Your chance to vote on Catholic products!

About.com is now collecting nominations for the 2011 Catholicism Readers’ Choice Awards. You’re welcome to submit nominations for your favorite Catholic products, features, and services here..

An Advent Reflection

Go on over to my View From the Domestic Church blog for an Advent Refection.

God bless!

Donna-Marie

Pope Benedict bids farewell to the UK

Review of my book in the National Catholic Register

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle was raising a family 20 years ago when she unexpectedly met Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Over the next 10 years, not only did the correspondence she began with the saintly nun grow into friendship, but Cooper O’Boyle’s life was changed by her exposure to the foundress of the Missionaries of Charity. She became a writer, speaker, blogger and a lay Missionary of Charity.

Although to claim friendship with Mother Teresa could be seen as boasting, Cooper O’Boyle manages to relate her story in a spirit of humility, keeping the focus on Mother Teresa’s words and wisdom.

In fact, she writes, she initially kept her correspondence with Mother Teresa quiet for fear of succumbing to pride and because she thought people might not understand.

Cooper O’Boyle had her first personal encounter with Mother Teresa while in Washington. A priest suggested that her family visit the terminally ill residents of Gift of Peace House, part of a Missionaries of Charity convent, and while there, they were invited to Mass at the sisters’ chapel.
Cooper O’Boyle was pleased to discover that Mother Teresa was present at the Mass she attended. Not only that, she hugged her 6-year-old daughter and approached her 2-year-old daughter, asking, “Is this the baby who was singing at Mass?”

Cooper O’Boyle decided to send Mother a thank-you note and was amazed to receive a reply a few weeks later. “More than her words, it was the realization that Mother Teresa had taken the time to respond to a suburban mom in America that moved me so deeply,” Cooper O’Boyle recalls in her book. The letter would be the first of 22 over the next decade. Some are reprinted in the book.

Mother Teresa’s letters always seemed to contain just what Cooper O’Boyle needed to hear. On one occasion, when the author was in desperate need of prayer and guidance for a problem she does not disclose, she was able to speak with Mother by phone.

Hearing and receiving counsel regularly from a woman who would be beatified after her death saw Cooper O’Boyle through many difficulties, including two high-risk pregnancies. During one, she was required to rest, which gave her time to begin writing about motherhood. She later shared her manuscripts with Mother Teresa, who read them and urged her to continue writing.

If there is a flaw in the book, it is that we only know Mother Teresa’s side of the friendship from her letters, which often sound as if they could have been written to almost anyone.

But overall, Mother Teresa and Me tells the story of this relationship very nicely, weaving in details from her life and lessons she learned from Mother Teresa. The photos showing Mother with the author’s children complement the text beautifully.

Judy Roberts writes
from Graytown, Ohio.

[While I feel the review is not entirely accurate, I am thankful for the writer's efforts and especially thankful that the National Catholic Register published a review of my book. You may order an autographed copy of my book through my website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com]

The Catholic Church and blogging

"Pope Benedict XVI is boldly making use of new technologies of communications to spread the Gospel message. In his discourse for World Communications Day, the Holy Father teaches that the digital use of modern technologies such as the World Wide Web, internet blogs and other electronic tools are an essential part of the priest’s resources in spreading the message of the Catholic Church. One should really not be too shocked about the Catholic Church’s use of technology as a method for evangelization. Most of the inventions of the 19th and 20th centuries that enabled mass communications were adopted by the Catholic Church in it educational and evangelical activities from their inception.

In 1886 the Vatican had ten telephones and used them to communicate inside the complex array of Vatican offices. In 1929 after the Lateran Pact, the Vatican initiated telephone service with the help of contributions from the United States inside the newly independent Vatican City State and the rest of the world..." ( Continued here)

So excited!

I have been wanting to report this but haven't had a moment because of my Rome trip and coming back to birthdays and Thanksgiving and a heap of work too. I'll let Joan Lewis tell you...

REPORTS SAY JOHN PAUL’S BEATIFICATION “IMMINENT” IN 2010

"During the funeral of Pope John Paul II on April 8, 2005, tens of thousands among the hundreds of thousands present in St. Peter Square began to spontaneously chant “Santo Subito,” meaning “make him a saint immediately.” When Benedict XVI waived the five-year waiting period, the cause for the canonization of John Paul opened in May 2008 and, after an initial period of work by the postulator on the diocesan phase of the cause in Poland, the case moved to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in November 2008 for an initial review by theologians.

Reports are now circulating that the late Pope John Paul II is expected to be named venerable very soon and that his beatification is “imminent” and expected sometime in 2010. Citing Italy’s La Stampa daily paper, Warsaw Business News is even reporting that john Paul II, is set to be beatified on October 17, 2010, one day after what would have been the 32nd anniversary of his election in 1978. Other media are quoting Andrea Tornielli, a veteran Vatican watcher who writes for Il Giornale, who on Monday reported the meeting of cardinals and bishops who are members of the Congregation for the Cause of Saints and have been called to vote on the process of the beatification of John Paul II. Reports say the vote was unanimous to recommend that Pope Benedict XVI formally recognize that Pope John Paul II heroically lived the Christian virtues.

