Pope Benedict bids farewell to the UK

Pope Benedict on Feast of Christ the King

Vatican City, Nov 22, 2009 / 11:05 am (CNA).- In his message on the Feast of Christ the King to the tens of thousands of people gathered on St Peter's Square, Pope Benedict XVI explained that the "power" of Christ is different from that of "the great of this world." Choosing Christ the King, he said, does not guarantee success, but peace and joy.

"Choosing Christ does not guarantee success according to the criteria of today’s world, but ensures that peace and joy that only He can give,” Pope Benedict added. “This is shown, in every age, by the experience of many men and women who, in Christ's name, in the name of truth and justice, have been able to resist the lure of earthly powers, with their different forms, until their fidelity was sealed with martyrdom.”

The Feast of Christ the King, he continued, is "a celebration of relatively recent introduction, but it has deep biblical and theological roots."

"It begins with the expression ‘King of the Jews' arriving then to that of ‘universal King,’ Lord of the cosmos and of history, so far beyond the expectation of the same Jewish people."

Benedict XVI expounded on the regal power of Jesus: “It is not that of the kings and great of this world, it is the divine power to give eternal life to free us from evil, to defeat the dominion of death. It is the power of love, which knows how to derive good from evil, soften a hardened heart, bring peace to the bitterest conflict, turn the thickest darkness into hope.” (Continued here)

Pope Benedict words to us...

Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Sep 13, 2009 / 10:16 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI told the 4,000 people gathered for the recitation of the Angelus prayer in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo they must be inspired by Sunday’s Gospel and learn from the Blessed Virgin Mary to witness to their Christian faith.

The Word of God, Pope Benedict said, challenges Christians with two crucial questions: Who is Jesus of Nazareth? And is the Christian faith reflected in all that a Christian does or not?

“Jesus did not come to teach a philosophy, but to show the way, indeed, the path that leads to life,” the Holy Father commented.

“This path is love, which is the expression of true faith. If you love your neighbor with a pure and generous heart, it means you really know God. But if you say you have faith but do not love your brother, then you are not a true believer. God does not dwell in you.”

The Holy Father recalled St. James’ words in the second reading of Sunday Mass: “So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

St. John Chrysostom commented on this very passage, writing: “One can also have a true faith in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, but if one does not have a good life, this faith will not serve his salvation. So when one reads in the Gospel: 'This is life eternal, that they know thee the only true God,' do not think that this verse is enough to save us: a pure life and behavior are necessary.”

The pontiff noted that on Tuesday Christians celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

"The Virgin Mary,” he concluded, “who believed the Word of God, did not lose faith in God when she saw her son rejected, insulted and crucified. Rather she remained close to Jesus, suffering and praying, until the end, and she saw the radiant dawn of his resurrection.”

After the Angelus, Pope Benedict addressed English-speaking visitors:

“Throughout history, it has been the task of Peter’s successors to continue to make that proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ. And all of us are called to join Peter as we resolve to place the Lord at the center of our lives. I pray that all of you may grow in your faith and love for the Lord and I invoke his blessings upon you and upon your loved ones at home.”

Wow! Pope Benedict has launched on YouTube!

To spread HOPE he says...

Check it out!

He explains the reason here.

Pope Benedict in France

Check for news here about Pope Benedict's visit to Lourdes France.

Pope Benedict's Prayer at Ground Zero

Prayer offered by Pope Benedict during his visit to Ground
Zero this year:

O God of love, compassion, and healing,
look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions,
who gather today at this site,
the scene of incredible violence and pain.

We ask you in your goodness
to give eternal light and peace
to all who died here --
the heroic first-responders:
our fire fighters, police officers,
emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel,
along with all the innocent men and women
who were victims of this tragedy
simply because their work or service
brought them here on September 11, 2001.

We ask you, in your compassion
to bring healing to those
who, because of their presence here that day,
suffer from injuries and illness.
Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families
and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.

We are mindful as well
of those who suffered death, injury, and loss
on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Our hearts are one with theirs
as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.

God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world:
peace in the hearts of all men and women
and peace among the nations of the earth.
Turn to your way of love
those whose hearts and minds
are consumed with hatred.

God of understanding,
overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,
we seek your light and guidance
as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared
may live so that the lives lost here
may not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us,
strengthen us in hope,
and give us the wisdom and courage
to work tirelessly for a world
where true peace and love reign
among nations and in the hearts of all.

