (cf. Rm 3, 21-22).

Justice: “dare cuique suum”

First of all, I want to consider the meaning of the term “justice,” which in common usage implies “to render to every man his due,” according to the famous expression of Ulpian, a Roman jurist of the third century. In reality, however, this classical definition does not specify what “due” is to be rendered to each person. What man needs most cannot be guaranteed to him by law. In order to live life to the full, something more intimate is necessary that can be granted only as a gift: we could say that man lives by that love which only God can communicate since He created the human person in His image and likeness. Material goods are certainly useful and required – indeed Jesus Himself was concerned to heal the sick, feed the crowds that followed Him and surely condemns the indifference that even today forces hundreds of millions into death through lack of food, water and medicine – yet “distributive” justice does not render to the human being the totality of his “due.” Just as man needs bread, so does man have even more need of God. Saint Augustine notes: if “justice is that virtue which gives every one his due ... where, then, is the justice of man, when he deserts the true God?” (De civitate Dei, XIX, 21).

What is the Cause of Injustice? (Continued here at Catholic News Agency)

"Mother Teresa and Me" interview with Al Kresta

You can see the the recent interview with Al Kresta and me here.

Watch live video from Kresta In The Afternoon's channel on Justin.tv

"All in this book is a MUST read:" Review of "Mother Teresa and Me"

"Donna-Marie is up there as one of my favorite Catholic authors..I have all but 1 (or 2) of her books..She is a superb author..So when I saw that her new book "Mother Teresa and Me" was on the list for review, I didn't hesitate to pick it..

I enjoyed the endorsements & the Foreword by Teresa Tomeo, but I couldn't wait to start reading the book itself..From the moment I started reading the book, I was filled by a warmth that you get when your sitting or chatting with an old friend..Ms. Cooper O'Boyle's way of describing her friendship with Blessed Mother Teresa is so sincere, loving & respectful in every way possible..

I love the typed letters at the beginning of each chapter from Blessed Teresa..How she took the time to convey her wisdom to Ms. Cooper O'Boyle..It's like a loving mother offering advice to her own child..And the pictures of Blessed Teresa with Ms. Cooper O'Boyle's children to me represented a loving grandmother, who gushes over her grandchildren..

As I got further into the book, the warmth & love continued on in my heart..It was like Blessed Mother Teresa was speaking directly to me..This was no ordinary woman..She was extraordinary..

The personal stories that Ms. Cooper O'Boyle wrote in this book are inspiring also..Especially the story of her & her daughter being in a car accident & the forgiveness of the teenage driver..That was amazing..All of the stories in this book are incredible..You will absolutely be in awe..

There were two things that I really liked in this book..The "Take Time" saying & personal reflection that Ms. Cooper O'Boyle gives is a reminder to all of us to take time in our lives to think, pray, laugh, play, love & be loved, give, read, be friendly, work & do charity..Ms. Cooper O'Boyle goes into detail on these in Ch. 13 called "Take Time"..And the Express Novena..Blessed Mother Teresa called saying "The Memorare" nine times in a row an Express Novena..And there is an example in the book of how it worked for her..

All in all this book is a MUST read..I learned a lot about Blessed Mother Teresa, & how Ms. Cooper O'Boyle had the most interesting & blessed friendship with her..Ms. Cooper O'Boyle also talks about the late Fr. John Hardon..

I take away from this book life lessons..Like how to see Jesus in every person..To love the poor, and to be a light in the world..I also am thinking of joining the lay Missionary of Charity movement..You too will also be transformed by this wonderful book..I highly recommend it..

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Mother Teresa and Me."
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Thank you very much, Carmela for your kind words in your beautiful review. May God bless you and your family in great abundance and may dear Mother Teresa watch over you!

Visit Carmela at her blog here.

Al Kresta And Me Speaking About "Mother Teresa and Me"

I hope you can join Al Kresta and me tomorrow (Tuesday) at 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM Eastern time. We will be chatting LIVE on Ave Maria Radio aired through EWTN and all of its affiliates and through Sirius Radio. We will be chatting about my book: Mother Teresa and Me: Ten years of Friendship and of course, my friendship with Blessed Mother Teresa. I am honored to be Al's guest again. He has a great inspirational show every afternoon called "Kresta in the Afternoon" where he "talks about things that matter most." I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to Al's show and also being a guest on Al's show both in person LIVE at events I have attended around the country and over the phone LIVE as well.

The latest news on the "blogfront" is the new webcam on Al's blog. You can watch the webcam during our interview! You can join us by tuning into Kresta In The Afternoon.blogspot.com

See you tomorrow!

God bless and hugs,

Donna-Marie