No word from the Vatican on these news reports, some of which point to an April 2010 beatifucation, others suggest May and yet several more mention October. The Pope signs decrees for beatifications and canonzations three times a year in a consistory - April, June or July – most often July - and again in December. Once signed the wheels go into motion to prepare the beatification ceremony.

Stay tuned for more on this story…"
(Story above from Joan's Rome)

Fr. Tom's reflection: The third Sunday of Advent...REJOICE!

Go on over to Fr. Tom's blog to read his reflection on the third Sunday of Advent. Just click here.

A Call to Action Starting Today!

"What issue outweighs more than 40 million unborn children killed by abortion and the many millions of women deeply wounded by the loss and regret abortion creates?"~ Most Rev. Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Denver

A Call for a Rosary Novena

Fr. John Corapi has asked us all to partake in a rosary novena which begins today, October 27th and ends nine days later on Election Day, November 4th.

Here are Fr. Corapi's words:
"No other issue, not all other issues taken together, can constitute a proportionate reason for voting for candidates that intend to preserve and defend this holocaust of innocent human life that is abortion. I strongly urge every one of you to make a Novena and pray the Rosary to Our Lady of Victory between October 27th and Election Day, November 4th. Pray that God's will be done and the most innocent and utterly vulnerable of our brothers and sisters will be protected from this barbaric and grossly sinful blight on society that is abortion. No woman, and no man, has the right to choose to murder an innocent human being.
God Bless You"
Fr. John Corapi
For Election Novena click here.

Take a look at the story of the battle of Lapanto below and see how the power of the Rosary crusade changed the outcome of the battle.

--------------------------------------------------------------


Battle of Lepanto On October 7, 1571, a great victory over the mighty Turkish fleet was won by Catholic naval forces primarily from Spain, Venice, and Genoa under the command of Don Juan of Austria. It was the last battle at sea between "oared" ships, which featured the most powerful navy in the world, a Moslem force with between 12,000 to 15,000 Christian slaves as rowers. The patchwork team of Catholic ships was powered by the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Knowing that the Christian forces were at a distinct material disadvantage, the holy pontiff, St. Pope Pius V called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory. We know today that the victory was decisive, prevented the Islamic invasion of Europe, and evidenced the Hand of God working throughOur Lady. At the hour of victory, St. Pope Pius V, who was hundreds of miles away at the Vatican, is said to have gotten up from a meeting, went over to a window, and exclaimed with supernatural radiance: "The Christian fleet is victorious!" and shed tears of thanksgiving to God.

What you may not know is that one of three admirals commanding the Catholic forces at Lepanto was Andrea Doria. He carried a small copy of Mexico's Our Lady of Guadalupe into battle. This image is now enshrined in the Church of San Stefano in Aveto, Italy. Not many know that at the Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Spain, one can view a huge warship lantern that was captured from the Moslems in the Battle of Lepanto. In Rome, look up to the ceiling of S. Maria in Aracoeli and behold decorations in gold taken from the Turkish galleys. In the Doges' Palace in Venice, Italy, one can witness a giant Islamic flag that is now a trophy from a vanquished Turkish ship from the Victory. At Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome, close to the tomb of the great St. Pope Pius V, one was once able to view yet another Islamic flag from the Battle, until 1965, when it was returned to Istanbul in an intended friendly token of concord. The Rosary At Lepanto, the Victory over the Moslems was won by the faithful praying the Rosary. Even though they had superior numbers, the Turks really were overmatched. Blessed Padre Pio, the Spiritual Father of the Blue Army, said: "The Rosary is the weapon," and how right he was!

The Battle of Lepanto was at first celebrated liturgically as "Our Lady of Victory." Later, the feast of October 7th was renamed "Our Lady of the Rosary" and extended throughout the Universal Church by Pope Clement XI in 1716 (who canonized Pope Pius V in 1712).

And with that we are back to Fatima, Portugal where Our Lady, when asked her name, said: "I am the Lady of the Rosary." At Fatima, Our Lady taught us to pray the Rosary every day. Heaven presented its peace plan at Fatima and truly gave us hope for the world. Conversions were promised at Fatima: the conversion of sinners; the conversion of Russia; and what also appears to be the conversion of Islam. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Taken from:
Soul Magazine
© 2001 The Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, U.S.A., Inc.
September - October 2001, page 6

On the Radio with Brian Patrick This Morning!

September 22, 2008, 8:40 AM (EST)
Sacred Heart Radio
"Son Rise Morning Show"
with Brian Patrick
http://sonrisemorningshow.blogspot.com/
Cincinnati, Ohio

I will be featured on EWTN TV shows coming up

EWTN TV shows on “Faith & Culture”


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

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

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

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

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

Fr. James's Sunday Homily

Chapter Thirteen of St. Mathew's Gospel is comprised of seven different parables. For this reason this chapter is usually called the parable discourse. Because the subject matter and themes are similar, the parables are called the kingdom parables.