Pope Benedict's words were "like a light" to Ingrid Betancourt

Rome, Sep 2, 2008 / 10:38 am (CNA).- During a press conference after her audience with Pope Benedict XVI on Monday at Castel Gandolfo, former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt revealed that during her captivity deep in the Amazon jungle, “amidst my desperation and sadness I heard the Pope’s voice on the radio pronouncing my name.” His voice, she said, “was like a light.”

Before some 200 journalists, diplomats and Italian officials, Betancourt said that after telling her story of captivity, the Holy Father told her, “You learned to pray to God because you asked that his will be done.”

“After a very long and harsh march over difficult terrain, and under the weight of all the equipment, at six in the afternoon I was able to rest, and amidst my desperation and sadness I heard the Pope’s voice on the radio pronouncing my name. It’s difficult to describe the psychological effect of that on a prisoner,” Betancourt said according to AFP.

“When we were in the jungle and we thought we no longer existed, the voice of the Pope was like a light. Therefore when I was freed I wanted to come to see him and embrace him. Today, that dream was fulfilled,” she said.

Betancourt explained that she slowly began drawing close to God again through the Bible. “On June 1, while I was listening to Radio Catolica Mundial”—EWTN’s Spanish language radio broadcast—“someone was talking about a saint to whom Jesus had made some promises on the condition that she surrendered herself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Betancourt said overwhelmed by tears and drawing the applause of those gathered.

“The three conditions he asked [of the saint] were the same for me. I said to myself, Jesus I ask you for the miracle not of my release, but of knowing when I will be released because that gives the strength to go on. If the miracle happens, I will be yours,” she said.

“I told the Pope I didn’t know what it meant to be Christ’s, and he answered that He will show me the way,” Betancourt continued. “If you all understand how to talk to him, that will help you as well,” she said to the crowd.

“The Bible has all the answers and all the solutions,” she said after promising that she would not stop fighting to get all the hostages in Colombia and throughout the world released.

Call for peace in Colombia

Ingrid Betancourt also took the opportunity to “send a... (Continued here)

Jubilant crowds of half million pilgrims greet Pope Benedict

Sydney, Jul 17, 2008 / 07:00 am (CNA).- In the midst of jubilant crowds, the Papal “Boat-a-cade” arrived at Barangaroo this afternoon, after sailing around Sydney Harbour, where the Pope waved to tens of thousands people who had lined the foreshore to catch a glimpse of the Pontiff's arrival.

“His Holiness stood waving in full-view of the crowd on board the vessel,” said WYD08 spokesman Father Mark Podesta. The Papal Boat carried approximately 530 people including 168 international pilgrims.

After thanking the indigenous people of Australia for their warm welcome to the country, the Holy Father addressed the international and local pilgrims at the site, who had waited hours for his arrival.

“Standing before me I see a vibrant image of the Universal Church. The variety of nations and cultures from which you hail shows that indeed Christ’s Good News is for everyone; it has reached the ends of the earth.”

“Yet I know too that a good number of you are still seeking a spiritual homeland… To you I wish to offer encouragement: step forward into Christ’s loving embrace; recognize the Church as your home.”

The Pope also evoked images of the early Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles in the upper room as part of the theme of WYD08 “Receive the Power.” (Continued here)

Prayers are needed for World Youth Day

Please spread the word to pray for God's protection and peace at the World Youth Day. This is a quote from an article below by Pastor Karl Hand, who according to this article said, "I'm compassionate towards people who need condoms, who need abortions, who need all sorts of recognition of their relationship and it's just not being provided by this massive worldwide church," he said." He sounds real "compassionate" doesn't he? Where's his compassion for the babies murdered in abortion?

Here is the article:

"PILGRIMS in Sydney for World Youth Day will be handed condoms in a protest against Pope Benedict XVI's opposition to contraception and homosexuality, demonstrators say.

The NoToPope Coalition, which includes members of Sydney's atheist, gay and environmental communities, will march to Randwick Racecourse on Saturday, July 19, alongside Catholic pilgrims who will be walking to Randwick after a pilgrimage trek across the Sydney Harbour Bridge that day.

The coalition is planning a rally at Taylor Square in Sydney's inner east, followed by the march to the racecourse, where Pope Benedict XVI is holding a prayer vigil that evening..." (Continued here)

"Only Girls can Be the Mommies"

Mary Kochan recently shared her "new baby" with me over at the amazing Catholic Exchange. I hope you'll take a look. I am highlighting one of the articles here by Christopher West in CE's new channel: "Theology of the Body"

Here's what Christopher West has to say in his very interesting article:

"Do you remember the Mister Rogers song that went like this: “Only girls can be the mommies [tinkly piano…] Only boys can be the daddies, yes sir … Everybody’s fancy, everybody’s fine … Your body’s fancy and so is mine”? Well, it seems what may have been true in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood is not true in Mister Beatie’s, an Oregonian “man” who announced this spring that he is five months pregnant.

The news was everywhere at the end of March. Some of the Headlines read: “A Pregnant Man: It’s Incredible”; “He’s Having Their Baby”; “Pregnant Man Stuns Medical Profession”; and “She’s Pregnant, But She’s a He.”

What gives? In case you haven’t heard — she is not a he, rather “he” is a she. Thomas Beatie is actually Tracy Lagondino, a woman who had her breasts surgically removed and has been pumping her blood stream with male hormones in order to grow facial hair. Her ovaries and womb, however, have remained intact. She stopped injecting testosterone in order to ovulate and, as she herself says, my body “regulated itself after about four months.”

To “regulate,” of course, means to bring order, to conform something to the truth of things. She, herself, by acknowledging that her body “regulated itself” admits that she is a woman. Wait a minute… even as I write this, I am baffled by the boggling absurdity of needing somehow to demonstrate that “she is a woman.” How could it be otherwise?

Let us allow Mister Rogers, in his own simple way, to inject a little sanity: “Boys are boys from the beginning [tinkly piano]… Girls are girls right from the start, yes sir… Every body’s fancy, every body’s fine… Your body’s fancy and so is mine.”

I don’t mean to make light of the situation, or in any way to turn it into a joke. This is not a laughing matter. Tracy Lagondino is not a man “trapped” in a woman’s body. There is no such thing..." (Continued here)

A little of this and a little of that...

What? No EWTN in Alaska?

Heidi, a faithful reader of my books and visitor to my blogs wrote me a letter recently and told me that she does not get EWTN in Alaska where she lives and appreciated the fact that I posted a lot about Pope Benedict's US visit here at Daily Donna-Marie. She said they don't have high speed internet either. I hope that EWTN can make it's way up to Alaska. Perhaps the people there can petition the cable companies. EWTN gave superb coverage of our Holy Father's visit to the United States. There were a number of bloggers covering his visit too. Our Sunday Visitor had a three member team covering all of the events and I have posted about them here at Daily Donna-Marie, as well.







St. Padre Pio Exhumed and New Reviews on my new Saints' book

If you go over to my fairly new blog, Moments of Inspiration with Your Favorite Saints you will find some information about St. Padre Pio being exhumed, some amazing photos, Blessed Damien's new news, as well as some current reviews of mt saints' book, Catholic Saints Prayer Book. I hope you visit there from time to time to learn more about our great intercessors in heaven and possibly purchase an autographed copy of my newest book.









"Thirsting for the Living Water: On the Dignity and Vocation of Women"

I gave a retreat last Saturday in Stratford, Connecticut. It was titled, "Thirsting for the Living Water: On the Dignity and Vocation of Women." It was well received and was a wonderful occasion for women to go to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day with their cares and concerns and specific points covered in the retreat. I drew from Mulieris Dignitatem, On the Dignity and Vocation of Women which I wove into my talks. Pope John Paul II's profound understanding of a woman's heart and his insights in Mulieris Dignitatem bring amazing affirmation to women when they realize their God-given gifts and dignity in the eyes of God and the Church.

Check out the appearance section on my main website, Donna Cooper O'Boyle.Com to see where I'll be in case you're in the area and would like to join us! By the way, I'll soon be revamping the whole look of my main website, hopefully very soon.



Motherly Inspiration All Over the World,


It is very heart warming to hear from so many women from all around the world who tell me in letters and emails how much they have been inspired and transformed by reading my books and hearing my talks. It is all God's good and loving grace. I am just His little instrument who prays that she can bring inspiration to women, mothers and families during the confusing times we live in where women are targeted with an onslaught of mixed messages that can be quite confusing.