Jesus' parables are very effective. By drawing on the ordinary routines of daily life, he sheds light on the deepest supernatural mysteries. Thus by reflecting upon the parables we may get a glimpse at the humanity of Jesus and his kindness toward those crowded about him, eager to hear his message of truth.

Jesus taught the seven parables on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, sometimes called Lake Gennesaret or Lake Tiberius. Visitors to this fertile plain west of the Sea of Galilee can appreciate Jesus' description of the sower in the parable (Matthew 13: 1-23).

In the Holy Land at the time of Jesus, the fields were laid out in long narrow strips. The ground between the strips served as a footpath for those who crossed through the fields. Over time these paths were beaten hard by the feet of countless villagers who passed through the fields to get to their destinations. As the sower went about his task in the fields, the wind carried the seed and some would fall on these hardened paths... (Continued here).

Catholic Exchange article about suffering

Did you get a chance to see the beautiful article by Chris Findley over at Catholic Exchange?

Perhaps you can take a few moments to read it. I feel it is beautifully written and very relevant. My family just experienced the loss of a dear friend, a twenty two year old girl, who was tragically slain a couple of weeks ago. We can certainly relate to this article.

"On May 21st, many of us were deeply saddened to hear of the accidental death of seven-year-old Maria Chapman, daughter of well-known Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman. My wife and I live just outside of Nashville and it seems that the entire city has been in mourning for this little girl and her family.

The Questions

Newspapers and blogs are overflowing with questions: How this could happen to such a “spiritual” family? How can God be considered “good” or “loving” when He allows this type of thing to happen? Moments like these cause many of the questions we normally keep suppressed to show themselves. Our society normally removes itself from any meaningful discussion of suffering. But this tragic event should cause us to reflect for a moment on the Catholic response to suffering. What are some of the ways Catholics approach the mystery of suffering and how do we find meaning and hope in its midst?..." (Continued here).

Catholic Saints Prayer Book interview with Teresa Tomeo

Check here for my interview with Teresa Tomeo about my Catholic Saints Prayer Book . You can listen right from your computer!

Okay, running to Chicago now and then down to EWTN!!

Thank you for your prayers!

God bless and hugs,

Donna-Marie

My Advent article

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

Pope Benedict's new encyclical, "Saved by Hope" ready before Christmas

ROME, Nov 15, 2007 / 09:41 am (CNA).- The Italian newspaper La Repubblica revealed today that Pope Benedict XVI has finalized his second encyclical on the subject of Christian hope, and that it should be published before Christmas, during Advent.

Benedict’s first encyclical, “Deus Caritas est”, was signed on Christmas Day 2005 and by the following month had been published in eight languages. His second encyclical is tentatively titled "Spe Salvi” (Saved by Hope) and takes its inspiration from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, the newspaper reported. The potential title comes from the 24th verse of the eighth chapter of St. Paul's letter, which reads: "Because we have been saved by hope..." (Continued here.)

Discussing Mother Teresa with Teresa Tomeo

I want to remind you all that I will be on "Catholic Connection" tomorrow morning (Friday, September 7th) with Teresa Tomeo at 9:30 AM Eastern time discussing Mother Teresa and the current comments and criticisms of her in the media regarding her interior struggles which were just brought to light by Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk the Postulator and Author of the new book about Mother Teresa’s hidden interior spiritual life, Come be My Light published by Doubleday. Tune in here at 9:30 AM EASTERN time. In case you miss the program, I will be posting a link to the segment on this blog afterwards.

The link to the radio segment is fixed

I'm sorry for the technical difficulties...the link to my radio segment with Teresa Tomeo (below) is now fixed. feel free to listen in.

Pope says creation-evolution debate is "absurdity."

Lorenzago di Cadore, Jul 26, 2007 / 09:52 am (CNA).- The debate between creationism and evolution is an “absurdity” since evolution can coexist with faith, said Pope Benedict XVI this week while vacationing in the mountains of northern Italy.

While there is much scientific proof to support evolution, the theory cannot exclude a role by God, he said according to MSNBC News.

“They are presented as alternatives that exclude each other,” the Pope said. “This clash is an absurdity because on one hand there is much scientific proof in favor of evolution, which appears as a reality that we must see and which enriches our understanding of life and being as such.”

However, evolution does not answer all of the great philosophical questions, he said, including: Where does everything come from? Read the article here.

Update on Bryant who was in hiking accident

My son, Joseph visited Bryant yesterday at the hospital. Bryant is in a body brace and in fairly good spirits. Joseph said that Bryant was going to have surgery on his broken jaw yesterday evening. He was just out of the Intensive Care Unit which is good news and means that his brain contusions are manageable now at this point. He has a long road ahead of him and prayers are very much appreciated. Thank you.

Hiking accident update

I would like to be able to post an update later today or tonight about Bryant's condition. My son, Joseph will be visiting him at the hospital today.