At my Embracing Motherhood blog, I recently shared about Anne in Australia and how my book, Catholic Prayer Book for Mothers has impacted her life. She told me, "This book is a continual support to my motherhood and prayer life." She posted about it on her beautiful blog. She gives this book out as gifts to Moms. You'll find it all at Embracing Motherhood here and you will see her very creative and sweet touch that she adds to her gift to the Moms. :)

I hear regularly from Grainne, a woman in Ireland who likes my parenting column in the Irish Family Press and has read all of my books and shared with me how they were life-changing to her, as well. She has also given away so many of them as gifts (God bless her!) and has shared with me the transformations that she has witnessed with these women after they have read them. God is so very good!



Another very kind woman, Kim, shared with me recently how my book, The Heart of Motherhood: Finding Holiness in the Catholic Home has transformed her life! I am planning to write a study guide very soon for that book and was invited by Catholic Exchange to do online studies of my books there. So, stay tuned for more information on that. I will also be offering helpful tips soon to all of the Moms out there wanting to start a Moms group to get together and encourage one another in their faith and their vocation. Watch for information here and at Embracing Motherhood.


Don't be shy! Feel free to add your comments (no one checks your spelling or grammar!) to the comment section under each post at each blog.

Don't forget to give your smile away, especially to the people who seem tougher to smile at. Be that one to help brighten some one's day! Mother Teresa always said to "Make your life something beautiful for God!" Let's do that!

God bless your week end!

Pope Benedict helped the Church to close a shameful chapter

Vatican City, Apr 23, 2008 / 09:17 am (CNA).- In statements broadcast by Vatican Radio, the director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, said that with his recent visit to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI has helped the Church in that country to close a chapter of shame and sorrow over the sex abuse scandal.

“The Pope has helped the American Church to close a chapter of shame and sorrow over the faults and grave responsibilities of the past,” Father Lombardi said, and that he did so “without escaping from the difficulties, with loyalty, honesty and clarity of conscience.”

According to Vatican Radio, despite having been in only two cities—New York and Washington DC—the Pope “had a packed schedule that allowed him to reiterate on American soil some essential themes of his pontificate. The central point of his trip was the speech on human rights at the UN. The most emotional moment was his visit to Ground Zero.”

“The Pope also praised the American secular model, which instead of excluding, encourages the presence of faith in public discourse. This presence allows democracy to remain healthy and vital, without losing ‘it’s values’,” Vatican Radio reported.(Catholic News Agency)

So very sad - nun brutally killed by satanists

Vatican City, Apr 9, 2008 / 10:28 am (CNA).- Today at the end of the general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict spoke to a group of nuns and lay people, who were present to honor the memory of Sr. Maria Laura Mainetti, a religious sister who was killed by Satanists.

That Italian sister, said the Holy Father, "with a total giving of self, sacrificed her life while praying for those who were attacking her".

The murder of Sr. Maria Laura happened during the night of June 6-7, 2000 in the small town of Chiavenna, Italy. The sister was stabbed to death by three girls, two of whom were 17, while the third was 16.

Sister Maria Laura was well known in the small town she lived in for her social and charitable commitment to young dispossessed and poor people. Consequently, the three girls were able to draw her into an ambush by saying that a pregnant girl was in serious need of her help.

After luring Sr. Maria Laura to their ambush, the girls stabbed the sister to death as a sacrifice to Satan. As Sr. Maria Laura died, she found the strength to pray for her killers and forgive them.

Police investigators discovered the satanic plot and arrested the three girls 22 days after the sister’s murder.

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints recently recognized the death of the religious as martyrdom, thus opening the way to her beatification.

I am sorry...

I am so sorry to bring you this news.

Pope Benedict this morning calls for peace

Vatican City, Jun 21, 2007 / 09:33 am (CNA).- This morning, Pope Benedict told participants in the annual Meeting of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches (ROACO), of his "pain and concern for the delicate situation affecting vast areas of the Middle East." The Holy Father reiterated his concern and call for peace in a separate meeting with the Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East.

He described the current situation in the Middle East by saying, "Peace, becomes even more fragile because of injustices, old and new. Thus it is extinguished altogether and gives way to violence which often degenerates into more or less open war until it ends up, as in our own time, as an urgent international problem."

Read the full story from the Catholic News Agency about Pope Benedict calling for peace in the Middle East here.

Pope Benedict supports Archbishop receiving death threats

From Catholic News Service:
Vatican City, May 1, 2007 / 12:57 pm (CNA).- According to the BBC, Pope Benedict XVI has lent his support, by phone, to Italian Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco, who has received death threats in recent days over his public opposition to same-sex marriage.

Over the weekend, the Archbishop received a live bullet in the mail along with a photo of himself with a swastika cut into the photo paper. This act however, was just the latest in a string of threats which began last month when the doors of his cathedral in Genoa were defaced with graffiti.

The Archdiocese has stepped up security around the prelate, who now has armed guards regularly nearby.

The BBC reported that the Holy Father expressed solidarity with the Archbishop in his call, and charged him to continue working for human and religious rights, without which "it was impossible to build a true, free and stable democracy."

Archbishop Bagnasco was recently made president of the Italian bishop’s conference and the one of the Church’s primary spokesman against a proposed Italian law which would grant marital rights to same sex partners. The legislation, he has said, undermines the traditional and ancient position of the institution of marriage within society.

Pope Benedict prays that God will send consolation and spiritual strength to all involved in Virginia Tech killings

Vatican City, Apr 17, 2007 / 10:30 am (CNA).- The Vatican made public this morning a message from Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI. The Holy Father has assured Richmond Bishop Francis DiLorenzo of his “heartfelt prayers” for all the victims, their families, and the Virginia Tech community.

“Deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at Virginia Tech,” the statement begins, “His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has asked me to convey the assurance of his heartfelt prayers for the victims, their families and for the entire school community.”

“In the aftermath of this senseless tragedy,” the message continues, the Pope, “asks God our Father to console all those who mourn and to grant them that spiritual strength which triumphs over violence by the power of forgiveness, hope, and reconciling love.”

The university and police officials confirmed this morning that Cho Seung-Hui, 23, a Virginia Tech senior and South Korea native is thought to be responsible for the killing of two people at a university dormitory and the subsequent murder of at least 30 people locked inside a classroom building.

The murders constitute the deadliest shooting rampage in modern U.S. history.

Bishop DiLorenzo will visit the Virginia Tech campus this coming weekend, and offer a Mass for the entire community.

Pope Benedict reminded the faithful of Jesus' victory over sin and death

Vatican City, Apr 4, 2007 / 09:45 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI gathered today with tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on the day before the Church enters its most solemn and holy season. The Holy Father reminded the faithful that what the Holy Triduum celebrates Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and death.

"What we are celebrating over the coming days," he said, "is the supreme confrontation between Light and Darkness, between Life and Death. We too must place ourselves in this context - aware of our own night, our own sins, our own responsibilities - if we wish to gain spiritual benefit from reliving the Paschal Mystery, which is the heart of our faith."

The Holy Father recalled how on Holy Thursday, during the Chrism Mass, diocesan bishops and priests "renew the promises they made on the day of their priestly ordination," and "the oils used for catechumens, to anoint the sick and for confirmation" are blessed. During Mass "in Cena Domini" the Christian community relives "the events of the Last Supper. In the Cencacle, the Redeemer wished, in the Sacrament of the bread and wine transformed into His Body and Blood, to anticipate the sacrifice of His life, His definitive gift of self to humanity."

Read entire story here.

Pope John Paul the Great: We miss you still!

Dear Pope John Paul II, you like Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and "walked on water" in our world as you shepherded your flock. Thank you for your love for all of us pilgrims. Please continue to light the way for us from your place now in Heaven. Help us to "Be not afraid" as you often told us. We love you our father, brother and friend! We miss you!

Pope Benedict XVI today said at the solemn memorial Mass that Pope John Paul II "died praying." His life was a prayer and so it was fitting that he died with a prayer on his lips. Check here for the official Vatican coverage.

I invite you to visit Heidi and read her beautiful reflection of Pope John Paul II today on the second anniversary of his death. It's hard to believe that two years have passed since our dear Papa's death. However, we feel his presence and know that we can call on him at any time for his powerful intercession.

Pope Benedict XVI issues Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict yesterday issued a Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, SACRAMENTUM CARITATIS to Bishops, Clergy, Consecrated Persons and the Lay Faithful on the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Church's life and mission.